The Hellweg Murders

Europe’s largest crime fiction festival with readings along the old military and trade route

Go looking for clues in a spooky castle ruin together with world-famous authors, act out a fictional murder in old industrial monuments, or pursue the perpetrator at the Trapprennbahn in the course of the “Hellweg Murders” event.

Every other year, Europe’s largest crime fiction festival is presenting exciting lectures, readings, and galas along the Hellweg, an old military and trade route. From September to November, unusual sites are transformed into venues and reading stages for crime and thriller literature, chosen to match new book treasures presented by scene stars.

About 30 municipalities and institutions are participating in this biennial event organised by the Westfälisches Literaturbüro and the cultural department of the district centre of Unna. Authors like Jussi Adler-Olsen, Sebastian Fitzek, Joy Fielding, Simon Beckett, and Arne Dahl have already successfully participated in the “Hellweg Murders” with their scenic descriptions of crime scenes and mysterious crimes. The organisers are publishing a dedicated crime anthology with the best stories specifically for the festival.

Anyone who wants to experience the full entertainment should secure a ticket for the “ExtraFahrt” with the Hellweg-Crime-Express as well, with special trains travelling from site to site on a family day and covering locations in Dortmund, Holzwickede, Unna, Soest, and Hamm along their journey. Actors and writers bring some literary pleasure to the trip.

Dates: 14 September to 8 November 2024