Haruki Murakami, Kathrine Nedrejord, Hernan Diaz, Synnøve Persen, Sofi Oksanen, Ingeborg Arvola, Sigbjørn Skåden, Jón Kalman Stefánsson, Mikael Niemi, Johan Harstad, Saia Stueng, Priya Bains, Nina Jankowicz, Anne With, Kyrre Andreassen, and Sergej Lebedev are among the authors attending the Norwegian Festival of Literature 2025.
Celebration of Sápmi
This year, the Norwegian Festival of Literature is highlighting important voices from Sápmi and other northern minorities. In the opening ceremony, we’ll meet Kathrine Nedrejord, Synnøve Persen, and M. Seppola Simonsen, the DJ collective Article 3 (Alice Jektevik and Petra Laiti), actors from the Åarjelhsaemien Teatere, and Ida Løken Valkaepää from Kväänniteatteri. The opening will be conducted by Minister of Culture and Equality Lubna Jaffery.
Murakami to Lillehammer
The excitement surrounding Haruki Murakami’s upcoming visit to Lillehammer has been immense. The event “Murakami and Music”, featuring Murakami and Norwegian jazz musician Bugge Wesseltoft, sold out in just a few minutes. Another full house is expected when Crown Princess Mette-Marit meets Haruki Murakami in Maihaugsalen.
Boine and Bugge
Bugge Wesseltoft will share the stage with Murakami, but he’s not the only global star he’ll be performing with; on Saturday evening, Wesseltoft will have a solo concert in Maihaugsalen, joined on stage by guest artist Mari Boine.
Bjørnson Prize to Sofi Oksanen
The 2025 Bjørnson Prize is awarded to Finnish-Estonian author Sofi Oksanen for her epic literary work and her commitment to human rights, especially her sharp portrayals of the realities faced by women. Oksanen is an active voice in the public debate and has long warned of Russian aggression and the vulnerability of neighboring countries—long before it became widely recognized.
The Top Ten Under 35
For the third time, Morgenbladet and the Norwegian Festival of Literature will name the top ten Norwegian authors under 35. The jury includes Kaja Schjerven Mollerin, Birger Emanuelsen, Brynjulf Jung Tjønn, Marta Norheim, and Yukiko Duke. The winners will be announced during the festival, and we’ll celebrate both them and young literature during Bank Night on Friday, June 6!
Tove Jansson and the Moomins
Tove Jansson (1914–2001), the Swedish-speaking Finnish author and artist, is one of the most internationally renowned Nordic creators of all time. This year, one of her iconic characters, Moomintroll, turns 80, and we’ll celebrate with a wide range of Moomin events for all ages! The festival will also spotlight the impressive breadth of Jansson’s authorship, which includes much more than the Moomin books. Hernan Diaz, Ingvild H. Rishøi, Aage Storm Borchgrevink, and Hilde Østby are among those contributing to the Jansson program.
Anniversary Year Full of Highlights
The Norwegian Festival of Literature is turning 30 this year, and it’s an extra special occasion packed with highlights!
“What makes the Norwegian Festival of Literature unique among literary festivals worldwide is its diversity and accessibility. It’s a large international festival with a warm, intimate atmosphere. The conversations are unique and exciting, but always inclusive. All you need as a visitor is curiosity and an open mind,” says Yukiko Duke, program director.
See the full English program here.