Focus on authors and extraordinary locations

From October 1 to 26, 2025, Carinthia is transformed into a paradise for crime fans for the sixth time. This year the crime thriller Carinthia is presenting an impressive series of 30 renowned authors, including Nele Neuhaus, Bernhard Aichner, Jean-Luc Bannalec, Eva Rossmann, Andreas Gruber and Martina Parker, who read 29 extraordinary crime scenes. The variety of locations – from historical sites such as the Ossiach Abbey to Ferlach Castle to galleries and libraries – gives each reading a unique atmosphere that captivates the audience.

In addition to the exciting readings, the crime fiction is supplemented by culinary experiences, in which the guests are not only spoiled literarily but also gastronomically. The Carinthia crime festival manages to enrich the region through the combination of literature and culture in an exceptional scenery and is a highlight for everyone who wants to experience crime literature in a special atmosphere.

With the awarding of the Austrian Crime Prize in 2025 to Nele Neuhaus, the crime thriller Carinthia offers a special highlight.

The price stands for the special appreciation of the crime literature and is now being awarded for the eighth time. Over 100 crime specialists – booksellers, bloggers and journalists – have coordinated.

Nele Neuhaus started her career as a self-publisher, published her first thriller in 2005 in her own publisher and developed the successful Taunuskrimi series around the investigator duo Pia Kirchhoff and Oliver von Bodenstein. Today it is one of Germany’s best -known crime writer whose works appear in over 30 countries and have been filmed. Multi -layered action lines, characters that grow to your heart, an unmistakable, captivating writing style and last but not least the courage to work on the big topics of our time, make Nele Neuhaus’s crime novels to work.

Nele Neuhaus at the Austrian Crime Practice: “I started as a self -publisher twenty years ago, continued to write tirelessly despite setbacks and won an enthusiastic readership that made my crime novels to bestsellers. The more it fills me with gratitude and joy to preserve the Austrian crime award for my books playing in the Taunus and thank my loyal readers.”

Crime Festival Carinthia extends the season and revives the region.

With the Carinthia Criminal Festival, the low tourism time is revitalized in October. The festival establishes Carinthia as a cultural and festival location and ensures additional overnight stays in the regions. Literature fans and vacationers can expect a varied program at special locations such as castles, locks and historical buildings. This creates a cultural incentive that works far beyond autumn. Sustainability plays a central role in this: regional resources, short distances and environmentally friendly measures shape the festival. In cooperation with the ÖBB, arrival and departure to the readings in Carinthia with the event ticket is possible free of charge and climate-friendly.