The Central Library is the cantonal, municipal and university library of Zurich and, with over 6.6 million media and half a million visitors per year, one of the largest libraries in Switzerland. But the Central Library is also a venue where the ...
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The Birth of Middle-earth: Tolkien’s Journey Through Switzerland in 1911
In the summer of 1911, the young J.R.R. Tolkien travelled through the Swiss Alps – an experience that would leave a lasting mark on his later literary work.
Sarah Heinzelmann and Lukas Ritzel trace the route of this journey and explore how the landscapes, impressions and experiences Tolkien encountered in Switzerland found their way into the geography and atmosphere of Middle-earth. The lecture sheds light on the relationship between real places and imagined worlds, revealing how travel, memory and landscape can inspire the creation of enduring fantasy settings.
Free of charge. Please register in advance. The event will take place on site at the Zentralbibliothek Zürich and will be held only in German.
Audio aids (including induction loops for hearing aids) are available for people with hearing impairments at ZB events (guided tours, courses, lectures). If required, please contact kommunikation@zb.uzh.ch.
Figure: Lauterbrunnen (797 m) with the Staubbach Falls. Graphische Sammlung und Fotoarchiv, Zentralbibliothek Zürich, Ansichtskarten, BE, Lauterbrunnen 2.
To this organizer's website
Tuesday, November 03, 2026
Lesesaal Erdgeschoss
18:00 - 20:00 o'clock
Lesesaal Erdgeschoss
Accessibility:
Infos Zugänglichkeit:
Building is wheelchair accessible. Wheelchair accessible toilet available.
