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.

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.