Zevener Gitarrenwoche

The Zevener Gitarrenwoche is a guitar workshop, framed by concerts of international artists. It has been part of cultural life in Zeven since 1981.

Location

Zeven, Germany

Type

Festival & Course

Application deadline

You can register for the workshop/course now via the online form.

Frequency

annual

Venue

Rathaussaal

Tickets

Ticket sales for the concerts start in April 2026 via eventim.de and Zeven+ Touristik e.V.

Programme & line-up

Workshops & masterclasses you can join

Workshop and Course

Official website

http://www.zevener-gitarrenwoche.de/

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Zeven

Zeven, a quiet town in Lower Saxony's Elbe-Weser Triangle, hosts the Zevener Gitarrenwoche, an annual event that brings classical guitarists and enthusiasts to this historical corner of northern Germany. Away from the bustle of larger cities, the festival offers a focused environment for music, set against a backdrop of local history and peaceful landscapes. It provides a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the classical guitar repertoire while enjoying a relaxed German holiday.

Getting there

Zeven is situated in northern Germany, approximately 40 kilometres northeast of Bremen and within easy reach of Hamburg, the closest major city. The most convenient airports are Bremen Airport (BRE) or Hamburg Airport (HAM). From either airport, onward travel to Zeven is best by car, with a drive taking about 45 minutes from Bremen or just over an hour from Hamburg. Regional bus services connect Zeven to surrounding towns, including Rotenburg (Wümme) to the southeast, which has a railway station on a main line.

Compare trains, buses & flights to Zeven on Omio →

Germany runs on Type F sockets, standard across most of Europe, so you will only need a travel adapter if you are coming from the UK, Ireland, or beyond Europe.

These open third-party sites in a new tab. We may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.

Where to stay

As a town of around 14,000 residents, Zeven offers a more intimate and local lodging experience. Accommodation typically consists of guesthouses and smaller hotels, providing a comfortable base for attending the Gitarrenwoche. Staying within Zeven allows for easy access to the festival venues and the town's sights, all within walking distance. For those preferring a wider range of options, larger towns like Bremen are accessible for day trips, though staying directly in Zeven offers the most convenience for the event.

What you'll hear

The Zevener Gitarrenwoche is an annual classical guitar event, offering a platform for performers and a focus for enthusiasts. The competition attracts talented guitarists who explore a diverse range of classical guitar repertoire, from Baroque works to contemporary compositions. Attendees can expect a concentrated program of concerts, masterclasses, and presentations, providing a deep dive into the instrument's capabilities and current trends in performance.

While Zeven does not have a specific musical composer or heritage tied directly to the classical guitar, its long history provides a contemplative setting for focused listening. The town's past, from its Benedictine convent established in 986 to its role in the Thirty Years' War and as a residence for Queen Christina of Sweden, offers a rich historical context. This quiet, historical German setting encourages a thoughtful engagement with the music, allowing the nuanced performances of the Gitarrenwoche to take centre stage without distraction.

The local table

The culinary landscape around Zeven reflects the hearty traditions of Lower Saxony. The region is known for its agricultural produce, including dairy. Zeven is home to the headquarters of the DMK dairy combine, known for its "Milram" label products, so fresh local dairy items like quark are a particular highlight. Expect traditional German fare, such as various forms of sausages, potatoes, and local vegetables, often prepared simply and with fresh ingredients. Look for regional specialities in local Gasthäuser or restaurants, enjoying the unpretentious but satisfying cuisine typical of northern Germany.

Fancy a guided taste? Food and wine tours in Zeven →

While you're there

Zeven itself offers several points of interest for visitors. Explore the Königin-Christine-Haus, the oldest remaining profane building in town, which once served as the residence for Christina of Sweden. The Museum Kloster Zeven, housed in the former convent, delves into the town's history, while the Saint Viti Lutheran Church is notable for its tower, which Carl Friedrich Gauß used as a benchmark for his geodetic surveying in the 19th century. A Gauß Memorial Room also commemorates his work.

For day trips, the larger cities of Bremen and Hamburg are easily reachable. Bremen, approximately 40 km away, boasts a UNESCO-listed Town Hall and Roland statue, the charming Schnoor quarter, and the historic Böttcherstraße. Hamburg, a major port city, offers a vibrant cultural scene, including the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, the historic Speicherstadt warehouse district, and numerous museums and theatres. Closer by, the Zevener Geest region provides opportunities for walking and experiencing the quiet north German landscape.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Zeven →

More guitar events in Germany: Anna-Amalia Competition for Young Guitarists · ARD International Music Competition (Guitar) · Hamburger Guitar Festival · Hanse Guitar Cup · Heinsberg Guitar Festival and Competition · International Competition for Young Guitarists Andrés Segovia (EGTA)

Listing data is compiled from official sources and can change each edition. Always confirm dates, deadlines and requirements on the organizer's official website before applying or booking travel. Spotted an error? See our terms or let us know via the About page.

← All competitions & festivals