IN REMEMBRANCE OF SIEGFRIED UNSELD
One of the most important publishers here on Lake Constance
At this time, we remember our longstanding guest, Siegfried Unseld, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday on 28 September 2024. One of the most influential figures in the German publishing industry, Mr. Unseld led Suhrkamp Verlag to international fame, and his legacy has had a lasting impact on the German literary and cultural landscape. Unseld visited us two to three times a year, swam in our swimming pool several times a day and enjoyed playing chess with Martin Walser at his home. The two were united not only by their love of literature, but also by a deep personal friendship that they cultivated in countless games of chess and intensive discussions.
He often spent his mornings at his typewriter, and wrote his book “Goethe and his Publishers” while fasting at our clinic. For Unseld, the bucolic landscape around Lake Constance was an endless source of inspiration. He married his second wife Ulla Berkewicz at Birnau pilgrimage church, accompanied by internationally renowned authors – an event that had a huge influence on both his life and his publishing house.
Whenever he stayed at our clinic, he gave regular talks to our guests. His favourite topics were the poet Hermann Hesse or the deeper meaning of Goethe’s ode to the ginkgo tree that Unseld associated with the art of living and the dual nature of humankind. His lectures were not only instructive but inspired many of his listeners to devote themselves more to literature.
Siegfried Unseld
Fasting gives me inspiration, strength, confidence.
Fasting, this path from within, creates peace.
Excerpt from Buchinger Wilhelmi’s guest book, 1992

One particular event remains vividly in our minds: On his 70th birthday, which also happened to be his 40th day of fasting, Unseld swam across Lake Überlingen – a remarkable feat and impressive proof of his mental vigour and his deep attachment to the region. During the war, swimming had saved his life; he was in Sevastopol at the time and encircled by Russian troops. This experience stayed with him for the rest of his life and made him appreciate Lake Constance in particular and swimming as a symbol of inner and outer freedom.
It is a great honour for us to welcome such important personalities as guests to our clinics and fills us with pride and gratitude. Unseld’s visits to our clinic and his memories of the time he spent on Lake Constance are a valuable part of our history and enhance the cultural legacy of the region.