Reading: Daniel Schmidt - "Löwengrube"

In his new book, Daniel Schmidt - landlord of the legendary Hamburg Elbschlosskeller - goes in search of happiness, hope and meaning in places where you'd least expect to find them. He makes a compelling case that even in the darkest moments, a spark of light remains that can turn fate in a new direction.

With striking candour, Schmidt talks about the highs and lows of his own life, the unforgiving world of the Kiez, and the "lion's dens" he kept falling into - and kept finding his way out of. At the heart of the book are questions of faith, love and personal purpose. His driving concern: to help others and open up new possibilities for them.

That commitment also shapes his work at the Elbschlosskeller, where people from every walk of life cross paths: the homeless alongside millionaires, sex workers alongside clergy, ex-convicts alongside law enforcement. During the pandemic he founded the association "Wer, wenn nicht wir" ("Who, if not us"), deepening his work with those on society's margins.

The book unfolds as a layered world of encounters - stories of people who found happiness and meaning despite difficult circumstances, alongside stories of failure and loss. They are narratives that move, unsettle and encourage readers to find their own way out of the dark, towards a life shaped by love.

About the author
Daniel Schmidt was born in Hamburg in 1984. Growing up as the son of well-known Kiez landlord Lothar Schmidt, he was raised in the thick of the St. Pauli scene. Trained originally as a carpenter, he became one of Germany's best-known pub owners and a multiple bestselling author. His advocacy for people on the fringes of society and his appearances in media and reality TV formats define his public profile. For all his direct, warm manner, Schmidt remains a seeker - always looking for answers.