Bratwurst Battle: Bavarians and Thuringians Clash Over Sausage Origins

Wed Oct 22 2025 17:11:22 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A historical dispute has erupted between Bavaria and Thuringia over the true birthplace of the beloved Bratwurst sausage, with each region presenting evidence to support its claim.

A rivalry over the invention of Bratwurst has ignited between Bavaria and Thuringia in Germany. The Bavarian tavern Wurstkuchl asserts its claim based on a 1378 document, while Thuringian historians have unearthed a 1269 reference to a meat-roasting stand. As both sides delve into history, they continue to celebrate their culinary traditions.

In Germany, a savory dispute is sizzling between the states of Bavaria and Thuringia regarding the origins of the iconic Bratwurst sausage. The debate has culinary enthusiasts buzzing, as historians and food lovers alike want to determine which region can rightfully claim the title of Bratwurst inventor.

The Wurstkuchl, a historic tavern in Regensburg, Bavaria, maintains that it is home to the "oldest Bratwurst stand in the world." Situated on the picturesque Stone Bridge, this establishment boasts roots dating back to 1378, documented by references to a cook or stall existing at the location. However, recent findings from historians in Erfurt, Thuringia, have thrown a wrench into this narrative.

Historians in Thuringia have discovered a document from as early as 1269, indicating that a roast stand (Brathütte) and a roasting pan (Bräter) were in operation at that time, suggesting that the origins of the beloved sausage might predate those claimed by Bavaria by over a century. They are now on a quest to locate the original site of this early meat stand, although no local establishment currently boasts the title of the oldest Bratwurst vendor.

Previously, the earliest known record of Bratwursts in Thuringia was traced to 1404, referring to expenses incurred for "bratwurst casings" in the town of Arnstadt. Meanwhile, the Wurstkuchl continues to thrive, stressing its practices have remained unchanged since the Middle Ages. Their artisanal sausages, made from pure pork ham, accompany traditional sides like haus-made sauerkraut and the famed Wurstkuchl mustard.

In response to the recent revelation regarding an earlier sausage stand, Wurstkuchl's landlady, Alexandra Meier, expressed her indifference. “To be honest, it doesn't bother us at all,” she stated, emphasizing her pride in the quality of their products and the loyalty of their patrons. “I don't think people will say, 'I'm not going there anymore because it's only the second oldest.”

This is not the first occasion that Bavaria and Thuringia have battled over Bratwurst supremacy. In earlier years, both Regensburg and Nuremberg vied for the title of the oldest sausage stand but ultimately settled the dispute in Regensburg’s favor. As the ongoing debate over the origins of Bratwurst continues, it exemplifies the deep-rooted passion for tradition and culinary heritage within Germany's regions.