In a spirited debate that has captured the attention of food enthusiasts across Germany, the states of Bavaria and Thuringia are embroiled in a dispute over which region can rightfully claim to have invented the famous Bratwurst sausage. The iconic "Wurstkuchl" tavern, located in Bavaria on Regensburg's historic Stone Bridge, has long held the title of being the "oldest Bratwurst stand in the world," with documentation tracing its roots back to 1378.
However, recent findings from historians in Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, reveal a document dating to 1269 that references a meat-roasting stand (known as Brathütte) alongside a roasting pan (Bräter). This discovery could push the birth of the beloved Bratwurst back over a century earlier than Regensburg’s famous stand.
Local historians in Thuringia are now on a quest to find the exact location of this ancient sausage stand, as no current establishment in the area has claimed the title of the oldest. Previously, the earliest written record of Bratwurst in Thuringia was from 1404, detailing expenditures in the town of Arnstadt for bratwurst casings.
Despite the newfound evidence, the Wurstkuchl in Regensburg remains steadfast in its tradition, touting its ancient charcoal grills, homemade sausages crafted from pure pork ham, and their signature fermented sauerkraut. Alexandra Meier, the tavern's landlady, expressed indifference to the Thuringia claims, stating, “I don’t think people will say, ‘I’m not going there anymore because it’s only the second oldest.’”
This unfolding culinary rivalry is not new; previous disputes in Bavaria have pitted the towns of Regensburg and Nuremberg against each other over similar claims. As culinary stakes elevate, the pride in these iconic sausages continues to highlight regional identities and the rich history of German gastronomy.
However, recent findings from historians in Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, reveal a document dating to 1269 that references a meat-roasting stand (known as Brathütte) alongside a roasting pan (Bräter). This discovery could push the birth of the beloved Bratwurst back over a century earlier than Regensburg’s famous stand.
Local historians in Thuringia are now on a quest to find the exact location of this ancient sausage stand, as no current establishment in the area has claimed the title of the oldest. Previously, the earliest written record of Bratwurst in Thuringia was from 1404, detailing expenditures in the town of Arnstadt for bratwurst casings.
Despite the newfound evidence, the Wurstkuchl in Regensburg remains steadfast in its tradition, touting its ancient charcoal grills, homemade sausages crafted from pure pork ham, and their signature fermented sauerkraut. Alexandra Meier, the tavern's landlady, expressed indifference to the Thuringia claims, stating, “I don’t think people will say, ‘I’m not going there anymore because it’s only the second oldest.’”
This unfolding culinary rivalry is not new; previous disputes in Bavaria have pitted the towns of Regensburg and Nuremberg against each other over similar claims. As culinary stakes elevate, the pride in these iconic sausages continues to highlight regional identities and the rich history of German gastronomy.
