Historians have found evidence suggesting that Thuringia may have invented the Bratwurst over a century earlier than Bavaria's long-held claim, igniting a friendly feud between the two German states.
Bavarian and Thuringian States Clash Over Bratwurst Origins
Bavarian and Thuringian States Clash Over Bratwurst Origins
A heated debate has emerged between Bavaria and Thuringia regarding the true birthplace of the beloved Bratwurst sausage.
A lively debate has erupted between Bavaria and Thuringia over who rightfully invented the iconic Bratwurst sausage, a dish celebrated throughout Germany and beyond. The Wurstkuchl tavern, located on the picturesque Stone Bridge in Regensburg, Bavaria, has long claimed the title of "the oldest Bratwurst stand in the world," with historical documents dating its food stall back to 1378.
However, recent discoveries by historians in Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, have thrown this claim into question. They have unearthed a document from 1269, which refers to a meat-roasting stand (Brathütte) and a roasting pan (Bräter), suggesting that the roots of Bratwurst may trace back more than a century earlier than what Bavaria has maintained.
Historians are now eager to pinpoint the exact location of the supposed erstwhile sausage stand in Erfurt, as no current restaurant there has claimed to be the oldest Bratwurst location. Previously, Thuringia's earliest written reference to Bratwurst dated back to 1404, with details about a transaction involving bratwurst casings in Arnstadt.
Despite the newfound rival claim, the Wurstkuchl in Regensburg continues to embrace its historical legacy, proudly serving sausages made from pure pork ham, accompanied by homemade sauerkraut and their renowned mustard. Landlady Alexandra Meier relayed her thoughts regarding the debate to BR24 TV, stating, "To be honest, it doesn't bother us at all." She expressed pride in her family's produce and confidence that visitors would continue to flock to their establishment for its quality, regardless of the title's ambiguity.
It is not the first time such a dispute over Bratwurst origins has surfaced; the Bavarian cities of Regensburg and Nuremberg previously vied for the badge of honor, with Regensburg ultimately prevailing. As the spirited conversations about the culinary heritage unfold, sausage-loving patrons and historians alike are sure to keep a close eye on where the next chapter in Bratwurst history leads.
