A historical dispute between Bavaria and Thuringia over the invention of Bratwurst sausages has emerged, with Thuringia presenting a 1269 document as evidence of an older cooking stand than Bavaria's Wurstkuchl, which has long claimed the title of the first sausage stand.
Bavarian-Bratwurst Controversy: Thuringia Claims Historical Priority

Bavarian-Bratwurst Controversy: Thuringia Claims Historical Priority
Germany's Bratwurst debate heats up as Thuringia presents evidence of an older sausage stand than Bavaria's famed Wurstkuchl.
A lively feud has erupted between the German states of Bavaria and Thuringia over the origins of the iconic Bratwurst sausage. Bavaria's Wurstkuchl tavern, often touted as the world's oldest Bratwurst stand, has called Regensburg home since its establishment along the picturesque Stone Bridge by the Danube River, with historical records tracing back to 1378.
However, historians in Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, have recently uncovered a document dating back to 1269. This manuscript references individuals who operated a meat-roasting stand (Brathütte) equipped with a roasting pan (Bräter), predating the famed Bavarian establishment by over a century.
While no modern restaurant in Erfurt has yet claimed the title of the oldest Bratwurst stand, the discovery has sparked interest and excitement amongst local historians who are now actively searching for the original location of this historical sausage stall. Prior to this finding, the earliest known written reference to Bratwursts in Thuringia was from 1404, noting an expense of "1 groschen for bratwurst casings" in the town of Arnstadt.
Amidst the revelry, the Wurstkuchl remains steadfast in its traditions, continuing to grill their sausages according to age-old recipes and methods. In a statement to German BR24 TV, landlady Alexandra Meier expressed confidence in the quality of their products, asserting that the historical dispute did not detract from the establishment's reputation: "To be honest, it doesn't bother us at all... I don't think people will say, 'I'm not going there anymore because it's only the second oldest.'"
This isn't the first time Bavarian towns have squabbled over Bratwurst accolades. Previously, Regensburg and Nuremberg both claimed the title of the oldest sausage stand until a ruling awarded it to Regensburg.
As this culinary dispute unfolds in the heart of Germany, it serves as a delicious reminder of the nation’s rich gastronomic heritage and the regional pride that surrounds its beloved sausages.