Six thousand sausages a day. That’s the claim of the Historic Sausage Kitchen. Can you believe it? Right here before us stands a building that’s seen centuries of history. This isn’t just any restaurant. This is arguably the oldest continuously operating public restaurant in the world.
The Historic Sausage Kitchen in Regensburg has a story that begins not with sausages but with stones. Back in 1135 AD a building was erected. It served as the construction office for the Regensburg stone bridge. After the bridge’s completion in 1146 AD the building transformed. It became a restaurant known as “Garkueche auf dem Kranchen” which means cookshop near the crane. Its location near the river port made it a popular spot for dockers sailors and workers from the nearby St Peter cathedral workshop.
This building you see today is actually a later addition. It dates back to the 17th century. However archaeological evidence reveals an earlier 12th-century structure occupying roughly the same space. Imagine the stories these walls could tell.
For centuries the specialty here was boiled meat. Then in 1806 the current family took over. They introduced charcoal-grilled sausages. It was a change that defined the restaurant’s future. Today sausages remain the star of the menu. They are served in portions of six eight or ten with sauerkraut and mustard. Other traditional Bavarian dishes are available too but the sausages are the main event.
During the busy summer months the little building overflows with diners. Most people enjoy their meals outside on wooden benches and tables. Inside there is only space for about 35 guests. Yet every day this tiny kitchen churns out thousands of sausages a testament to its enduring popularity.
So here we stand before a piece of living history. The Historic Sausage Kitchen is more than just a place to eat. It’s a link to the past a taste of tradition and a glimpse into the heart of Regensburg. Enjoy your sausage. And savor the story.