He is an institution, a local celebrity and part of Upper Franconia’s culinary heritage: the Hofer Wärschtlamo. Hardly any other town can boast a comparable figure – one who sells boiled sausages made hot on coal in a brass kettle on the streets, often dressed in a typical “uniform” of leather cap and white apron. If you are new to the city – as a student, for example – you will come across several representatives of this old profession in Hof’s old town. Their call “Haaß sennsa, kald werrn sa” (“They’re hot, they’re getting cold…”) is characteristic, even if you can hardly hear it anymore.
A tradition for over 150 years
The history of the Hofer Wärschtlamo dates back to 1871. Back then, a butcher’s son began selling hot sausages from a portable brass kettle on the square in front of Hof station. The sausage vendor soon became an integral part of the cityscape and became an original – with his cap, coat and characteristic equipment. Over the decades, this developed into a genuine brand. Today, the Wärschtlamo is a protected figure with a high recognition value that is an integral part of Hof’s cultural identity.
Traditionally, the Wärschtlamo transports his sausages in a handmade kettle, which is fired with coal and keeps the temperature with hot water and a lid. The sausages on offer are usually Wienerla, Weißwürste, Knacker, Bauernwürste or Debreziner – served in a roll, with mustard on request.
A profession with a license
You don’t become a Wärschtlamo just like that. If you want to practice this special profession in Hof, you need an official license from the city – a kind of concession that is strictly limited. Only a few people are allowed to act as a Wärschtlamo. The procedure is regulated: Interested parties must submit a corresponding application to the city of Hof. It is not only hygiene standards and reliability that play a role – maintaining a traditional appearance is also mandatory. The typical outfit, behavior in public spaces and even the location (for example in the old town or on special occasions) are specified.
In practice, most of the Hofer Wärschtlamänner have been working in the tradition for years – often for generations. Some are so well known that they are even advertised to tourists or have their own regular customers. Anyone visiting Hof should not miss out on a culinary stop at the Wärschtlamo – not only because of the delicious sausages, but also because of the unique experience.
