Heavenly enjoyment: This is how Würzburg Christmas Stollen is made!

Heavenly enjoyment: This is how Würzburg Christmas Stollen is made!

In the midst of the festive preparations in Würzburg, the city shows off its most beautiful side. The film by Sylvia von Miller, which was broadcast on ARD on December 10, 2023, highlights the city's cultural diversity. The characteristic towers not only shape the cityscape, but also the proud sixty churches and chapels, which have been lovingly restored in recent years. Particular attention is paid to the Brandstetter bakery, where traditional Christmas stollen and “Hörnli” are made.

What would Christmas time be without delicious Christmas stollen? These delicious delicacies are not only very popular in Würzburg, but are also an integral part of the German Christmas tradition. Originally introduced as a Lenten pastry, the Stollen has developed over the centuries into an unmistakable symbol of the festive season. In the Christmas bakery in Ursberg, from which the DRW reports, 600 Christmas stollen were produced this year - no effort was spared to present these delicacies perfectly. The organization is in the hands of Laura Mayer, who takes care of purchasing, packaging and everything else.

A feast for the senses

At the end of the work process, a real production line was created in the central kitchen in Ursberg, where the stollen are made. This first-class logistics is made possible by the dedicated team led by Christine Goßner and Martín Riß. Three trainees from the Ursberg vocational training center even had a hand in the production. The Christmas stollen are not just a treat, but they are distributed as loving Christmas gifts for the Caritas Association of the Diocese of Würzburg.

A look at the history of Christstollen also shows its deep roots in German culture. This pastry was already known in the Middle Ages, and Pope Innocent VIII ensured that the recipes became more diverse with a butter letter. Flavors such as butter, orange peel and raisins are now inextricably linked to the traditional Dresden Christmas stollen. The Dresdner Stollen is now protected by trademark law and can only be made by a hand-picked number of bakers who have to adhere to strict guidelines.

Tradition and modernity combined

While Würzburg's past was strongly influenced by the difficult times of the war, which almost completely destroyed many historical buildings, the city is now flourishing in new splendor. The building complex of the former “ Bürgerbräu ” brewery is now home to studios, a museum and a theater that contribute to the cultural enrichment of the city. The Schenk candle manufacturer also makes its candles using traditional methods to make the churches shine in Advent splendor.

This brings us full circle: from the production of Christmas Stollen to the creation of the festive atmosphere in the churches, Würzburg shows itself to be a lively city that is proud of its traditions and at the same time has open arms for modern developments. This festive time brings together all generation groups, from the volunteer sacristan of the Lady Chapel to the passionate bakers who create the delicious Christmas stollen that brings a piece of home to all of us on the Christmas tree.