From November

Popular landlord closes his “schnitzel paradise”

The "Wirt z'Moarhof" in Schardenberg will be history from November - the owner is focusing on apartments instead of an inn in future.(Bild: Scharinger Daniel)

In Schardenberg, it will soon be "Schnitzel time" - but before restaurateur Stefan Engertsberger closes the doors of his inn for good from November, he will be giving the schnitzel knocker one last good swing and delighting his guests with dozens of variations of the traditional Austrian dish.

Stefan Engertsberger has been THE schnitzel host in the Innviertel region for 16 years. But in November, he is closing his "Wirt z'Moarhof" in Schardenberg for good.

The reason for this is neither a lack of staff nor a lack of guests in the "Stüberl". "I'm a passionate chef, but I've suffered from a visual impairment since birth and only have 30% vision. Because I'm not getting any younger, health will take priority in future," says the landlord, who became famous beyond the Innviertel region in 2016 when he created the Hofer and Van der Bellen schnitzel during the presidential election campaign.

Stefan Engertsberger (right) wants to cut back a little in future, but continue cooking. He already has offers to do so.(Bild: Scharinger Daniel)

24 different variations
Two of the countless variations with which he has already caused many a taste explosion among his fans. Engertsberger: "Just having a schnitzel and a cordon bleu on the menu would be too boring for me." Since July 17, for example, he has been hosting the European Schnitzel Championship, offering 24 different country variations. The country that has been ordered the most times by August 25 is the European champion. Iceland (pork schnitzel filled with ham, cheese and onion in a caramel popcorn coating) is currently in third place ahead of Sweden (turkey, bacon, rocket, cheese, potato chips coating).

The menu for the European Schnitzel Championships. As there is always a lot going on at the moment, the landlord asks you to book in good time on 0 676 / 417 67 31.(Bild: Scharinger Daniel)

Austria is the title favorite
In first place is the local classic of pork in pumpkin seed breading with Sauwald potato salad. "For me at least, Austria has a good chance of winning the title," laughs Engertsberger, who is still planning "final schnitzel days" and "The best of 16 years" until November.