A cow looks on at Gasthaus Kapplwirt in Waldsassen, Germany, as the author and his family dine nearby, Aug. 30, 2026. The Rosner family grows its own feed for its cattle at the farm, which supplies the restaurant's 100% Angus beef burgers. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes)
If there is a heaven for cows, it is certainly the rolling hills of Waldsassen in Bavaria, and if there is a divine burger, it is served in their presence at Gasthaus Kapplwirt.
Located along the Czech border about 30 miles northeast of Tower Barracks in Grafenwoehr, Kapplwirt is a seventh-generation family farm, restaurant and beer garden that strives to deliver the freshest cuisine from the surrounding fields directly to your plate.
The result is premium steakhouse burgers that delight the senses while also encapsulating the Rosner family’s rustic, agrarian soul.
The restaurant sits atop a hill in the shadow of the 300-year-old Kappl Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity church. The Rosner family has maintained the farm and inn since 1826.
The 300-year-old Kappl Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity church rises above Gasthaus Kapplwirt in Waldsassen, Germany, Aug. 30, 2026. The restaurant and farm sit in the church's shadow, drawing diners with farm-to-table cuisine raised on the surrounding land. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes)
I took my family to check it out on a Sunday afternoon in August after my wife read about the restaurant online. We arrived and sat beneath a tree in the outdoor beer garden within view of the magnificent church.
The site has included a church and some sort of tavern since the days of Waldsassen Abbey in the 12th century. The ruined chapel previously at the site was reportedly where a sick person was healed in 1644 during the Thirty Years’ War, which repeatedly ravaged the surrounding countryside.
Today, all of that is in the past, and the idyllic spot is the pinnacle of quiet, picturesque relaxation. The Rosners do much of their work in house, including growing feed for their “happy cows,” according to their website. Everything is naturally produced, sustainable and ethically sourced.
They specialize in 100% Angus beef burgers served on regional spelt buns with fresh ingredients.
It took us a moment to figure out that we had to order inside at the bar, and we had to use translation apps on our phones, but it worked out just fine. The staff members were smiling and patient.
Despite being delivered from the kitchen on what seemed like a cafeteria tray, the burgers looked too good to be real, with their ingredients stacked high and a steak knife driven through the heart to keep each beefy tower from tumbling.
The Hulweg burger is served at Gasthaus Kapplwirt in Waldsassen, Germany, Aug. 30, 2026, topped with a 100% Angus beef patty, cheddar cheese, bacon, barbecue sauce, horseradish, a potato pancake and fried onions. The restaurant and farm have been run by the same family, the Rosners, for seven generations since 1826. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes)
I ordered the Hulweg burger, which came with an Angus beef patty, cheddar cheese, two slices of bacon, barbecue sauce, horseradish, a potato pancake and fried onions.
The beef was lean but juicy and bursting with flavor. It was encased in perfectly melted cheese that was free from scorched spots.
The fresh, artisanal bun provided an earthy, wheat flavor. The bacon was taken off the grill just before it crisped around the edges, and the savory German barbecue sauce combined with the horseradish to offer a hint of spice.
The wild card for me was the crispy potato disc, which tasted almost like an American hash brown. It was tasty and expertly crisped, but I ended up removing it from my burger and eating it separately.
The Kappl burger, topped with 100% Angus beef, cheddar cheese, berries and slaw, is served at Gasthaus Kapplwirt in Waldsassen, Germany, Aug. 30, 2026. The dish was the highlight of the author's meal at the seven-generation family restaurant and farm. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes)
My wife’s selection was the real star of the show. I consider myself lucky to have been offered a bite. She ordered the Kappl burger, with an Angus patty, cheddar cheese, herb sauce, horseradish, jam made from local berries, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and onion.
The patty was every bit as good as the one on my Hulweg, but its vegetables were presented like coleslaw with a mayonnaise-like sauce holding them together. The jam added a hint of sweetness that was a palate-electrifying counterpoint.
My son ordered the Lausbou burger, which was an Angus patty, cheddar cheese and ketchup on an artisanal bun.
My wife and I requested sweet potato fries with our meals, and my son got regular french fries. Both types were sublime, crispy on the outside and soft in the middle.
A slice of cheesecake, topped with whipped cream and fresh berries, is served at Gasthaus Kapplwirt in Waldsassen, Germany, Aug. 30, 2026. The dessert capped a meal at the seven-generation family restaurant and farm, known for its farm-to-table cuisine. (Matthew M. Burke/Stars and Stripes)
For dessert, we shared a piece of light and airy cheesecake, which came with cream and fresh berries on the side. It had the proper balance of sweetness and creamy richness.
While we ate, we had a view of golden fields and the stunning Baroque pilgrimage church, with its three spires signaling to one and all that we had truly found burger heaven.
A horse-drawn plow crosses a field at Kapplwirt farm in Waldsassen, Germany, undated, with the Kappl Sanctuary of the Holy Trinity church visible in the background. The farm has been run by the same family for seven generations, offering farm-to-table cuisine in the church's shadow since 1826. (Gasthaus Kapplwirt)
Kapplwirt
Address: Kappl 1, Waldsassen, Germany
Hours: For the restaurant, 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2-6:30 p.m. on Sunday. The farm shop is open for self-service daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Prices: From 14.50 euros for the Kappl and Schnellermannl burgers to 19.90 euros for the Hochstapler burger. The restaurant also has vegan and vegetarian options between 14.90 and 15.90 euros. French fries range from 1.80 to 4.50 euros.
Information: Phone: +49 09632-688, online: kapplwirt.de
