December 10
How marzipan came to Germany

Where exactly is the origin of marzipan? And why is the history of Lübeck marzipan so controversial? We explain it in our 10th Advent calendar door!

Marzipan is a confectionery made from ground almonds, sugar and - depending on its origin - flavorings. In Germany, it is particularly popular at Christmas time and is given as a lucky charm in the form of marzipan pigs at New Year. But the origins of this sweet classic lie elsewhere.

The History of Marzipan

Historians agree: marzipan comes from the Orient. Around 900 A.D., the Persian physician Rahzes wrote about the beneficial effects of the sugar-almond mixture, which was initially used as a medicine until it came to Europe in the 13th century. Today, Lübeck marzipan in particular is known throughout the world.

However, Lübeck has a different origin story, a local legend that tells of the famine of 1407. With no flour, but plenty of sugar and almonds, the bakers are said to have baked bread from these ingredients, which later became today's marzipan. Whether this story is true or not is disputed.

What is clear is that the Niederegger factory in Lübeck is one of the oldest and most popular. Confectioner Johann Georg Niederegger opened his business there in 1806 and has been part of the city's marzipan boom ever since. Today, Lübeck marzipan is even protected by law.  
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