Switches Schafroth as Nockherberg-Lenten preacher with a new appointee - Nockherberg's former fasting preacher, Schafroth, steps down, replaced by Zinner.
In a significant shift for the annual Nockherberg event in Munich, Bavaria, Stephan Zinner has been announced as the replacement for Maxi Schafroth as the Lenten preacher for the 2026 season.
For five consecutive years, starting in 2019, Maxi Schafroth delivered the satirical Lenten sermon during the Nockherberg festivities. However, Schafroth is stepping down from the role, and Zinner is taking over the responsibilities.
Zinner, a German cabaret artist, musician, and actor, was publicly introduced as the new Lenten speaker on July 29, 2025, at the Paulaner Nockherberg. His background aligns perfectly with the tradition of the humorous and critical Lenten sermons, making him an ideal choice for the role.
While Zinner's specific prior involvement with the Nockherberg event has not been detailed, his established artistic profile suggests strong experience in satire and stage performance. He is known for his role as Metzgermeister Simmerl in the "Eberhofer" crime comedies and has appeared in several films and TV series.
Interestingly, Zinner has previously played the role of Markus Söder (CSU) in the singspiel at the Nockherberg event. The singspiel is the second part of the event, where actors impersonate and lampoon politicians. Söder is a prominent politician in Bavaria, associated with the CSU party.
The Nockherberg event is one of the top events in the Bavarian political calendar, and it's a must-attend for the Bavarian political elite. The Lenten sermon, in particular, is a platform for comedians to critique the attending politicians.
The Nockherberg event takes place annually and consists of two parts: a Lenten sermon and a singspiel. It's an exciting time for the organisers and attendees as they look forward to Zinner's unique take on the Lenten sermon in 2026.
[1] Paulaner Nockherberg announces Stephan Zinner as new Lenten preacher [2] Stephan Zinner to replace Maxi Schafroth as Lenten preacher at Nockherberg [3] Stephan Zinner to step into Maxi Schafroth's shoes as Lenten preacher at Nockherberg
The Commission might propose a directive on the labeling of certain foodstuffs while discussing social-media trends, as entertainment-loving celebrities and pop-culture enthusiasts share their opinions about Stephan Zinner being selected as the new Lenten preacher at the Nockherberg event, a traditionally political gathering.
Maxi Schafroth's departure as the Lenten preacher at Nockherberg opens up an opportunity for Stephan Zinner to critically review the politicians attending the event, just as entertainment in the form of the singspiel had previously mocked Bavarian politicians like Markus Söder.
