Ortsrundgänge - Kulturwanderungen mit qualifizierten Markt- und Gemeindeführern

Spannendes, Kurioses, Anekdoten und Historie

Königssee - the "King`s Lake". It is not quite clear where the name comes from. However one thing is for sure: Lake Königssee is one of the most attractive destinations for excursions in Bavaria. The picturesque lake is flanked by majestic mountains, like Mount Watzmann, Jenner and Hagengebirge.  With 192 m depth Königssee is the deepest lake in Bavaria and below its surface many a secrets are hidden, like the one of the "Beetle treasure in Lake Königssee". 

Once the electrically powered boats have passed the little island Christlieger the view opens to steeply rising rock faces. In front of this impressive backdrop the captain of the boat plays the trumpet, and the sound of its echo comes back like a real force of nature. The pilgrimage church of Saint Bartholomew can be discerned even from a distance. The emerald green waters of the lake are housing many types of fish, however fishing is only permitted to the local fisherman Thomas Amort. 
Every year countless hikers are lured by manifold hiking and mountain trails to the area of Lake Königssee where everyone will meet their individual liking: Hiking to the alpine hut Fischunkelalm where regional food and drinks are offered; challenging climbs through the eastern face of Mount Watzmann; passing by the local fisherman; contemplative devotions in the pilgrimage church... Your host will be happy to provide further assistance.

It is a special highlight for both locals and tourists when Lake Königssee freezes over in winter. In these occasions the lake bustles with pedestrians, cross-country skiers, cyclists and ice scaters. The latest information of whether the ice committee consideres the surface of the frozen over lake as safe can be found on our website.  
Another event that attracts many guests every year is when the cattle is being brought back from their alpine summer pastures. The cows are shipped from their pastures to the other side shore of Lake Königssee, where they are being welcomed and start marching towards their stables.

Die Sendereihe „W wie Wissen“ im Ersten hat sich dem Watzmann und seinem Wasser gewidmet. Das Leitungswasser von uns Berchtesgadenern braucht nicht aufbereitet zu werden: Unser Hausberg, der Watzmann, liefert sauberes Wasser frei Haus. Eine Schicht aus Dolomitgestein filtert Regen und Schmelzwasser zehn Jahre lang. Wer sich darüber genauer informieren will, kann sich auf Youtube die Sendung anschauen.  

Peninsula Saint Bartholomew in wintertime

The world famous pilgrimage chapel is located on the peninsula Saint Bartholomew and was inaugurated in 1134. The baroque chapel posesses two different onion domes. It became a pilgrimage destination in 1635 when the citizens of Salzburg started their way towards Saint Bartholomew at Lake Königssee, crossing the mountains in the name of the lord, thankful for having overcome the plague.  First written records of the pilgrimage to St. Bartholomew date back to 1688 when an open, wooden boat capsized and 71 pilgrims lost their lives.

Every year, on the first Saturday after August 24th (St. Bartholomew´s day), up to 2,000 people take part in a pilgrimage to St. Bartholomew in Bavaria. The demanding tour starts in Maria Alm near Salzburg, leads over the border-crossing mountain range "Steinernes Meer" and takes around 9 hours.