Since 1508 it is known, that a fisherman appointed by the Bechtesgaden convent, was fishing at the Königssee ("Royal Lake") with two helpers. In those days, fishing was - because of the many abstinence and fast days - an important economic factor of the convent. Since 1967 Rudolf Amort is the master fisher and the only professional fisherman at this picturesque Alpine lake, situated at the foot of the east wall of the Watzmann. A specialty of the master fisher, Amort, are his "Schwarzreiter" - small Arctic char, smoked on thin wooden skewers over a hazelnut roaster, which give them their unique flavor. This special way of smoking is only used at the Königssee and is passed on from generation to generation.
Königssee
» a favourite destination of the Bavarian kings
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A boat trip on the Köngigssee ("Royal Lake") is one of the most important experiences of the Berchtesgaden Region. Highlight of the trip is the world-famous echo of the Königssee and the visit to the St. Bartholomä pilgrim church. For over 100 years, this was a favourite destination of the Bavarian kings. The majestic scenery around the Königssee inspired artists like Schinkel, Rottmann and Stifter. Boats were and still are the only possibility to reach the former hunting lodge and the church. Surrounded by high rock walls, the Königssee is situated in the middle of the Alps like a fjord. The eastern wall of the Watzmann rises up to about 1800 m. An impressive and unforgettable sight. To maintain this natural idyll, the Berchtesgaden National Park was founded in 1978. No human action shoud be affecting flora, fauna and water. Nowadays, the Königssee is the clearest lake in Germany with drinking water quality, ca. 5 km² big, 8 km long, 1,2 km wide at its widest point and up to 190 meters deep. In an historic inn you can enjoy coffee and cake, a lunch or Bavarian sandwiches, depending on the time of the day.
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Fishing in the Königssee has a long tradition. Even 1160 smoked Arctic char from the Königssee were shipped to northern Italy already by Probst Heinrich I in an army camp of emperror Friedrich Barbarossa.  |
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 When the catch is good, Rudolf Amort, traditionally serves the first "Schwarzreiter" on the day of the Feast of the Dedication in St. Bartholomä (end of August) every year. Far beyond the borders of Berchtesgadens, the "Schwarzreiter" are known as a delicacy. Each year they are shipped to special hotels and restaurants, like "Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten", but also to His Royal Higness Prince Luitpold of Bavaria as well to Princess Irmingard of Bavaria. Starting from the St. St. Bartholomä historic inn, a wonderful hiking path leads to the St. Johann and Paul chapel (1620, late gothic style) and then to the famous and beautifully situated "Ice Chapel"(ca. 1,5 h. from St. Bartholomä). At the foot of the east wall of the a Watzmann, melt water created a big hole in the avalanche snow during the summer. Because the arch of ice can collapse at any time, entering the ice chapel is extremely dangerous and therefore prohibited. |
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