“Extraordinarily soft and mild water!” That’s how the Augsburger Abendzeitung described the Pfeffersee back in 1868. We are standing at the Pfeffersee, a hidden gem near Chieming.
The Pfeffersee is small but significant. It covers only 2.3 hectares. However, it holds a unique story within its waters.
Look around you. Notice how the Pfeffersee sits just 150 meters from the vast Chiemsee. Yet, its water level is nearly 12 meters higher. This is no ordinary lake.
The Pfeffersee owes its existence to the Ice Age. It formed as a “Toteisloch,” a kettle hole left behind by melting glacial ice. The Krebsbach creek flows nearby. It protected the young lake from being filled with sediment.
In 1868, Wolfgang Milkreitter, a baker in Chieming, saw the Pfeffersee’s potential. He built a bathing hut on its shore. He invited people to enjoy the lake’s therapeutic waters. He advertised in the Augsburger Abendzeitung. The ad highlighted the water’s suitability for cold baths. It also mentioned affordable rooms in nearby inns.
Imagine the scene. Ladies and gentlemen seeking rural tranquility would come to the Pfeffersee. They enjoyed the “wohlthaten,” the benefits of a lake bath. The area was peaceful unlike today.
The advertisement also mentioned fishing opportunities. The Pfeffersee was rich in carp and Waller, a type of catfish. Guests could also enjoy boat trips on both the Pfeffersee and the Chiemsee.
Today, the Pfeffersee is part of a protected landscape and bird sanctuary. While it may not be a designated bathing lake now, its appeal remains. People still come here seeking tranquility. The water is warm and provides an idyllic backdrop.
The Pfeffersee’s mild, warm water is a haven for carp and Waller. Spend a hot summer day here. Find peace in this special place. The Pfeffersee offers a quiet escape. It is a reminder of simpler times.