Drama on the Zugspitze: Two alpinists were in mortal danger!

Drama on the Zugspitze: Two alpinists were in mortal danger!

Wiener Neustädter Hütte, 6632 Ehrwald, Österreich - On June 9, 2025, two alpinists found themselves in a critical situation at the Zugspitze. A group of five, including two German mountaineers, had risen from the Eibsee to Zugspitze (2,962 meters) on Sunday morning. During the descent, two members of the group separated from the others. The 34-year-old got into trouble when he lost his way near the Vienna Neustädter Hütte (2,212 meters) and landed on an overhang at 9:00 p.m. Without a cell phone, he tried in vain to call help.

at 10:20 p.m. his calls for help were heard by two hikers, who immediately alerted the emergency services. The second mountaineer, 39 years old, had similar problems and also lost the way near the hut. He put an emergency call around 11:30 p.m. and was able to send his coordinates to the head of the Ehrwald mountain rescue. He too was very hypothermic and soaked, arrived as rescue workers.

rescue actions on the Zugspitze

mountain rescuers climbed over a steep gravel channel on the Bayernsteig to reach the 34-year-old. With the help of rope, drilling hook and a cordless boring hammer, several rescuers overcovered the 60 meter high steep wall. The climb lasted about an hour, and the 34-year-old was secured around 4:30 a.m. and recovered in the morning at 5:50 a.m. Finally, all mountain rescuers and the 34-year-old arrived at the mountain rescue home of the Ehrwald mountain rescue home at around 7:00 a.m.

This rescue operation reflects a recurring pattern that can be observed in the mountains. On the same day, other tragic incidents occurred in the Alps. A woman died in an alpine bustle in Andiast, Graubünden, after being overrun by cows. In addition, on Monte Biaena there was a fatal fall of a well -known Italian climber, Cristian Brenna, on June 3, 2025. German mountaineers also came in the Tennengebirge in Bergnot, which is why the mountain rescue had to go out at night.

accidents on the Großglockner

The danger in the mountains is omnipresent, as an incident on the Großglockner illustrates. Here, a 54-year-old alpinist from East Tyrol crashed at around 5 a.m. 200 meters after he had caught his crampons. The case occurred on the normal way, which is considered demanding. His tour partner, a 58-year-old, relegated and alerted the rescue workers. The mountain guide present immediately provided primary care. The injured man was flown to the hospital in Lienz by helicopter.

The emergency services emphasize that the routes on the Großglockner are only suitable for experienced and strong mountaineers. On good weather weekends, high operation and longer waiting times can be expected, which can also increase the danger situation. Sufficient mountain and high-speed equipment is essential to be safe on the road, and yet the risk in the Alps always remains present.

While these incidents illustrate the dangers of mountaineering, the reputation of the mountains remains unbroken. But whether when climbing to the Zugspitze or when climbing the Großglockner, nature demands respect and caution from its guests.