Fatal crash in Garnitzenklamm: Hiker dies while descending

Fatal crash in Garnitzenklamm: Hiker dies while descending

On June 9, 2025, a tragic accident occurred in the Garnitzenklamm in the municipality of Hermagor in which a 59-year-old German hiker died. He had been vacationing at the Kühweger Alm with a 40-year-old friend since June 7th and was planning to stop at a nearby inn on Monday morning around 9:30 a.m. The fatal fall occurred on the way into the valley at around 10:30 a.m.

The 59-year-old stepped onto a narrow, slippery path and fell around 15 meters into the stream bed below. His companion tried in vain to hold him. Despite immediate help from rescue workers who arrived with the “RK 1” emergency medical helicopter, only the hiker’s death could be determined. The casualty was then rescued using a rope by the “Libelle Kärnten” police helicopter.

Acute dangers in alpine terrain

Such accidents are not uncommon, as documented by the Austrian Board of Alpine Safety (ÖKAS). Every year, over 8,000 alpine accidents are recorded in an anonymized database, which ensures a comprehensive overview of the dangers and risks in mountain sports. The data collected includes both fatal accidents and those where third-party negligence is suspected.

Accident statistics have developed into an important tool for analyzing trends in mountain sports and play a key role in prevention work. Incidents in which the Alpine police are involved are recorded; the mountain sports disciplines are divided into classic winter and summer disciplines as well as non-mountain sports disciplines. About a third of those involved in an accident can either get help themselves or are rescued uninjured.

Dealing with accidents in the Alps

With regard to the fatal accident in the Garnitzenklamm, the tragedy of the situation is unmistakable for those left behind. While some accidents like this are shockingly common, the statistics collected also point to the importance of safety measures when hiking and mountaineering. For example, the use of appropriate equipment and awareness of the dangers of alpine trails are crucial.

Accident data has been collected since the 2005/06 season, and the database is of enormous importance not only for accident research, but also for clarification and ultimately for increasing safety in the Alpine region. Careful analysis and evaluation of the information collected could help prevent similar accidents in the future.

For further information about the background of accident statistics and their importance in the context of alpine accidents, please refer to the reports from Click Carinthia, ORF Carinthia as well as the statements of the Austrian Board of Trustees for Alpine Safety.