Via ferrata drama: 59-year-old falls 15 meters into the depths!

Via ferrata drama: 59-year-old falls 15 meters into the depths!

On June 9, 2025, a serious accident occurred at the Attersee climbing in Steinbach am Attersee, in which a 59-year-old German citizen was injured. The via ferrata is one of the more demanding routes in the region and is classified with a difficulty level of D/E, which requires good condition and climbing experience. The via ferrata extends over more than 1,200 climbing meters to the summit of the Mahdlsgupf in the Höllengebirge.

The man went on the via ferrata on Monday morning, but realized after just a few meters that he was not up to the challenge and decided to reverse. Tragically, when the two safety carabiners were hanging in a technical section, which was only eight meters above the entrance, he slipped onto a smooth rock floor and plunged unsafely about ten to fifteen meters. His companion, who relegated and first aid, reacted immediately.

rescue measures and injuries

Another via ferrata gave the emergency call, which resulted in an immediate rescue operation. The 59-year-old was injured and initially supplied on site. He was then flown to the Klinikum Vöcklabruck with the emergency medical helicopter "Martin 3". His condition was described as serious but stable.

via ferrata, also known as via Ferrate, are becoming increasingly popular in the Alps. These hiking trails secured by steel ropes and steps enable less experienced climbers to conquer steeper terrain. According to a survey by the German Alpine Club (DAV), 41% of those surveyed regularly use via ferrata. In 2017, over 485,000 DAV members went to via ferrata, an increase compared to the 341,000 members in 2009.

via ferrata in the region

In total, there are more than 1,000 via ferrata in the entire Alpine region, of which over 400 can be found in Austria. Via ferratas are particularly common in the Bavarian Alps as well as in other German regions such as Eifel and Saxon Switzerland. The trend goes towards sports climbing climbing, which are consistently insured and often contain spectacular elements such as suspension bridges or cable cars.

The events around the accident on the Attersee via ferrata impressively show how important security precautions and a realistic assessment of one's own skills are to avoid accidents in the mountains. The great popularity of via ferrata also requires more sensitivity to the risks associated with these activities.

The reporting on the incident reminds us to enjoy nature with respect and not to neglect the appropriate preparation if you embark on such adventures. Details about the incident and the subsequent rescue measures are documented in several reports, including Nachrichten .

Further information and backgrounds on climbing climbing presented alpenverein.de .