70-year-old hiker falls 15 meters on Traunstein – helicopter use!

70-year-old hiker falls 15 meters on Traunstein – helicopter use!

On July 3, 2025, a serious accident occurred on Traunstein in Gmunden, Upper Austria. A 70-year-old German hiker fell while hiking on the Hernlersteig. The incident happened at a height of around 650 meters where the woman lost her balance and fell around 15 meters into a ditch. Her companion immediately alerted the rescue workers, who responded quickly.

The hiker was rescued by rope with the “Martin 3” emergency medical helicopter and transported to the hospital. At this point, the woman's exact injuries are not yet known. The accident is part of a worrying series of incidents recorded in the mountains in recent weeks.

Increasing number of mountain accidents

The last few days have shown a number of serious accidents in the Alps. On July 1, 2025, a German hiker was struck by lightning in the Dolomites and lost consciousness. In addition, two mountaineers went missing not far from the Geraer Hütte on June 30, 2025; they were found dead the next morning. June 29, 2025 was also tragic when a 38-year-old mountaineer had a fatal accident on Dachstein.

These incidents are alarming, especially when you look at the mountain accident statistics from the German Alpine Association (DAV). This shows that hiking accidents are often caused by falls, with 310 such incidents documented in 2021, 17 of which were fatal. Falls without external influences are the most common cause of accidents (60% of all hiking accidents) and show the high risks associated with mountain hikes, especially for older hikers.

Safety measures and risk factors

The DAV mountain accident statistics reveal a 25% decrease in accidents and emergencies in 2021 compared to 2020, indicating increased awareness and safety in mountain sports. However, the risk of falls remains, especially in impassable terrain, as was the case with Traunstein. Climate change could also increase the challenges for mountain hikers by increasing the dangers of falling ice and difficult conditions.

The avalanche of accidents in the Alps and the need to approach mountain sports responsibly are topics that are receiving more and more attention. This applies to both preparation and equipment. Awareness and understanding of these risks can be life-saving at the crucial moment.

The tragedy at Traunstein could be another wake-up call for hikers to be more safety-conscious and aware of the potential dangers on mountain tours. Taking appropriate precautions remains paramount.

For more information on current accidents in the mountains and mountain accident statistics, visit 5 minutes, Alpine and Alpine Club.