Fatal mountain accident in Schönau: 62-year-old falls 100 meters

Fatal mountain accident in Schönau: 62-year-old falls 100 meters

On Monday, July 7, 2025, the mountain rescue services in Schönau am Königssee had to record a tragic incident. A 62-year-old hiker from Middle Franconia lost his life in an accident that occurred around 1 p.m. The man and his wife were on the way from the Kärlingerhaus via the Sagerecksteig to the Königssee when he slipped in a steep gully and fell about 100 meters down. The Berchtesgaden mountain rescue service was immediately alerted, but was unable to do anything for the long-suffering hiker who died at the scene of the accident. His wife was brought to safety by the mountain rescue service and the Christoph 14 rescue helicopter.

The operation included a total of eight mountain rescuers from the Berchtesgaden mountain rescue service and three members of the Chiemgau mountain rescue service's crisis intervention service. The Alpine task force of the Piding border police station was responsible for the Alpine accident investigation and the recovery of the body. Such incidents are particularly stressful, not only for those directly affected, but also for the helpers, who often have to deal with time-consuming and emotional missions Chiemgau24 reported.

Common mountain accidents and their causes

In the last few weeks, the Berchtesgaden mountain rescue service has been increasingly challenged. Just recently, a hiker on the Rinnkendlsteig who fell from the Archenkanzel while descending was treated for a head injury. Here, too, first responders and other hikers immediately provided first aid and called rescue at 1:15 p.m. The quick reaction of the mountain rescue service, which deployed again by helicopter, shows how important safety and attention are when hiking (Alpin).

The German Alpine Club (DAV) is observing an increase in accidents, especially during the holiday season and when the weather is nice, because that is when many hikers visit the mountains. A lack of planning and overestimating one's own abilities are often cited as reasons for the accidents. It can easily happen that hikers are not prepared for technical difficulties. As 1und1 highlights, it is usually stumbling, slipping or circulatory problems that lead to a fall.

Men over 50 are particularly often affected, and most accidents occur during hiking, even if it should not be viewed as particularly risky. The mountain rescue service therefore recommends paying attention to your own fitness and the condition of your equipment in order to avoid dangerous situations.

These sad events illustrate how quickly things can happen. Losing a loved one while hiking is a painful experience that deeply shocks not only those affected, but also the community.