Vandalism at the Watzmann: Mountain rescue hut more damaged than expected!

Vandalism at the Watzmann: Mountain rescue hut more damaged than expected!

A sad reality is revealed at Watzmann-Hocheck: the damage to the mountain rescue hut is greater than initially assumed. How Antenna.de reports, the Bavarian Red Cross speaks of a “pure and senseless desire for destruction”. Behind this act of vandalism are unknown perpetrators who have already violated the hut several times.

The most recent incident occurred on October 22, 2025, when a mountaineer discovered the massive damage and immediately alerted emergency services. The renovation of the hut, which always serves as a safe retreat and material depot for the mountain rescue service, is now expected to cost several thousand euros. In this context, standby manager Michael Renner expressed his anger about the “massive wanton violence”. He and his volunteers have doubts about the future of this important facility.

Damage and its consequences

The mountain rescue hut is located on the 2,651 meter high Hocheck summit in the Berchtesgaden National Park and can only be reached on foot or by helicopter. It has saved lives in the past, but now it is suffering from repeated vandalism. The latest damage being investigated by police includes not only the breaking of doors and the breaking of windows, but also the destruction of wooden structures, causing significant secondary damage. Snow and rain penetrated the shelter and damaged the wooden wall, while the padlock to the material depot was forced open.

There are also reports of similar incidents in the past: in October a hole was discovered in a partition wall, and in June a broken door had to be repaired. The estimate for repair costs for current and past damage is 300 to 400 euros, but the actual amount is clearly higher due to the recent incident.

A cry for help to the public

“We need the support of the community,” says Renner, concerned. The police have so far no information about the perpetrators, but are asking the public for help. Information about suspicious activities or people can be reported by calling +49 (0) 8651-950-0. Given the situation, the continued existence of the hut could be at risk if the vandalism does not finally stop.

In view of the repeated attacks on this protected site, the question arises as to how long the mountain rescue volunteers can maintain their commitment to the hut, which is in need of restoration. The more often such destruction occurs, the darker the future of the mountain rescue hut at Watzmann-Hocheck becomes.

A call for a respectful treatment of nature and the lifesavers that volunteers have dedicatedly set up could be necessary here in order to preserve this important facility and prevent further vandalism. After all, such places not only serve as protection, but also as support in emergency situations.