Mountain drama on Wendelstein: 70-year-old rescued after collapse!

Mountain drama on Wendelstein: 70-year-old rescued after collapse!

On October 13, 2025, there was a complex rescue operation at Wendelstein that offered both dramatic and heroic moments. In the early hours of the day, the Leitzachtal mountain rescue service received the first alarm about an injured hiker who had injured her ankle. This had already been taken care of by the Bayrischzell mountain rescue service and then handed over to the land rescue service at the Sudelfeld Pass. But that was just the beginning of a far-reaching operation that ultimately involved several rescue workers and a crisis intervention team, as Merkur reports.

The second alarm didn't take long to arrive: a 70-year-old man collapsed nearby and urgently needed help. First responders immediately provided resuscitation, while at the same time a rescue helicopter was requested from Langkampfen in Tyrol. Unfortunately, thick fog meant that the helicopter was initially unable to land. But the team was lucky in misfortune when the helicopter found a “window” with blue sky and the emergency doctor could be dispatched to make the most of the valuable time.

The rescue operation

With the use of a defibrillator from the solar observatory, the patient's condition was stabilized. In the meantime, the relatives were looked after by the crisis intervention team. Transporting the patient to the mountain station proved to be particularly logistically challenging; They resorted to using the observatory's elevator and guiding the patient through a network of tunnels to safety. A special gondola trip to the Osterhofen valley station was organized and the helicopter was ready to pick up the patient for transport to the hospital in Rosenheim.

The mountain rescue service also had a third mission: They were looking for a missing dog between the Kesselalm and the Breitenstein summit. With a foot search by seven mountain rescuers and the use of drones, the dog was finally found around 6 p.m. and handed over to its owner.

Warm clothing is a must

These incidents are reminiscent of the mountain rescue teams' recent operations in the region. For example, an 83-year-old man who needed help due to exhaustion and hypothermia was rescued at Nebelhorn. This operation took place on October 2nd and once again brought the mountain rescue service's warnings into focus. This had already warned parents and hikers months ago that the mountain summer was over and that there was snow at altitudes of around 1,400 meters. Many huts have already closed, it's getting dark earlier and the temperatures are dropping quickly. It is advisable to plan tours wisely and to take additional layers of warmth, as Allgäuer Zeitung states.

It is obvious that the mountain rescue service plays a significant role with its operations in autumn, both to save human lives and to draw attention to the dangers in the mountains. Stay alert and well prepared on your hikes!