Hiking group triggers mountain rescue mission - overnight on the summit!

Hiking group triggers mountain rescue mission - overnight on the summit!

During the night of Thursday, June 23, 2025, there was an unexpected mountain rescue operation in the Schliersee area, which was triggered by a five-person hiking group. These young men intended to spend the night on the Brecherspitz, which is legally permitted. But their flashing flashlights caused confusion and alerted an attentive Neuhaus resident, who discovered the lights around 11:30 p.m. and initially interpreted them as cries for help. Out of concern, she called the police, who then immediately informed the mountain rescue service. As the Mercury reported, a mountain rescuer was immediately dispatched on foot over the Obere Firstalm and a special drone was launched in Neuhaus.

After a 45-minute climb, the mountain rescuer determined that the hikers were fine. The group was simply looking for their belongings. But a thermal imaging camera on the drone showed that the young men had lit a campfire, which is a serious source of danger in the area, especially in the current drought. The mountain rescue team was able to put out the fire in time and point out to the group that lighting a fire in the mountain forest is strictly prohibited. As the Allgäu newspaper added, the mountain rescue service issued a warning to the hiking group and explained the risks of open fires.

It's better to be safe than sorry

The sun had already set and darkness had taken hold of the area when the mountain rescuers finally found the men after their “emergency call”. Fortunately, no human life was in danger, which did not hinder the mountain rescue team's response. A mountain rescuer reached the valley around an hour and a half later after the danger had been averted. This shows how important it is to always be careful in the mountains and to avoid possible misunderstandings, as the prudent decisions of the mountain rescue service prove. The spokesman for the Schliersee mountain rescue service, Lenz Haberle, said that the hikers were not blamed for their flashlights - it was more likely a chain of unfortunate circumstances that led to rescue workers being alerted.

Since a forest fire raged near Bayrischzell in March that was triggered by similar circumstances, the topic of fire protection in the mountains is currently very popular. The balance between enjoying nature and safety regulations remains an important issue for future hikers that should not be underestimated.

The five hikers were ultimately able to spend the night on their planned summit, which certainly seemed like a bit of an adventure after all the excitement. They don't expect any further punishment for the fire and can still enjoy the night they so longed for.