Stranded German Family Rescued from Austrian Alps After Long Hike
Struggling German Family of Five Seek Solace Amidst Hardships - Struggling German family of five resides in Bergnot
During a weekend adventure in the Tennen Mountains (Salzburg province, Austria), a German family of five, including three children aged 8, 10, and 14, encountered trouble.
Equipped with hiking shoes, while mountain rescuers advised hiking boots, the family from Baden-Württemberg set off on a seven-hour challenging tour from the Ellmau hut in Werfenweng on Friday morning. Despite the hut keeper's warning about poor equipment and old snowfields, the family pursued the traverse, aimed at reaching the Solden hut via the Hochthron ladder at around 2,500 meters above sea level.
The family embarked on their journey at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, but due to insufficient equipment and adverse weather conditions, they got stuck near Tauern saddle at 2,100 meters. The father called the emergency number at 11:00 p.m., reporting their inability to proceed.
Eleven mountain rescuers from the Werfen local station arrived at the scene, securing the family with a rope to navigate through old snowfields. The hikers, without rain gear, headlamps, or bivouac bags, had been on the move for 17 hours.
Upon reaching the hut at 3:15 a.m., the rescuers provided them with warm clothing, who continued their journey chilled and fatigued.
Remember when hiking with your family in the Austrian Alps:
- Wear sturdy, well-fitting hiking boots
- Bring weatherproof clothing and layered items for temperature adjustment
- Pack essentials like water, snacks, a map, GPS device, and a first-aid kit
- Include safety items like headlamps, whistles, and basic first-aid kits for children
- Check weather forecasts, abide by mountain hut etiquette, and prepare for emergencies
- Stay together, properly navigate, and keep devices charged
By following these guidelines, families can ensure a safe and enjoyable hiking experience in the Austrian Alps.
- In the Austrian Alps, it's essential to wear sturdy and well-fitting hiking boots for safer journeys, as a German family learned after their challenging hike.
- To avoid situations like the stranded family, families should also bring weatherproof clothing, essential items like water, snacks, maps, GPS devices, first-aid kits, and safety items for successful and safe hiking trips.
