Thrill-seeking hikers in Harz casually gamble with their lives for the thrill of it - "Daring the odds"
The Harz mountain rescue service in Saxony-Anhalt has been busy this year, with 44 rescue missions called upon in the first half of 2022. This northernmost mountain rescue service in Germany, belonging to the German Red Cross, is spread across three locations: Thale, Wernigerode, and Halberstadt.
The Harz, a popular destination for thousands of hikers each year due to its varied and beautiful nature, has not been without its share of perils. Not every hiking tour goes smoothly, with falls, accidents in rough terrain, and hikers taking unnecessary risks being common.
The service in Wernigerode responded to 27 missions, while Thale handled 17. Three of these missions required an air rescue by winch from rough terrain, with the support of a police helicopter. One such incident occurred in mid-April, when a climber fell about ten meters at the Großer Feuerstein near Wernigerode, resulting in heavy injuries.
Kirmann, a supervisor from the Harz mountain rescue service, expressed concern about the carelessness of people regarding the weather and the increasing number of spontaneous hikers, climbers, and cyclists who are unprepared and put themselves and the rescue forces at risk. This concern was underscored by a fatality in the Harz mountain pass Gelber Brink in June involving a mountain biker without a helmet.
The cave rescue group in the Harz mountain rescue service is specialized in old mining and is reportedly active throughout Germany. Winch rescues in the Harz are regularly trained with the pilot and participating forces to ensure the safety of all involved.
Despite the challenges, the Harz mountain rescue service remains dedicated to its mission. Around 120 men and women are involved in the service, with 46 of them actively on duty. The youth group for recruiting new members currently consists of twelve members.
It is important for hikers in the Harz to exercise caution, as there are dangerous traps. Hikers are advised to be prepared, informed about the weather, and equipped with the necessary safety gear. For accurate and detailed data on rescue operations in the area, it is best to contact the Harz mountain rescue service or local authorities directly.
- The Harz mountain rescue service has responded to numerous incidents this year, including accidents during hiking tours, such as the falls and climbers taking risks in rough terrain.
- The growing number of spontaneous hikers, climbers, and cyclists without proper preparation and disregard for weather conditions have raised concerns within the Harz mountain rescue service, as evidenced by the fatal mountain biking accident in June.
