Fatal crash in Hermagor: Wanderer falls 15 meters into the gorge

Fatal crash in Hermagor: Wanderer falls 15 meters into the gorge

Garnitzenklamm, Hermagor, Österreich - A tragic misfortune overshadowed the idyllic hiking trails of the garnish gorge in the municipality of Hermagor. On Monday, June 9, 2025, a fatal fall occurred there, which cost a 59-year-old German hiker. The man has been on the Kühweger Alm together with a 40-year-old friend since June 7 and enjoyed his one-week vacation in the Carinthian mountains.

The two hikers decided to go into the valley on Monday morning to return to an inn. They started their descent at around 9:30 a.m. Around 10:30 a.m. there was a narrow, slippery climb the serious fall. The 59-year-old fell around 15 meters deep into the stream bed while his friend tried to hold him in, but in vain. The immediately alarmed rescue workers were only able to determine the death of the hiker when the emergency doctor arrived at the scene of the accident with the helicopter "RK 1". The salvage took place with the help of the police helicopter "Libelle Carinthia", which did everything possible to master the difficult situation on site and to recover the accident.

another fatal crash in the region

The accident is not alone, because only a few months ago, on August 23, 2024, there was also a fatal incident in the Garnitzenklamm. A 55-year-old German hiker fell in a steep, rock-enforced area and was missing by his partner. When she went back, she found him seriously injured below the steal. Unfortunately, the attempts at resuscitation by the woman and the emergency doctor of the ARA 3 rescue helicopter remained unsuccessful, and the hiker succumbed to his serious injuries at the scene of the accident. In this case, too, the fall was due for an unknown cause, and the man fell about 25 meters.

These tragic events in the yarn ranges throw a light on the dangers that lurk when hiking in alpine regions. Again and again it shows how important it is to keep an eye on your own limits and the weather conditions. Hikers are called up, well prepared and go into the mountains with a guards. Security should always be the top priority, especially with increasing accidents in recent years.

The challenges of the mountains

mountain hikes are extremely popular in Carinthia, but the risk of accidents should not be underestimated. The dramatic events of the past few months make it clear that even experienced hikers can get into difficult situations. The combination of steep paths, slippery surfaces and changing weather conditions can quickly become a danger. The mountain rescues are well trained and do a great job, but each individual must take responsibility for themselves and their security seriously.