Thrill-seeking hikers disregard their own safety in the Harz mountains - "Pursuing the Adrenaline Rush"
The Harz Mountain Rescue Service, the northernmost mountain rescue service in Germany and part of the German Red Cross, has been busy this year, attending to a total of 44 incidents. The Harz region, known for its picturesque landscapes and popular among hiking enthusiasts, has seen a high number of incidents that have put the rescue teams at risk.
The Harz Mountain Rescue Service consists of ten groups, with five in Saxony-Anhalt and five in Lower Saxony. The service has had to employ a winch for air rescue from rough terrain, a testament to the challenging outdoor activities the region offers, such as hiking on extensive trails, cycling, and even ziplining and bungee jumping.
The service's spokesman, Matthes Kirmann, finds the number of incidents a cause for concern. He particularly emphasises the importance of hikers being careful to avoid accidents, especially given the inherent risks associated with the activities.
One such incident involved a climber who survived with serious injuries after falling about ten meters at the Großer Feuerstein near Wernigerode in mid-April. Another tragic incident occurred at the Gelber Brink mountain pass in June, where a mountain biker without a helmet died from injuries.
In an incident that could have ended more seriously, a supervisor and six children aged 12 and 13 had to be guided along a slope out of a gorge at night, secured with ropes, due to losing their way.
The Harz Mountain Rescue Service also has a specialised "Cave Rescue" group, active nationwide, to handle incidents in old mining areas. In Saxony-Anhalt, there are main groups in Thale and Wernigerode, and a supporting one in Halberstadt.
Despite the challenges, the Harz region continues to offer diverse, adventurous, and beautiful nature. To ensure safety, hikers, climbers, and cyclists are advised to follow local regulations, heed weather warnings, use designated trails and routes, avoid risky behavior, and prepare adequately with proper equipment and knowledge of the terrain.
The service regularly trains for winch rescues with the pilot and involved personnel to ensure they are prepared for any situation. The training is crucial, given the rugged terrain and the increasing number of incidents in the region.
Sources:
- Harz Tourism Website
- Baumannshöhle Dripstone Cave Website
- Regenstein Castle Ruins Website
- German Press Agency (DPA) interview with Matthes Kirmann, spokesman for the Harz Mountain Rescue Service.
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