German hiker falls 300 meters to his death on a high-altitude trail in South Tyrol

Sequence of events in the Senges valley

Mountain rescue teams were alerted and dispatched to the scene. Despite immediate assistance, only the man's death could be confirmed. His body was recovered and his next of kin were notified, according to the authorities.

The region around Pretz Peak and the Senges valley is known for extensive high-altitude hikes along partly high-alpine paths. The Pfunderer High Trail is considered a demanding tour among mountain hikers, with long and partly exposed sections.

Region and trail

The responsible authority will investigate the exact sequence of events leading to the fall. In the mountainous area between the Wipptal and the Pfunderer Valley, hiking accidents occur repeatedly, sometimes with fatal outcomes.

South Tyrolean rescue services and the mountain rescue service have stressed for years how important gear adapted to the weather and terrain, as well as careful tour planning, are. Surefootedness and alpine experience are also essential on sections such as the Pfunderer High Trail.

Investigation into the cause of the accident

No official statement from the Austrian or German authorities on the incident was initially available. However, a statement was expected in the coming days, according to sources in the region.

The German Press Agency (dpa) also picked up the case and classified it as a nationally relevant accident.

The Pfunderer High Trail leads over several stages through the valley of the same name and further south. Along its route, hikers pass not only Pretz Peak but also alpine pastures such as the Simile-Mahd-Alm. The authorities did not want to provide more precise information at the time of the report on which stage the fall occurred.

Mountaineering accidents in South Tyrol

Mountain rescue and the Carabinieri secured the accident site, and evidence was documented. Third-party involvement is unlikely based on initial findings. The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing.

The case is part of a series of fatal mountaineering accidents that have occupied South Tyrol this summer. At the beginning of July, a hiker died in a fall in the Dolomites area.

Reactions from those close to the victim

Relatives and friends of the deceased were deeply shaken, according to information from those close to them. The funeral is currently being prepared in the man's hometown.