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Mountain Rescue Service Saves Hikers Who Planned Route via TikTok

The Hinterstein Mountain Rescue Service, part of Bad Hindelang in the Oberallgäu region, rescued several overwhelmed hikers over the weekend.

Two were on their way to the Schrecksee lake, and two others were heading for the Hochvogel peak.

Route Planning via TikTok

The first incident occurred on Saturday evening when two young adults called the emergency number. They were on their way to the Schrecksee but found themselves unable to proceed or retreat on steep, snow-covered terrain at around 2,000 meters. According to the Mountain Rescue Service, they had chosen this demanding route in the Allgäu Alps via the “Jubiläumsweg” but were “completely inadequately equipped and inexperienced.”

Because dusk was already falling, a helicopter capable of night flying was requested. The two were eventually winched aboard and flown to the valley. The Mountain Rescue Service reported that the hikers cited the social media platform TikTok as their source of information for planning the hike.

Rescue from 2,300 Meters on the Way to Hochvogel

On Sunday, the Mountain Rescue Service rescued two 16-year-olds from approximately 2,300 meters at the “Kalten Winkel” on the route to the Hochvogel peak. According to rescuers, these hikers were well-equipped and experienced in the mountains. Due to the increasingly challenging conditions, they decided to turn back. However, they no longer felt confident attempting the descent down a steep slope. They were also rescued using a helicopter. All hikers remained uninjured.

Mountain Rescue Service Warns of Wintry Conditions

The Hinterstein Mountain Rescue Service warns that deep winter conditions already prevail from about 1,600 meters upwards. Such demanding tours should therefore only be undertaken by experienced mountaineers. “We strongly recommend obtaining information about the conditions from reliable sources to avoid such risky and costly operations,” the Mountain Rescue Service further stated, adding that those rescued must bear the costs themselves if they do not have specific insurance for such incidents.

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Daniel Tat

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