Saxon Switzerland mountain rescue reports 83 call-outs in first half of 2026, warns hikers against carelessness
The Bergwacht in Saxon Switzerland responded to 83 emergencies in the first half of 2026, matching last year's figure, with most incidents involving hikers. No fatal climbing accidents have occurred so far this year, unlike 2025.
Emergency call-outs match previous year
The Bergwacht in Saxon Switzerland responded to 83 emergencies in the first half of 2026, exactly the same number as in the same period of 2025. Spokesperson Kai Kranich of the DRK-Bergwacht released the figures on 27 July. While the total remained unchanged, the outcomes differed: no fatal climbing accidents have been recorded so far this year, unlike 2025 when climbers died in the region. The Saxon Switzerland area, a low mountain range on the Czech border, attracts large numbers of hikers and climbers, keeping rescue teams busy throughout the year.
Hiking remains the dominant risk
Hiking continues to generate the most call-outs. In the full year 2025, 99 of the 147 total deployments were linked to hiking incidents. People trip on roots and rocks, fall on steep paths, or suffer cardiovascular problems that may have no direct connection to their hike. The pattern held in early 2026, with stumbling and medical emergencies accounting for most of the 83 interventions. Kranich said that many accidents happen because visitors underestimate the demands of the Mittelgebirge or overestimate their own abilities, leading to unsuitable footwear and reliance on smartphone maps instead of proper navigation tools.
- Hiking
- 99
- Other
- 48
Helicopter rescues climb
Helicopter deployments have risen steadily. The Bergwacht used helicopters 30 times in 2019, a number that grew to 44 in 2025. In February 2026, a helicopter was dispatched after an 18-year-old fell eight metres into a gorge while scrambling on the Affensteinen rocks. The increase reflects both the rugged terrain and growing visitor numbers. Rescue officials expect the upward trend to continue as more people explore remote sections of the national park.
- 2019
- 30
- 2025
- 44
Preparation advice from the Bergwacht
The mountain rescue service emphasises that Saxon Switzerland, though not high alpine, is demanding terrain. Proper preparation includes wearing sturdy hiking boots, carrying a detailed map or reliable GPS device, and honestly assessing one's fitness. Kranich stressed that many incidents could be prevented if hikers took the landscape seriously and planned their routes in advance. The Bergwacht also advises checking weather forecasts and carrying enough water, especially during summer.
Volunteer backbone
The Saxony Bergwacht operates with 386 members, all volunteers. Beyond rescuing injured climbers and hikers, the teams retrieve cyclists from difficult terrain and handle a large number of ski accidents in winter. The organisation's year-round readiness depends entirely on this volunteer force, which trains regularly to respond across the region's varied landscape.
