Overview

• Of 83 Bergwacht deployments in Saxon Switzerland this year, 25 arose from climbing mishaps, a notable increase over previous seasons.
• Saxony’s mountain rescue teams handled 591 missions in the first half of 2025, matching elevated national trends.
• Officials link many incidents to poor preparation, self-overestimation and a gap between indoor climbing skills and outdoor demands.
• The volunteer Bergwacht in Saxony fields 386 trained personnel across 19 units and estimates two-thirds of rescues could be avoided.
• Authorities warn that summer storm patterns and the upcoming October high season may drive further incidents among unprepared visitors.