Overview
- A wall between the public shelter and the locked rescue storeroom at Watzmann-Hocheck was smashed through with force, likely using feet, crampons, a pickaxe or similar tools.
- A climber discovered the damage on October 22 and alerted BRK/Bergwacht Ramsau, and the Grenzpolizeiinspektion Piding is investigating and seeking witnesses at +49 (0) 8651-950-0.
- Strong high-altitude winds prevented helicopter access, delaying both an initial repair and a full police inspection.
- Bergwacht leaders voiced dismay after repeated incidents, estimating the latest damage at €300–€400 and warning the hut’s structure has already suffered.
- The unstaffed refuge inside Nationalpark Berchtesgaden serves only for emergencies on the ridge between Watzmannhaus and Wimbachgrieshütte, and planned bivouacs are prohibited.