After a Serious Fall: 29-Year-Old German Dies Following a Hike in the Picos de Europa

Tragic accident on the Ruta del Cares

Late Tuesday afternoon, around 18:25, a serious accident occurred on the well-known hiking route Ruta del Cares in the Picos de Europa. A 29-year-old German woman reportedly fell several dozen meters into a steep gorge and was rescued with serious injuries. The rescue teams airlifted the victim by helicopter to a hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries the following day.

What happened on site

Witnesses report that a large rock struck the woman on the head before she fell into the depths. Two companions and a park ranger are said to have descended into the gorge to secure her and prevent her from entering the mountain stream below. Such scenes stay with you: the narrow cliff paths, the scent of pine needles, and then sudden silence, interrupted by screams and the clatter of rescue sirens.

On site, mountain rescue units and the Guardia Civil were in operation – including presumably GREIM teams, who routinely work in this terrain. A rescue helicopter airlifted the woman from the inaccessible terrain; medical measures at the scene were extensive according to authorities.

Recurring incidents on the same route

The Ruta del Cares is one of the best-known but also most demanding routes in the Cantabrian Mountains. The Asturian section had only partially reopened at the end of August after parts had been closed due to wildfires. Accidents there are unfortunately not new: In September last year, a German mountaineer in the same area died from falling rocks.

Whether the deceased was traveling as a tourist or lived in Spain has not been officially confirmed. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, speaking with companions and securing traces at the accident site. For many who know the gorge, this is a bitter reminder: Even on popular trails the mountains can be unpredictable.

Our thoughts are with the relatives and friends of the deceased. For anyone heading into the mountains soon: please heed warning signs, avoid risky spots at dusk, and do not tackle challenging sections without an experienced guide.