Published29 August 2024, 20:55
Zugspitze: Birkenstock hiker outrages mountain guide
A video of a man in Birkenstock sandals on the Zugspitze goes viral. A debate has erupted on social media about the risks of inadequate preparation.
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A climber in Birkenstocks tries to scale the Zugspitze: This video causes criticism on social media.
Instagram/mountainguide4you
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A video shows a man trying to climb the Zugspitze in Birkenstock sandals.
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The clip was viewed over 1.5 million times in five days and shows the problem of inadequately equipped mountaineers.
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Reactions are divided: some criticize the lack of preparation, others urge calm.
“Today the specialists were out and about again” – the comment by Austrian mountain guide Christian Hessing could not be more ironic.
The owner of a mountain school in Steinberg am Rofan shared a video on his social media accounts showing a young man in Birkenstock sandals trying to climb the summit of the Zugspitze. Hessing commented in the background: “It’s really cool how people are out and about. Nothing surprises you anymore.”
Divided reactions to the video
The clip has been viewed over 1.5 million times in the last five days. The Zugspitze attracts over half a million people every year, many of whom try to reach Germany’s highest point at 2,962 meters. But they are often not properly equipped. Tourists in particular, attracted by the view and the possibility of a perfect Instagram selfie, attempt the climb with unsuitable footwear.
Wearing light footwear: climbers on their way to the summit of the Zugspitze.
Instagram/Mountainguide4you
Reactions to the video are divided. In the more than 1,400 comments on Instagram, some urge calm, while others criticize the lack of preparation and the risk to their own safety. “And then scream when the paramedics don’t get there in time…” commented one person. “Full coverage mentality at its finest,” said another.
“Some people climb better in sandals than others in full Decathlon gear. I wouldn’t do it or recommend it, but there’s no need to hate it either,” reassures one user.
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