Bavarian mountain rescue gains fame through ARD documentary series

The ARD documentary series ‘In höchster Not – Bergretter im Einsatz’ has brought significant public attention to the Bavarian mountain rescue service (Bergwacht). Following the success of the first season in 2025, the second season has garnered approximately 8 million views, contributing to a total of 18.4 million views across both seasons.

This surge in popularity has resulted in increased engagement for the rescue teams, including fans visiting stations for selfies, receiving gift baskets, monetary donations, and a high volume of job applications. Toni Vogg, the readiness leader of Bergwacht Grainau, noted that the feedback has been ‘gigantic.’ The Bergwacht house in Grainau has even become a minor tourist attraction.

A third season is currently in production and is expected to be released next year. While the rescuers from Ramsau are taking a break from the series, the new season will feature mountain rescuers from Oberstdorf alongside those from Grainau and Bad Reichenhall. The production, handled by Timeline Production for BR, utilizes bodycams and 360-degree helmet cameras to capture rescue operations in extreme conditions.