Lost hikers rescued in Hainich National Park after T-Mobile call saves them

Nightfall trapped two hikers deep in a German forest—until a single phone call turned panic into relief. Here's how technology became their lifeline.

, and Administrator

2026 March 9 . 9:02 AM

1 min read

The image shows a group of people walking down a trail in the woods, surrounded by trees, hills,... — The image shows a group of people walking down a trail in the woods, surrounded by trees, hills, and a clear blue sky. Some of the people are carrying bags, suggesting they are on a hike.

Two Women Get Lost in National Park Hainich - Lost hikers rescued in Hainich National Park after T-Mobile call saves them

Two women, aged 60 and 71, were safely rescued after getting lost in Hainich National Park. The pair had set out for a hike but found themselves stranded as night began to fall. Their rescue relied on quick thinking and modern technology to pinpoint their location.

The women had wandered deep into dense undergrowth, far from any marked paths. As darkness approached, they realised they were disoriented and unable to find their way back. The 60-year-old used her t-mobile phone to make an emergency call, giving rescuers a vital signal to track.

Police officers from the Unstrut-Hainich Inspectorate responded swiftly. They traced the phone's signal and located the women before a drone unit from Bad Langensalza fire department could even deploy. The search ended successfully, with both hikers found unharmed.

The rescue highlights how mobile technology can play a crucial role in emergencies. The women were found in good health, despite being far off-trail. Authorities have not reported any further details about the incident.