Lost Backpack Found After 60 Years in Austrian Glacier

In a remarkable twist of fate, an 86-year-old mountaineer has been reunited with a backpack and climbing gear he lost over six decades ago in Austria's Sulztalferner glacier. The items were discovered by a hiker in July, emerging from the melting ice that has been slowly revealing hidden treasures.

The mountaineer lost his belongings in 1963 after falling into a crevasse while traversing the glacier with friends. To lighten his load during the rescue, he discarded his backpack into the crevice, not knowing it would remain buried for decades.

Thanks to documents found inside the weathered backpack, Austrian police were able to track the man down and return the items to his family, as he was too unwell to collect them himself. His son accepted the belongings on his father's behalf, marking a poignant reunion with a piece of history.

This discovery not only highlights the personal story of the mountaineer but also serves as a stark reminder of the rapid changes occurring in Alpine glaciers, which continue to reveal artifacts from both recent and ancient history.

Source: www.getaway.co.za