Austrian climber dies in fall in southern Germany

An Austrian climber died after falling in the Berchtesgaden Alps in southern Germany, police said on Saturday.

The 59-year-old had been attempting the "Alte Westwand" climbing route on the Hoher Göll alone, according to police. It was initially unclear why he fell after completing the route near the Austrian border.

Other climbers who were in the mountains independently discovered the man and alerted emergency services. Rescuers were only able to confirm his death.

The body was recovered with the help of mountain rescue teams and a police helicopter. Police said the man was considered an experienced mountaineer.

An alpine police officer from the specialist mountain unit is leading the investigation into the accident.