In the northern part of the Malta Valley is the impressive Kölnbrein Dam (Kölnbreinsperre), and in its southern part is the town of Gmünd. The valley stretches over 38 kilometers, and you can drive along it on a high panoramic road (Hochalmstrasse) that passes between the mountain peaks along the valley. On the map, it appears that the valley is very close to the Salzburg region and the Gastein Valley, but in fact, a large mountain range separates them, requiring a long drive to get around it.
The valley is famous for the beauty of its surrounding nature and especially for its many waterfalls, which are seen in their full glory, especially after the snow that has accumulated on the mountain peaks throughout the winter melts. The most impressive waterfalls in the valley are the Gößfälle and the Fallbachfall.
Settlement in the valley began back in Roman times, and some of its villages were established as early as the 10th century AD. Today, the central district in the valley is called the Malta district, and it is the second largest in Carinthia. Only about 2,000 residents live in this area, most of them in the lower part of the valley. In the past, the valley’s residents mainly made a living from agriculture, but today the main occupation of the locals is tourism. If you wish to stay in the Malta Valley, you can find a list of recommended accommodations here (service provided by Booking.com).
In this article, we have gathered the most important information about the Malta Valley and its attractions.
- Weather in the Valley
- Recommended Attractions
- Kölnbrein Dam – Malta Dam
- The Waterfalls in the Valley – Fallbach Waterfall and Göß Waterfalls
- Children’s Water Games Park
- Donkey Park
- Map of Recommended Hiking Trails
- Other Attractions in the Area
Weather – Malta Valley
When traveling in the Malta Valley, it is advisable to be prepared for rather cold, but not particularly rainy, weather. The high peaks not only do not help maintain comfortable temperatures in the lower part of the valley but actually contribute to the relatively low temperatures that exist there throughout the year.
In the winter months, temperatures hover around -6 degrees Celsius. In the summer months, temperatures reach 20 degrees on good days. Of course, if you go up to the high peaks, you should take into account that the temperatures will be even lower compared to the center of the valley. In summer, there are more rainy days, and the rainiest month is June, with an average of about 13 rainy days. As in all parts of Austria, the best way to prepare for a trip in terms of weather is to be ready for any scenario. It is important to check the weather on the day you plan to go out and travel in nature. Especially in the summer months, it rains more, and even a sunny day can turn rainy within a few hours. The best way to deal with this situation is to dress in layers – a thin base layer and warmer layers on top (it is recommended to have a good, thick coat that is suitable for rain and wind, gloves, a hat, and a scarf). A handy umbrella in your bag or car is very useful.
You can get updated here on the weather forecast for the coming days in the valley.
If you are not sure about the current weather conditions in the valley, you can watch the cameras that broadcast continuously from different areas throughout the valley.
Before we start detailing the information about the valley, watch the spectacular area for yourself:
Recommended Attractions in the Malta Valley
Throughout the valley, there are several attractions and hiking trails in nature that are worth knowing about. We have gathered here the best places from all corners of the Malta Valley.
Kölnbrein Dam – Malta Dam – The Highest Dam in Austria!
The Kölnbrein Dam (in German: Kölnbreinsperre) is located at an altitude of 1,933 meters above sea level, is 626 meters long, and is about 200 meters high. It was built between 1971 and 1978 and serves as part of the hydroelectric power station of the Verbund power company. Due to the huge height of the dam wall, it is considered the highest in the entire state of Austria – higher than the Kaprun dams.
The dam is located in the northernmost part of the Malta Valley, and to reach it, you must drive on the high road that runs along the valley. The water in the large lake next to the giant dam wall comes from the surrounding mountain peaks and from the Lieser and Möll rivers. The large reservoir holds about 200 million cubic meters of water. The water is powerfully channeled through large tunnels towards the power station, which is located at a height difference of about 1,100 meters down the valley.
Next to the dam, there is a visitor center with explanations on how electricity is generated by water power. There is also a hotel and a restaurant for visitors nearby. Extreme sports lovers can even try bungee jumping from the top of the dam!
If you wish, you can go for a walk on marked trails in the dam area. You can take an easy trail around the lake that lasts several hours or do a more challenging hike to the summit of Hochalmspitze mountain.
The Airwalk Observation Deck
In the center of the dam, a unique and particularly spectacular observation deck has been built. This observation deck is made of glass and hangs right in the air above a 200-meter-deep abyss. From this observation deck, you can look down towards the bottom of the dam and also be impressed by the wonderful view of the impressive mountain peaks.
Watch the wonderful view:
Guided Tour Along the Dam
If you want to learn in-depth about electricity production and the ongoing operation of the dam, you should join a guided tour offered every day during the period when the dam is open to visitors. The tour departs every hour on the hour between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM and lasts about an hour.
- Meeting Point: The souvenir shop in the visitor center next to the dam.
- Cost:
- Adult: €11
- Child (6-15): €7
- Child (up to age 5): Free.
Other Essential Information for Visiting the Kölnbrein Dam
- Opening Hours: The dam is only open during the period when the high road of the valley is open for driving – from May (2.5) until the last week of October (26.10). During this period, the dam is open from Monday to Sunday from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Cost: The visit to the dam itself is free, but you have to pay at the entrance to the high road.
- Cost of driving on the road (daily ticket):
- Motorcycle: €18
- Private car: €24
- Holders of the Carinthia Card can drive on the high road for free. If there are passengers in the car who do not have a discount card, they will have to pay €5.
Address: Kölnbreinsperre, Malta
Map:
The Waterfalls of the Malta Valley
One of the reasons the Malta Valley is a popular destination for nature lovers is that it has at least 5 impressive waterfalls. As already mentioned, the most impressive waterfalls are the Fallbachfall and the Gößfälle, but there are also other, less touristy waterfalls called Hinterer Maralmfall and Schleierfall – Melnikfall. In this section, we will detail the two most impressive waterfalls.
Fallbach Waterfall (Fallbachfall)
This waterfall is considered one of the most impressive in Austria and is the highest among the waterfalls of the state of Carinthia. The waters of the Fallbach River fall powerfully from a height of about 150 meters into the valley. It is very easy to reach, and you can see it from the road. After parking the car in the large parking lot, there is a short and simple walk until you reach its base. If you want to climb to the top of the waterfall, there is a hiking trail that takes about an hour. You can also walk from the waterfall to an ancient Gothic castle built in the Middle Ages called Schloss Dornbach. The most recommended time to visit the waterfalls is in June and July after the snow has melted from the mountain peaks. There is an entrance fee to the waterfall because a water park for children is located next to it.
Address: Fallbachfall, Parkplatz Fallbach Wasserfall Malta
Map:
Göß Waterfalls (Gössfälle)
On the other side of the road that leads to the Fallbach waterfall are the Göß waterfalls. To reach them, you have to walk on a marked path through the forest. The path is beautiful and pleasant, and the Gössbach river flows next to it. In different parts of the trail, you can enjoy beautiful viewpoints of the waterfalls. These waterfalls are smaller than the Fallbach waterfall, but their combination with the surrounding nature is definitely beautiful.
Keep in mind that parts of the trail are quite steep. Not suitable for strollers.
Address: Koschach 7, 9854 Koschach Austria
Map:
Children’s Water Games Park – The Park near the Fallbach Waterfalls
The playground (Wassererlebnis Maltatal) is located right at the foot of the impressive waterfall. This park has a variety of activities for all ages. There are creative workshops, a water-related play area, a walking path with explanatory panels about the area, an observation deck for the waterfalls, and more.
Opening Hours:
- May 1st to September 30th: every day from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- October 1st to October 4th: every day from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (provided the weather is nice).
Cost:
- Adult: €7
- Child over 3 years: €6
- Child under 3 years: Free
- Holders of the Carinthia Card or the Hohe Tauern National Park discount card receive a 30% discount.
Address: Brandstatt 11, 9854 Malta, Austria
Map:
The Panoramic Road along the Malta Valley (Malta Hochalmstrasse)
Although this road is not as popular as the Grossglockner High Alpine Road, it is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the Alps. The winding road stretches for 14.4 kilometers and rises from an altitude of 911 meters to 1900 meters above sea level. During the drive, you pass through 6 natural stone tunnels and can see the most spectacular views.
Road Opening Times for Visitors:
Beginning of May to October 26th. Every day from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Cost of driving on the road (daily ticket):
- Private car – €24.
- Motorcycle – €18.
- Holders of the Carinthia Card can drive on the high road for free. If there are passengers in the car who do not have a discount card, they will have to pay €5.
Address: Malta Hochalmstrasse
Map:
Donkey Park (Eselgestüt Maltatal)
In this park, you can see about 100 animals of various types and also pet most of them. As the park’s name suggests, there are many donkeys in this park that you can pet and also ride. In addition, the park has a playground, a kiosk with drinks and ice cream, and also souvenirs.
Opening Hours:
- From April 12th: every day from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Donkey riding is possible from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
- From May 1st to September 14th: every day from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Donkey riding is possible from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- From September 15th to September 30th: every day from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Donkey riding is possible from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
- October: Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Donkey riding is possible from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. (Please note: in October, the park will be open on Saturdays and Sundays only when the weather is nice).
Costs:
- Adult: €8.
- Child: €7.
- Holders of the Carinthia Card are entitled to a 10% discount. Payment at the counter is possible in cash only.
Address: Malta 55, 9854 Malta
Map:
Recommended Hiking Trails in the Malta Valley
Throughout the valley, there are many trails of varying difficulty levels suitable for all types of hikers. The best way to enjoy the landscape and the wonderful nature is, of course, by walking along the marked valley trails. Since there are so many options, you can see the different trails on the valley’s interactive map and choose the trail that is right for you in terms of difficulty, duration, etc.
Other Attractions in the Malta Valley Area
Near the Malta Valley, there are several other beautiful places that are worth combining if you are staying for a few days in this area. The most recommended are:
- Nockberge Biosphere Reserve (Biosphärenpark Nockberge): The giant Nockberge Biosphere Reserve covers an area of 480 square kilometers and is mostly located in the northern part of the state of Carinthia (part of it is also in the Salzburg region). The reserve area is characterized by high mountains and many hills covered with vast carpets of grass and a variety of tree species. There are also small lakes and many streams flowing throughout the reserve. Many wild animals roam freely in the large open spaces. You can read more information about the reserve in the extensive article we have prepared.
- Nockalmstrasse: This panoramic road passes through the Nockberge Biosphere Reserve. The road stretches for 34 kilometers and is very winding with 52 bends along the way. The road passes between the mountain peaks, and its highest point is the Eisentalhöhe peak at 2,042 meters above sea level. You can read more information about the road in our dedicated article on the reserve.
- Gmünd: In the southern part of the Malta Valley is a beautiful historic town with several nice attractions. In the center of the town, there is an interesting historical museum of the Porsche company, as well as an ancient castle standing on a high hill overlooking the entire town. The well-preserved old town center is an attraction in itself for many visitors who come to the area. For more information on Gmünd.
