VERBUND and Hohe Tauern National Park: Experience Nature and Hydropower

Until 14 September, VERBUND and Hohe Tauern National Park have invited all nature and outdoor enthusiasts to undertake hikes in exploration of the Hohe Tauern mountains around the Kölnbrein dam in the Carinthian Malta valley. The hikes are accompanied by national park rangers, who, in addition to explaining the flora and fauna of the region, also provide valuable tips for safe and nature-protecting hikes.

VERBUND and Hohe Tauern National Park are more than just neighbours, but also partners in climate protection. Since the beginning of the summer season, there has been a new offer involving Kölnbrein dam, Austria's highest dam in the Carinthian Malta valley: free guided tours into the Grosselend valley or via panorama route Arlscharte. The starting point for the national park rangers guided tours is Berghotel Malta***; this also goes for participants who are not staying overnight at Kölnbrein dam. Advance registration is only required for groups.

Hikes to Osnabrücker Hut through Grosselend valley

Every Tuesday and Friday, this easy hike in high alpine territory follows the path along Kölnbrein dam in the direction of the valley to Arlboden. From here, it goes on until the junction of Kleinelend valley and south across Kleinelend brook until the end of the reservoir. On the drive in beautiful landscape around the valley plains you finally reach Osnabrücker Hut, located at 2,022 m altitude, from which you gain an incredible view of the valley head and the stupendous setting of Grosselendkees. The duration of the hike is approx. 5 hours (4 hours walking time).

Arlscharte Panorama Path

This hike of medium degree difficulty in high alpine territory takes place every Wednesday and Saturday. It takes you along the banks of Kölnbrein dam up to a memorial, at which the Jägersteig forks off. The Jägersteig is structured as an Alpine flower educational trail up to Jägersteighütte. From here, the path proceeds on steeply across grassy, winding slopes to Arlscharte (2,252 m). From there, going on, you reach the Arlhöhe via a broad ridge (2,326 m), where you can enjoy a splendid view on to the mountain world of the Hohe Tauern mountains. The hike takes approx. 5 hours (3.5 hours walking time)

Safety and preparation when undertaking walking tours in high alpine territory

To help prepare for the hikes mentally and physically, there are free multimedia presentations every Tuesday and Friday at 8 p.m. at the Berghotel Malta***. Experienced national park rangers give the visitors a taste of the adventures to come and provide valuable tips and advice on how to conduct themselves in high alpine territory.

VERBUND and Hohe Tauern National Park partnership

For three years now, VERBUND and Hohe Tauern National Park have been setting an active sign for climate protection in Carinthia, Salzburg and Tyrol with the free and innovative education programme "VERBUND Hohe Tauern National Park Climate School". More than 5,500 students have participated in the excellent, UNESCO acclaimed climate education since its inception – by 2016, 10,000 are expected to attend. By means of summer camps for children and the offer of free guided tours, VERBUND and the National Park seek to intensify their cooperation.