Maltatal hiking and climbing paradise

The high-alpine landscape around the Kölnbrein reservoir has plenty to offer nature-lovers and mountain sports enthusiasts. Hiking and climbing while enjoying the breathtaking landscape on the boundary of the Hohe Tauern National Park.

Hiking and discovering

Hiking in the Upper Tauern National Park is truly a treat. No matter whether it's an easy hike along the Kölnbrein reservoir, a nice day-long tour on one of the three thousand metre mountains in the National Park or a challenging tour to the Hochalmspitze, there is sure to be something for everyone. Depending on the season and the time of day, a variety of animals and plants can be admired and observed in the Upper Tauern mountains.

The parking lot near the Kölnbreinsperre dam is the ideal starting point for many hikes and mountain tours. It's always worth stopping and standing still on the various hiking routes, in order to take a closer look or to listen carefully. Patience is often rewarded with wonderful discoveries.

Hiking tips:

Use sturdy footwear.
Always take some provisions with you on your hikes, especially enough to drink.
Do not leave the marked hiking trails.
Keep an eye on the weather; conditions can often change very rapidly in the high mountains.
Plan your route carefully in advance.

Maltatal climbers’ paradise

The Maltatal valley is one of the most beautiful climbing areas in Austria. Sports climbing, alpine climbing, bouldering, via ferratas – everyone gets their money’s worth here.

Climbing activities can be enjoyed from Fallbach via ferrata at Carinthia’s highest waterfall in the valley along the Malta High Alpine Road up to an elevation of over 2,000 metres above sea level.

Maltatal climbing area

"Damm High" via ferrata

The via ferrata "Damm High" is situated in front of the impressive backdrop of Austria’s highest dam.
The via ferrata has a total rope length of 200 metres and several short practice training routes and children’s climbing routes.
If you wish, you can rent a via ferrata set in the Berghotel Malta. (limited availability)

Information on the Damm High via ferrata

Ski tours in the realm of the Tauern Queen

The mountain slopes around the Kölnbrein dam are a ski tour paradise par excellence for every alpinist. The Berghotel Malta is the ideal starting point for tours of varying degrees of difficulty at around 2,000 metres above sea level. Depending on snow conditions, the ski touring season runs from the beginning to the end of May.

Guided ski tours