Malta High Alpine Road Kölnbrein Dam Experience in Carinthia

The Malta High Alpine Road is one of Carinthia’s most beautiful Alpine routes and leads you up to one of the most impressive structures in the country: the Kölnbrein Dam, which stands at a height of 1,902 metres. Austria’s tallest dam with its beautiful Kölnbrein Reservoir is one of Carinthia’s most popular tourist destinations.

Once you have reached the destination, you will find the impressive Kölnbrein Dam with its Airwalk viewing platform, the VERBUND Energy World Malta exhibition, an information point with a souvenir shop, and the Berghotel Malta with its panoramic Hochalm restaurant. The Kölnbrein Dam car park is the ideal starting point for many hiking routes and mountain tours in the region.

We are open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from 10th May until 27th October.

Dear guests, your safety is our top priority! Please note that the start of the season may be temporarily postponed due to weather or avalanches. Especially in May and October, we recommend that you check the current conditions at our destination before your arrival.

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Location & Arrival

Two traffic lights at the narrowest points of the Malta High Alpine Road ensure a smooth and safe flow of traffic.

Tip: The first traffic light is located directly by the impressive Maralmbachfall. The maximum waiting time is 22 minutes. Take advantage of this time to experience the spectacular waterfall up close. A waiting time indicator on site shows you exactly when the green phase starts, so you won’t miss a thing!

The waiting time at the second light is much shorter. While you wait, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Kölnbrein Dam and the picturesque Galgenbichl Reservoir – the perfect place for unforgettable photos!

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Daily visitors

during the 2024 season

Metres

elevation at the Kölnbrein Dam

Kilometres

of Alpine road

Metre-high

Dam

Impressions from Malta

Austria’s tallest dam is located at a height of 1,902 m: the Kölnbrein Dam. Even the journey itself is a little adventure: an adventurous trip along the 14.4-kilometre Malta High Alpine Road, marked by rock tunnels and hairpin bends, up to the turquoise-blue reservoirs. A special feature on the Kölnbrein Dam is the Berghotel Malta. It not only serves as the perfect starting point for exploring around the Kölnbrein, but offers culinary highlights from the region and impresses with a unique panorama.

Malta high alpine road

The 14.4-kilometre-long Alpine Road runs through rock tunnels and sweeps past thundering waterfalls up to the Kölnbrein Dam. The journey to the popular destination alone is a unique and impressive experience.

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We are looking from the access road towards the Kölnbrensperre dam. The dam wall can be seen in the background on the left-hand side of the picture. The sky is blue and the mountains are still slightly green at this altitude.

Exhibitions and guided tours

At 200 m high and 626 m wide, the Kölnbrein Dam is Austria’s largest dam. In our exhibition, you can learn more about the history of the dam’s construction. Or would you rather go to new heights? Then enjoy the unparalleled view from the observation platform or take part in a guided tour of the dam.

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We look into an exhibition room in the Energy Worlds Malta. We see white walls with pictures. An additional white cube can be seen on the right-hand side of the picture, which also serves as an exhibition space.

The Kölnbrein Dam

An unforgettable adventure for the whole family awaits you in the middle of Hohe Tauern National Park. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of VERBUND and experience fascinating insights into electricity generation and the harmonious combination of nature and technology. The magnificent high mountain backdrop invites you to hike to your heart’s content, past quaint huts and picturesque landscapes. For climbing enthusiasts, the family-friendly "Damm High" practice via ferrata offers a safe yet exciting experience. An adventure trail with special views and interactive stations attracts young and old alike. A perfect destination for active families and nature lovers!

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Several vintage cars are driving up an Alpine road to a dam.

Berghotel Malta

The Berghotel Malta offers culinary delights with its panoramic restaurant, Hochalm. Enjoy the unparalleled view of one of the most beautiful spots in Carinthia, Or stay overnight in the middle of Hohe Tauern National Park.

Go to Berghotel Malta

We look down on the Berghotel Malta and its kiosk with its large panoramic terrace.

Group offers

Tour groups and schools are welcome at our destination. Take a guided tour of Austria’s tallest dam, the Kölnbrein Dam, or treat yourself to culinary delights in our panoramic restaurant.

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5 buses are parked in a car park with a view of a reservoir.

Motorcycle Blessing

Every year, in early July, bikers from across Austria meet on Austria’s tallest dam to collect have their motorcycle blessed for the season. Come along!

Go to motorcycle blessing

We see 4 motorcyclists on the access road to the Kölnbrein dam. In the background we see the dam wall. The winter is marvellous.

Bungee jumping

Once a year, daring bungee jumpers are permitted to take the 165-metre plunge off Austria’s tallest dam during the now legendary Bungee Jumping Weekend.

Go to bungee jumping

We are looking at the dam wall in Malta from far above. The reservoir on the right-hand side of the picture is a marvellous turquoise colour. On the dam wall is the crane from which those interested can plunge into the depths via a bungee rope.

Hiking, climbing and exploring

Hiking in the Hohe Tauern National Park is a true delight. Whether you're planning a gentle hike along the Kölnbrein Reservoir, a nice day trip to one of the three-thousand-metre peaks in the national park, or a challenging tour of the Hochalmspitze, there is something for everyone in Malta.

Set off now

On the left-hand side of the picture, we see a climber standing on the mountainside. He is looking backwards to the right towards the Malta mountain hotel. You can also see the reservoir and the mountains.

Enjoy a cosy bite to eat – huts in Malta

Numerous huts invite guests to linger and enjoy the surroundings of the Kölnbrein Reservoir. Whether you're craving local cuisine on the sunny terrace of Berghotel Malta, the quaint Osnabrücker Hut, the alpine Kattowitzer or Osnabrücker Hut, or the Kölnbreinstüberl: Embark on a tour of discovery in the Hohe Tauern National Park.

Go to the huts

A picturesque mountain hut with red and white painted shutters looks out over an Alpine valley.

We see a panoramic view of the Kölnbrein dam in Malta. The airwalk peaks out on the left. In the middle is the reservoir. On the right, we see another dam wall.

Kölnbrein Dam photo point

Did you use our photo point on site? Download your holiday photo now.

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Prices for the Malta High Alpine Road

Car/campervan*

Car day ticket: €24
Campervan: €32
Three-week ticket: €44
Season ticket: € 115
Kärnten Card holders: Free
Passengers without Kärnten Card: €6

*Important information for mobile home travellers: Please note that camping is strictly prohibited both along the entire Malta High Alpine Road and at the campervan car park at the Kölnbrein Dam. Thank you for your understanding and consideration!

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Motorcycles

Day ticket: €18
Three-week ticket: €44
Kärnten Card holders: Free
Passengers without Kärnten Card: €6

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On-demand bus to the Kölnbrein Dam

Reach the Kölnbrein Dam by public transport: from 8th July to 8th September 2024 inclusive, you can travel to the Kölnbrein Dam by on-demand bus.

Information on this offer from Kärntner Linien & Bacher Reisen can be found here at Kölnbrein Dam on-demand bus.

Buses & groups*

Day ticket per adult: €8
- From max. 40 people per bus: €320
Day ticket per child (6–15 years): €6
- From max. 40 people per bus: €240
- Kärnten Card holders: Free

Group combo offers / Toll fees & lunch at Berghotel Malta

Day ticket per adult		Price
Toll fees & lunch	Two-course menu at the Berghotel Malta	€30
Toll fees & lunch	Three-course menu at the Berghotel Malta	€33

From groups of 40 people and up, the package price per person is also reduced.

You can find detailed information about our group offers here!

* Tour group: The group includes at least 15 paying visitors. From this number onwards, the respective package, including all services, is free for the bus driver & guide ! The group offer is only valid for bus tour groups. Individual journeys by car are not considered to be a group.

Dam tours

Admission per adult: €11
Kärnten Card holders: €9
Admission per child from 6 to 15 years: €7
Kärnten Card holders (child): €6
Children up to 5 years: Free

Guided tours of the dam wall take place at regular intervals every day. Please register by calling +43 (0) 50 313 39 129 or +43 (0) 50 313 39 131.

Three visitors walk over a dam wall. We can see the reservoir on the right. The sun is shining.

Discounts & vouchers

Collaboration partners: Use the discounted pre-sale tickets that you can buy from our cooperation partners, such as Motorradland Kärnten, Municipality of Malta Guest Card.

Kärnten Card: The Kärnten Card allows you to use the Malta High Alpine Road for free. Passengers without a Kärnten Card pay €6 per person. As a bonus, dam tours are discounted for Kärnten Card holders.

Overnight stay: If you stay at the Berghotel Malta, or at huts and inns along the Malta High Alpine Road, you will also receive discounts. Please make sure to check with your host in advance. Subsequent refunds are not possible.

Gift vouchers: Give a gift voucher for a visit to the Malta High Alpine Road and Kölnbrein Dam or for an overnight stay at the Berghotel. Browse our vouchers and give the gift of a unique mountain experience.