Malta Hochalmstraße (Special Toll)

The Malta Hochalmstraße is one of Austria's most impressive panoramic roads, stretching around 14.4 kilometres through the Maltatal valley in Carinthia. It offers not only a spectacular ascent into the high alpine mountain world, but is also an important access point for hikers, climbers and nature lovers. Along the route you can expect numerous waterfalls, impressive rock formations and diverse outdoor opportunities. The road leads up to the imposing Kölnbrein Dam, Austria's highest dam wall, which is also the highlight of the route.

The Malta Hochalmstraße can be driven by car, motorbike, motorhome and bus, making it ideal for day trips and nature experiences.

Opening hours of the Malta Hochalmstraße

Seasonal opening hours

The Malta Hochalmstraße is not open all year round:

• Main season: May to October (open up to the Kölnbrein Dam)

• Winter season: November to end of April

During the winter months (November to April), the road is toll-free as far as the Lackenkopfwand, after which it is closed for safety reasons. Even though the road is partially passable in winter, you should definitely travel with winter equipment (winter tyres & snow chains), as icy patches occur frequently. The toll exemption applies exclusively to the winter season. During the high season from May to October, a special toll fee is charged.

Special toll: What does that mean?

The Malta Hochalmstraße is a special toll route. This means that using it incurs an additional fee, independent of the Austrian vignette or the distance-based toll. Payment is made directly at the toll stations on site.

Prices for the usage fee (special toll)

The amount of the toll depends on the type of vehicle and type of ticket. Prices differ, for example, between motorbikes, cars, motorhomes and buses. As the prices for the regular daily toll rates can change and vary depending on the category, we recommend checking the current rates on the Malta Hochalmstraße website.

Generally applies: With the day ticket you can drive along the Malta Hochalmstraße several times a day. Please note that a subsequent refund of toll fees is not possible. In addition, buses over 3.85m in height and 13.50m in length require registration and vehicle escort.

The KärntenCard as an alternative

With the KärntenCard (as a seasonal or weekly card), the Malta Hochalmstraße can be used free of charge. An additional amount per person is charged for passengers without a KärntenCard. The KärntenCard grants you free access to over 100 excursion destinations in Austria and can be particularly worthwhile if you want to explore many different highlights of the country. Detailed information about the KärntenCard can be found on the corresponding website (including benefits, prices, etc.).

Highlights & experiences along the route

The best recommendations

The Malta Hochalmstraße offers far more than just a beautiful drive. It is a real experience for active holidaymakers and offers you unforgettable adventures.

• Kölnbrein Dam & Skywalk: The absolute highlight of the route is the 200-metre-high Kölnbrein Dam. The Skywalk offers a spectacular view and is a popular photo spot.

• Hiking & experiencing nature: Numerous hiking trails start directly along the road, including the Osnabrücker Hütte, Kattowitzer Hütte and Villacher Hütte; natural highlights such as the Melnik Waterfall or the Blauer Tumpf are also popular destinations.

• Climbing in the Maltatal: The Maltatal is considered a real eldorado for climbers. Many climbing areas can be reached directly via the Hochalmstraße – from beginner routes to demanding alpine routes.

• Dam wall tours (fee required): A special experience is the guided tours through the interior of the Kölnbrein Dam from May to October (high season: June to September). The tours last around one hour and start from the Berghotel Malta. Remember to bring warm clothing and sturdy footwear, as it can be very cool inside the dam wall.

Further important tips for your trip

The Malta Hochalmstraße is a particularly popular excursion destination during the main season. Therefore, allow enough time and take possible waiting times into account. It is also advisable to check the current weather conditions in advance, as these can change quickly in alpine regions and may influence your travel plans.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

The Malta Hochalmstraße combines impressive nature, technical masterpieces and diverse leisure opportunities. It is therefore a real highlight for any trip to Austria. Important: To travel via Austria's motorways, you will also need a digital vignette. You can purchase this quickly and easily from us. This way, you'll be perfectly prepared to start your adventure. If you have any further questions about tolls in Austria, our support team is available at any time via email.