Malta Valley

(Local Name: Maltatal) The Maltatal (Malta valley), which runs northwestwards from Gmünd, is one of the most beautiful valleys in Austria, with a number of waterfalls on the Malta and its tributary streams. The village of Malta has a 14th-15th C. church and a museum displaying rural furniture and local crafts. The public road ends at Falleralm, some 14km/9mi from Gmünd; from there the 18km/11mi Malta- Hochalm-Strasse (tolls payable) and footpaths continue up the valley by way of the Gmünder Hütte (1,185m/3,888ft) to the new artificial lakes in the Ankogel group (see especially the Kölnbrein reservoir, one of the biggest dams in Austria). The Malta Valley Nature Reserve contains a rich selection of mountain animal life.

The Malta valley is worth seeing not only for its scenery but also for a great technological achievement, the large hydroelectric station fed by several artificial lakes. Over 30 waterfalls and numerous gorges accompany the river, especially in its upper reaches near the Blauer Tumpf, where the 50m/165ft Hochalmbach and the 20m/66ft Malta plunge down the hillsides.