In the second part of my presentation of tours around the Carinthian panoramic roads, the Malta Hochalmstraße is on the agenda. The route starts in Gmünd and is therefore only a few kilometers away from the Nockalm Road, which I presented in the first part of this small series
Distance: 245 kilometers
GPX data and download: kurv.gr/wmXgC
Gmünd – well worth a visit
The small medieval town of Gmünd, often referred to as a town of artists, has been offering a special kind of art experience for over 25 years: during the summer months, contemporary and fine art as well as handicrafts dominate the alleyways and squares. However, there is another treat waiting for us motor fans – the Helmut Pfeifhofer Porsche Car Museum. The private collection is small but extremely impressive. Be sure to take a look.
Austria’s highest dam wall
Now let’s get on the bike! The motorcycling fun begins shortly after Gmünd, where the swing into the direction of the toll station awakens anticipation. This is followed by 15 incredible kilometers. Partly blasted into the bare rock, lush with panoramas and views and garnished with unlit tunnels – the necessary respect should be brought along. The reward comes at the end of the cul-de-sac with the emergence of the 200-metre-high Kölnbrein dam, framed by the surrounding mountain giants. A skywalk invites bikers without a fear of heights to enjoy a very special highlight.


Lake Millstätter See
Now we set our sights on Lake Millstätter See. The route above the lake offers fantastic views. A detour to Millstatt should definitely be planned, as the atmosphere on the famous lake is unique. Coffee and cake with a magnificent view of the lake, a walk in the sculpture park – this is the place to be.
The motorcycle routes are in no way inferior and so we head past the secluded Afritzer See lake towards Villach. A short stop here is also worthwhile, including a stroll through the lively pedestrian zone.
Off to the Weißensee
From Villach to Hermagor, you can glide along at a leisurely pace. From Hermagor, a motorcycling dream begins, which provides breathtaking motorcycling terrain via the Kreuzberg to Greifenburg and should only be interrupted by a stop at the charming Weißensee. Situated at an altitude of 930 meters, it is the highest bathing lake in Carinthia. As the lake is located on a cul-de-sac, traffic is kept to a minimum. From Techendorf you can also take the electric boat – it’s well worth it.


Culture stop Spittal
The return journey to the starting point of Gmünd now begins via the Drau Valley. With Spittal and its Porcia Castle in the old town, the route has one more stop for culture vultures. The Renaissance castle in the style of an Italian palazzo will have your cell phone clicking once again.
Finally, we reach our starting point again and a crisp 245 kilometers lie behind us.
The panoramic road ticket
A panoramic road ticket is available from Motorradland Kärnten, which offers a cumulative toll advantage of over 20% compared to the respective individual toll. The five panoramic roads include the Nockalmstraße, the Malta Hochalmstraße, the Großglockner Hochalpenstraße as well as the Villacher Alpenstraße and the Goldeck Panoramastraße, which I will introduce to you in the next Carinthia post.
Photos: Moppetfoto.de, Peter Wahl and Klaus Hinterschuster