Malta Hochalmstrasse
Hors Catégorie17 km
Distance
1156 m
Elevation Gain
6.8%
Average Gradient
15%
Max Gradient
A Giro d'Italia summit finish in 2021 that introduced the wider cycling world to one of Austria's finest hidden climbs. The Malta Hochalmstrasse rises from the village of Malta in the Liesertal valley to the Kölnbreinsperre dam at 1,900m — a vast concrete arch dam holding back the highest reservoir in Austria. The 17km averages 6.8% with sustained sections at 12-15% that punish any rider attempting to rush the middle section. The scenery transitions from forest to sheer rock canyon and finally to the dramatic artificial landscape of the reservoir plateau. In the 2021 Giro stage, Egan Bernal sealed his overall victory on these roads.
Pro Tip
The road to the dam is technically a private access road but is open to cyclists throughout summer. The gradient is sustained and unrelenting — the only brief respites come from the gallery tunnels that punctuate the upper section. Carry enough water from Malta since there are no reliable sources on the climb. The dam at the top is genuinely impressive at close quarters.