Seasons
Being on the sunny southern side of the Alps and at an altitude of 846 metres (that’s about the top of the mountains in the Lake District!) we enjoy long hot summers (temperatures generally reliable at between high 20′s and low 30′s centigrade) and winters designed for skiing and other winter sports. Springs are crisp and clear, autumns are warm and colourful – there is really no time that is not a good time to visit!
Summer
“Life is sunny in the South”
Malta in the summer is an outdoor activity paradise. The village is surrounded by clearly marked walking and cycling paths to suit all tastes and abilities, from those wanting a gentle stroll through picturesque scenery to the dedicated hill walker; from the family cycle trip to off-road mountain biking – there’s something here for everyone.
You can climb, go riding, swim in the local lido or one of Carinthia’s thermal lakes (26° in summer!) or go fishing in the rivers and lakes.
For golfers there are 7 courses in 3 countries within an hour’s drive and for motorcyclists some of the best motorcycling roads in Europe are just a few minutes’ ride away ( just ask John or any of our previous biker guests!).
Make sure you travel up the valley on the spectacular Malta-Hochalmstrasse where there are at least 16 waterfalls to see. Then visit the Kölnbrein Dam there – a lovely spot and a great feat of engineering at 1902 metres!
Sightseers will find plenty to see and do – close by is the lovely little walled town of Gmünd, home to the Porsche Museum; the whole of Carinthia abounds with castles, churches and other beautiful architecture to admire and there are many tourist attractions for old and young to enjoy.
The ‘National Park Kärnten Card‘ – a local discount scheme offering reduced prices, or often free access to a wide range of attractions, free to all guests between May and September.
If it’s peace and quiet and time to relax you are looking for, then Malta can offer that too. Be it in our own quiet garden, beside the pretty River Malta or one of the numerous waterfalls or on the shores of the Millstatt Lake, you’ll find plenty of places to take that book that you have been dying to read…
Spring and Autumn
For some reason known as the ‘low’ season, spring and autumn months can often be the most inviting. Tourists are less in evidence obviously so the roads and footpaths are quieter and the attractions less crowded. Weather-wise spring can be a bit unpredictable, but warm days certainly outweigh the wetter ones and autumn is definitely the most stable time of the year with temperatures on the mountain being about the same as in the valleys – usually in the low twenties until the end of October/early November. For walkers and bikers it is a perfect time to visit, when you can really take advantage of everything Carinthia has to offer. And culturally it is a great time to see, hear and enjoy the music, art and drama that is so beloved of the Carinthian people.
Winter
“Walking in a Winter Wonderland”
If you prefer your landscape sunny and white, then Carinthia is also for you. There are 3 ski resorts very close to Malta, (Katschberg, Innerkrems and Goldeck).
Badkleinkirchheim (BKK to the initiated) is only 45 minutes drive; slightly further away is Nassfeld, the largest resort in Carinthia. All the resorts offer equipment hire and lessons.
If you prefer snowboarding or cross country skiing – no problem. Families are well catered for and the local children can testify to the fact that the earlier you start the easier it is to learn!
But don’t think skiing and snowboarding is where it stops. The Malta valley is a leading centre for ice climbing, hosting regular competitions which also make a great spectator sport.
You can also try tobogganing, snow-shoeing, Nordic walking, winter riding or even ice tennis. And for the keen hiker, the walking in winter can be spectacular.
If winter sports is something you have always fancied but have never been brave enough to try, or something you haven’t done for years, now’s your chance! We will help you plan your holiday to ensure you get the best opportunities to learn new skills and practice dormant ones.
Tell us when you want to come and what you would like to try. We can help arrange equipment hire and transport to and from the resorts and lessons with an English speaking instructor – all as a special package for a one off fee.
“Have a morning lesson, lunch in one of the many wonderful mountain restaurants and cafés and then spend your afternoon practising your new found expertise“…
Christmas and New Year
Christmas is a magical time in Austria and we want all our guests to have the best time possible.
Ski resorts are open all through the holidays, so in between a traditional Austrian Christmas Eve celebration, an Anglo-Austrian Christmas Day dinner and New Year’s Eve Party Night and Buffet, you will have plenty of time to get out on the slopes. And what about a romantic sleigh ride through the beautiful winter wonderland?…
