This spectacular location in Austria is a perfect example of how nature can surprise us with amazing phenomena.
Austria’s best-kept secret is visible only for two months a year. Boasting transparent turquoise waters, this lake is the number one destination of all diving enthusiasts. Emerging only once a year around May, this unique lake disappears towards the end of June.
A visit to the scenic park of Tragöss
The densely vegetated park is located in Tragöss, in the region of Styria in southern Austria, not far from the Austrian Alps and about two hours away from Vienna.
Like all of the big parks of northern Europe, Tragöss boasts an abundance of trees, flower beds and paths, benches and bridges, which create a beautiful landscape that can be enjoyed all year round. At a stone’s throw from the park there is also a lake of a maximum depth of three metres, which creates a purely idyllic scenery. The lush park is one of the area’s best-known spots for excursions and endless hikes, as there are signed routes that lead up to the mountain pastures.
When summer is near, the entire park along with its paths, bridges and benches disappears under the water and the famous Green Lake emerges in its place; a most impressive landscape that looks like it’s been drawn by the hand of the most talented painter.
A rare natural phenomenon
The Green Lake (Grüner See) got its name from the emerald colour of its water which is due to the lush backdrop of the surrounding forests: the water is extremely clear and the green landscape is almost perfectly reflected in the lake.
To understand this rare phenomenon, one has to look up towards the nearby Hochschwab range. With the first warm days of spring the ice and snow on the mountain peaks begin to melt. The water flows towards the valley and into the small lake of the park. The water quantity is so great that the water gradually covers the entire surface of the park. Thus, a large lake is formed, covering more than 3,000 square metres and reaching a depth of 12 metres. The ice cold water running down the mountain ranges is crystal clear; so much so, actually, that even at the deepest point of the lake visibility is up to 40 metres. Fish swim around wooden benches, the bottom is covered with grass, and the trees, paths and bridges create a “surreal” water environment.
Due to its unique process of formation, the Green Lake has nothing of the murky and muddy bottom of natural lakes, making it an extremely popular diving destination. However, due to the surge in tourist visits, marine activities such as diving, swimming and boating have been banned altogether.
However, it is worth noting that the entire area is a hiker’s paradise. Travellers to Tragöss can enjoy the fresh air and the calm, the endless forests and beautiful pastures, the picturesque mountain meadows adorned with colourful alpine flowers and, of course, the unique mountain lake with the crystal clear water. The nearest village is the small community of Tragöss which in the summer is the starting point for many hiking trails.
