Grüner See Tragöß
A magical alpine lake in Styria, Austria, famous for its vibrant emerald waters that transform into an underwater world in spring.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak water levels, vibrant green
Grüner See Tragöß
Best Time
Peak water levels, vibrant green
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A magical alpine lake in Styria, Austria, famous for its vibrant emerald waters that transform into an underwater world in spring.
"The color of the lake is incredibly green or blue, depends on the sunlight."
🎯 Best Months: Oct & June
October and June are recommended for the best water levels and vibrant green colors .
🚗 Drive for Scenery
Driving offers a scenic route and flexibility. Parking is often available near the Seehof restaurant .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Emerald Waters
The lake itself
Witness the breathtaking, vibrant green hues of the lake, a result of snowmelt and surrounding foliage.
Submerged Trails and Meadows
Underwater landscape
In spring, explore a unique world where hiking paths and meadows are transformed into an underwater spectacle.
Scenic Hiking Paths
Surrounding trails
Enjoy leisurely walks around the lake, offering stunning mountain and forest vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for the Green Lake
Know Before You Go: Swimming & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Best Months: Oct & June
October and June are recommended for the best water levels and vibrant green colors.
🚗 Drive for Scenery
Driving offers a scenic route and flexibility. Parking is often available near the Seehof restaurant.
🚫 No Swimming Allowed
Swimming and diving are prohibited to preserve the lake's natural beauty.
📸 Capture the Green
The lake's color changes with sunlight; bring your camera for stunning photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Best Months: Oct & June
October and June are recommended for the best water levels and vibrant green colors.
🚗 Drive for Scenery
Driving offers a scenic route and flexibility. Parking is often available near the Seehof restaurant.
🚫 No Swimming Allowed
Swimming and diving are prohibited to preserve the lake's natural beauty.
📸 Capture the Green
The lake's color changes with sunlight; bring your camera for stunning photos.
🚶♀️ Easy to Walk Around
Paths are generally easy to navigate, even with a stroller, though some effort may be required.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Grüner See's stunning, almost surreal emerald waters and the unique experience of the submerged landscape in spring. The natural beauty and surrounding mountain scenery are consistently praised, making it a highly recommended destination for its visual appeal and peaceful atmosphere. However, some note that the lake's charm diminishes significantly as water levels drop in late summer.
"Fifty shades of green in one lake. Easy to go around even with stroller (strong calves and arms mandatory if you decide to take stroller there). Mountains and lakes combos are so relaxing, this one’s worth visiting and when you’re around, stop by to see hike opportunities nearby, camping site or just visit the lake and restaurant nearby."
Tomáš Németh
"It is an amazing place, very easy to walk around. Not far from the parking lot. The colour of the lake is increadebly green or blue, dependes on the sunlight. The water level was pretty shallow this time of the year."
zsuzsa darab
"Time of visit: May 2025
The location is amazing. Doesn’t matter the quantity of water, the nature, the mountains around don’t fail to amaze us. The way to reach are through bus & private cars. I chose bus and the route is also scenic. 10/10 recommended"
NITISH KUMAR
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Grüner See is accessible by car and public transport. The drive from Graz is about 1 hour, and from Vienna, it's around 3 hours.
The bus route is also scenic.
Yes, parking is often available near the Seehof restaurant, and it can be free if you dine there.
Yes, you can reach Grüner See by bus, which offers a scenic journey.
Grüner See is approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour away from Graz, depending on traffic.
Many visitors recommend driving for the scenic route and flexibility. Public transport is also an option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the entrance to Grüner See itself is free.
As there is no entrance fee, advance booking is not required for general access to the lake area.
Grüner See is a natural attraction and is generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. However, water levels vary seasonally.
No, swimming and diving have been prohibited since 2016 to protect the lake's ecosystem.
The main restriction is that swimming and diving are not allowed. Visitors are encouraged to stay on marked paths.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can walk around the lake, enjoy the stunning views, have a picnic, and explore nearby hiking opportunities.
The paths around the lake are generally easy to walk, and some visitors have managed with strollers, though it might require effort.
The lake is most impressive in late spring and early summer (May-July) when snowmelt fills it to its highest levels.
A leisurely walk around the lake can take about 30-60 minutes, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos.
Restroom facilities are typically available near the Seehof restaurant and parking area.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for capturing the lake's vibrant green colors, which can change with the sun's angle.
Expect stunning shots of emerald-green water, surrounding mountains, lush forests, and the unique submerged landscape in spring.
A good quality smartphone camera is usually sufficient, but a DSLR or mirrorless camera will allow for more creative control over lighting and depth of field.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in the area.
The viewpoints along the walking paths offer the best perspectives. Look for areas where the water is clearest and the reflections are strongest.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Seasonal Magic of Grüner See
However, as summer progresses and temperatures rise, the snowmelt diminishes, causing the lake's water level to recede significantly. By late summer, much of the 'underwater' world becomes visible again, and the lake can appear much smaller and less dramatic.
Navigating Grüner See: Access and Activities
Once at the lake, the experience is centered around appreciating its natural beauty. While swimming and diving were once popular, they are now prohibited to protect the fragile ecosystem.
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