The Green Lake (Gruener See) in Austria

The Green Lake in Tragöß, also known as the Grüner See, is one of the most beautiful natural sites in Styria and has also become an extremely popular excursion destination in Austria in recent years. Situated at the foot of the imposing Hochschwab Mountains, between high mountains and deep forests, the Green Lake, both in summer and winter, is an absolute highlight for nature lovers. The special thing about this hidden gem are the almost kitschy turquoise blue water colors, which together with the mountain landscape conjure up a spectacular backdrop. During a hike around the Green Lake, you will certainly experience Styria from one of its most beautiful sides! A real highlight that you should not miss on any visit.

In this travel guide, we give you all the important information and tips about the Green Lake in Austria. In addition, we show you amazing pictures, the most beautiful places to visit, and plenty of info about planning your excursions.

Green Lake (Austria)

General Information about Green Lake

The Green Lake is located in Styria in Austria, about 80 kilometers from the provincial capital of Graz. This natural gem belongs to the community of Tragöß-Sankt Kathrein and is beautifully nestled between the imposing Pribitz, Trenchtling and Messnerin mountains. The special feature is the crystal-clear, emerald-green water, which comes from the minerals in the snowmelt in spring. It is also interesting to note that the water level varies greatly throughout the year. In fall and winter, the Green Lake is only 1–2 meters deep, and in some years it can disappear completely. The best time to visit Green Lake is from spring to summer. Depending on how snowy the winter was, the water level peaks between 8 and 11 meters!

With only 4 to 6 °C, the lake is freezing cold even in summer. However, it is not suitable for refreshment, as diving and swimming in the Green Lake has not been allowed for several years in order to protect nature. However, you should definitely go for a walk around the lake. The 1-hour circular walk starting from the parking lot is especially recommended. There are plenty of places to take wonderful pictures, rest on the benches, and have a picnic. You can always enjoy a breathtaking view of the enchanting landscape. The Gasthaus Seehof, a famous restaurant which spoils its guests with regional delicacies, will take care of your physical well-being on site.

Green Lake Austria in Winter

Highlights of the Green Lake in Austria

No matter is spring, summer, autumn or winter, a trip to the Green Lake is worthwhile in every season! In 2014, this natural spot was even voted the most beautiful hidden place in Austria. If you are planning a trip to Green Lake, we have compiled the most beautiful impressions and impressions for you here:

Green Lake in Summer

As soon as winter is over and the temperatures rise again in April, the lake fills with meltwater. The color of the mountain lake seems even more turquoise than usual, which is due to the lime dust in the water. An almost kitschy natural scenery awakens and attracts visitors from all over the world to admire the dreamlike play of colors and the green landscape. Locals often refer to their Green Lake as the “Caribbean of Styria” – and truly, the water colors here are absolutely magical! Around the lake there are beautiful places to take a breather and let nature take its toll on you during a romantic picnic. It’s worth taking a look at the lake because when the water level is high, it miraculously makes some hiking trails, bridges and benches even disappear into the water.

Green Lake in Austria

Green Lake in Austria

Green Lake in Austria

Green Lake in Winter

In winter, tranquility returns to Green Lake. The picturesque region turns into a dreamlike, snow-covered, barren and clear winter landscape. The tourists tend to stay away then, and it becomes really romantic and idyllic. The mixture of icy air, the silence and the crystal clear turquoise water creates a unique ambience. With a little luck, you have the whole lake to yourself. Due to the low water level, you can easily walk around the lake even in winter. A beautiful cross-country ski trail starts at the parking lot of the Green Lake. Equipment can be rented on the spot in the small hut. The 14.5-kilometer trail runs through an impressive landscape and even passes the nearby Pfarrerlacke for a short distance.

Green Lake Austria – Winter

Green Lake Austria – Winter

Green Lake Austria – Winter

Hikes in the region of the Green Lake

You can perfectly combine a trip to Green Lake with a hike in the surrounding mountains! In the region you will find numerous great walks, hiking trails and mountain tours. Here are a few of the most beautiful ones:

Grüner See Circular Trail: The 1-hour circular trail leads from the parking lot about 1 kilometer to the lake, passing smaller lakes such as the Pfarrerlacke and the Kreuzteich. Then it goes another kilometer once around the lake, and back to the parking lot.

Hike to the Sonnschienalm: The most famous tour in this area is the hike to the Sonnschienalm. The best way is to go by car in the direction of Jassing. From there you start the ascent via the Russenstraße, which takes about 1.5 hours and can also be easily managed with kids.

Edelweißboden: A real insider tip is the 3-hour hike to the Edelweißboden at Trenchtling. From the end of June to the end of July you can marvel at the blooming of thousands of edelweiss flowers, a truly enchanting natural spectacle.

Getting to Green Lake & Parking

Getting to Green Lake is relatively easy. The best way to get there is by car or rental car. Unfortunately, public buses to Tragöss run infrequently. There are plenty of parking spaces on site and parking costs around 6 euros per day and can be paid for directly at the machine. The nearest larger towns are Bruck an der Mur, around 35 minutes away, and Leoben, around 50 minutes away. Many also take a trip to Grüner See from Graz, 80 kilometers away, or from Vienna, around 173 kilometers away.

Where to Stay near the Green Lake

In Tragöß and the surrounding area, you will find some wonderful options for where to stay. Most of them are privately run apartments or small family-run guesthouses. If you would like to stay a few days in this region, we have put together our recommendations for great accommodations near Grüner See…It’s worth a look!

• Nice Pension: The Haus Bergblick is a lovely vacation rental just 3 kilometers from the lake. Guests love the hospitality, the delicious breakfast and the central location!
• Vacation Apartment: The HAUS RUSSOLD in a relaxed atmosphere offers a pretty vacation apartment in beautiful surroundings. The facilities and cleanliness are also excellent.
• Wellness Hotel: If you want to combine your trip to the Green Lake with wellness, we recommend the beautiful Asia Hotel & Spa in Leoben.

Find the best accommodation near Green Lake:

 
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Read more about Austria:

• Hallstatt, Austria | Best Attractions & Places to Visit

• Zell am See, Austria: 15 Amazing Things to Do!

• Wolfgangsee, Austria: Mountain, Culture & Lake Experience

• 20 Amazing Things to Do in Salzburg (Austria)

• Top 15 Amazing Things To Do in Vienna

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