Gruner See Park Turns into Lake in Summer

Grüner See, is also called “Green Lake”, is a strange lake in Styria, Austria, near the town of Tragoss, located at the foot of the snow-capped Hochschwab Mountains. In the winter season, green lake is only 1 to 2 meter deep and the surrounding area is available to use as a county park. But as the temperature begins rising in spring/summer, the ice and snow on the mountaintops starts to melt and runs down into the basin of land below. The green lake swells up to overwhelm the whole area including the park. Moreover in the summer season, the lake reaches its extreme depth of around 12 meter and is appealed to look the most majestic site at this time. The green lake supports a variety of fauna such as snails, water fleas, small crabs, fly larvae, and different species of trout. The whole year, visitors enjoy the majestic beauty of green lake, and can leisurely stroll around the picturesque lagoon, enjoying the fabulous landscape from one of the benches set near the water's edge.

Furthermore, the green lake gets its unique green coloring, and the name, from the grass and foliage beneath, and many thanks to the fresh snow melting the ice-cold water is crystal clear. Though, the lake temperature is rather cold at 4 to 8 °C, yet it’s an admired place among divers who can feel the essence of green meadows in the edge zone of the lake chiefly in June when the water is at its highest. The alpine grasses and flowers of the meadow are visible in full bloom under the water. Therefore, you can even see benches, a bridge and walking trails. It is a particular favorite place for hikers; they love to hike at here. Starting July, the lake starts to recede and by winter, the lake is back to its original size and the park is comeback once more to the hikers. Due to heavy load of tourist, that has occurred and expected damage of this sensitive environment, the all watersports activities have been prohibited since 1 January 2016. Swimming, boats and dogs will also be prohibited to limit the pollution of the lake. Hence, the below incredible images show a lake that floods every year, covering everything in the surrounding area.