Gruner See, Styria: A Park That Turns Into a Lake in Summer
Grüner See, literally “Green Lake”, is a lake in Styria,
Austria, near the town of Tragoss, located at the foot of the
snow-capped Hochschwab mountains. During winter, the lake is only 1–2
meter deep and the surrounding area is used as a county park. It is a
particular favourite site for hikers. But as the temperature starts
rising in spring, the ice and snow on the mountaintops begins to melt
and runs down into the basin of land below. The lake swells up to engulf
the entire area including the park. During summer, the lake reaches its
maximum depth of around 12 meter and is claimed to look the most
beautiful at this time.
The lake gets its distinctive green
colouring, and the name, from the grass and foliage beneath, and thanks
to the fresh snow melt, the ice-cold water is crystal clear clear. The
temperature of the lake is rather cold at 4 to 8 °C, yet it’s popular
among divers who can observe the green meadows in the edge zone of the
lake particularly 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. One can even see benches, a bridge and walking trails.
Starting
July, the lake starts to recede and by winter, the lake is back to its
original size and the park is returned once more to the hikers.
