Hiking Around Grüner See (Green Lake), Austria

Finding a beautiful lake in Austria it’s not hard since there are dozens! But not all of them have an amazing turquoise color like Grüner See (Green Lake), also known as the Caribbean of the Alps. Hiking around Grüner See (Green Lake) and spending some leisure time on a blanket at the waterfront grant the perfect getaway for every nature lover.

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Facts about Grüner See (Green Lake)

Grüner See in Tragöss is one of the most beautiful nature places in Styria, Austria. During the early months, the lake gets filled up with water that melts from the Hochschwab Mountains and can reach a depth of up to 10 meters.

At this time of the year, the color of the lake is changing into a gorgeous turquoise color, so that’s the reason why so many visitors choose to visit this natural beauty.

In summer, the water level begins slowly to sink, and by autumn, it’s considerably low. In winter, the water almost disappears.

The authorities were afraid that due to the high number of swimmers and divers, the lake’s striking color would turn into a cloudy brown color. They were also afraid that flora and fauna would be affected, so, swimming and diving are forbidden since 2016.

Flower Path & Grüner See(Green Lake) Walk – 10 km – 3 hours 30 minutes

Hiking around Green Lake (Grüner See) should be on everyone’s list traveling to this part of Austria. While most people prefer to walk around the lake, I encourage you to take your time and go on a hike through the forest before heading to the lake.

There are many trail options in the area, so finding one it’s an easy task. We chose an easy route before heading to the lake and spending some time on a blanket in the sun.

Flower Path – 2 Hours

Highest Point: 1, 345m

First thing, find a parking place near the starting point of the trail, just after you exit Tragöss Oberort. If you can’t find any, leave the car at the Festsaal parking area, only a 5-minute walk from where the trail begins.

Follow trail nr. 844, in Messnerin direction. The first part of the hike is steep but manageable, through a pine forest. You’ll reach a viewpoint with lovely views over Tragöss.

Note: If you visit the area during April and Mai, you will see many Lilies of the Valley flowers. The smell is incredible, making the hike more delightful. But if you come during June and July, you will discover many Edelweiss flowers, the tiny rare white flowers which grow in the high Alps only. Remember, the Edelweiss flowers are protected, so don’t pick them up.

Stay on the path, and in one hour, you will reach a junction, going to a hedge from where you can see the Green Lake. At this slight elevation, you’ll have a different perspective on photography as well. From here, you simply walk through the forest until you reach Grüner See (Green Lake).

Grüner See Walk – 1 Hour

Highest Point: 793 m

A stroll around the lake takes around one hour, depending on how many times you stop. Although the surrounding mountains are imposing, the lake itself is pretty small. Being easily accessible during the spring and summer months, the area attracts many visitors; therefore, it gets crowded. But the water is so clear, and the landscape is stunning, so it’s all worth the effort of coming here.

Pfarrerteich & Kreuzteich

On the way to the parking lot, you will find two small idyllic ponds Pfarrerteich and Kreuzteich.

Make a little detour and walk around them. There are plenty of benches to sit on, so take a break and have a picnic.

The area is quieter than Grüner See so you’ll have better chances to find a place just for yourselves.

Messnerin Hike – 8 Kilometers – 5 Hours

Highest Point: 1,836m

Follow the same steps from the Flowers Path and hike until you reach the junction with Messnerin. From here, you’ll have another two hours to reach Messnerin Peak and two more hours to reach Green Lake.

Things to Know Before Hiking around Grüner See

Entrance: FREE, no opening hours.

The best way to come to Tragöss is by car.

Parking: 4 EUR, 4.5USD / day.

TIP: Leave your car at the Festsaal parking lot, in the middle of Tragöss. It’s free of charge and it takes no more than 10 minutes to reach Green Lake.

Zenz Campingplace offers camping facilities if you choose to camp in Tragöss.

At Seehof Restaurant you can serve a delicious traditional lunch.