My introduction to Austria happened by chance — and turned into a true love. The Alpine landscapes, silence, and powerful energy of nature completely changed my plans. For more than ten years, I have explored Austria dozens of times: on foot, by bicycle, and even from the air — discovering routes for travelers of all ages and travel styles. Today I help people experience the real Austria and create personalized itineraries that make each journey deeper, more comfortable, and more inspiring. Let Austria become your next unforgettable destination!
Green Lake
Hidden in the heart of Styria, near the village of Tragöß, Grüner See (Green Lake) is one of Austria’s most unique natural wonders. Each spring, melting snow from the Hochschwab Mountains fills the valley, submerging trees, benches, and meadows beneath up to 12 meters of crystal-clear emerald water. By autumn, the lake recedes and the landscape returns to grassland – as if nature pressed a yearly reset button.
The lake’s vivid color comes from sunlight reflecting off limestone and vegetation, creating a surreal “underwater park.”
Grüner See: Key Information
Address:
Tragöß-Sankt Katharein, Styria, Austria
How to Get There
Grüner See lies 80 km from Graz (≈ 1 hour by car) and 180 km from Vienna (≈ 2.5-3 hours). Driving is easiest; public transport requires a train to Bruck an der Mur and a bus to Tragöß-Oberort, taking about 3-4 hours.
Click here to learn more about creating a personal itinerary
Parking
GPS Parking: Grüner See Parkplatz
The main paid parking area is beside Restaurant Seehof.
Price: about €6 per day ( coins only ).
From there, it’s a 20-30 minute walk to the lake through forest or on a paved path. Overnight parking or camping is prohibited.
Since 2015, our website has specialized in individual planning of unique routes, taking into account personal preferences and desires.
Each of you will receive a unique PDF file from us, which contains everything you need: travel routes, car rentals, hotels, the best tourist attractions, attractions for kids and everything you need for a perfect vacation.
During the trip, we are available for you by phone via WhatsApp.
Our personal service provides information from A to Z, taking into account many small details that can become a decisive factor on the way from a wasted trip to an unforgettable vacation.
Our service will make your trip comfortable, save a lot of time on planning and preparation, and most importantly – will allow you to become freer and fully enjoy the pleasure of the trip.
Tickets
Entrance to Grüner See: Free (No ticket required; open area).
Duration
20-30 minute walk from the main parking to the lake; 4 km loop takes about 1-1.5 hours.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Grüner See is between mid-May and late June, when the melting snow from the mountains fills the valley and the lake reaches its full depth – up to 12 meters. During this short period, the water shines in an intense emerald shade, creating perfect conditions for photography and reflection shots.
From July to September, the water level gradually drops, and green meadows begin to appear around and inside the basin. Although the lake becomes shallower, this is still a beautiful season for hiking – trails are dry, the weather is pleasant, and the scenery remains impressive.
Between October and April, the lakebed dries completely, transforming into a quiet alpine park surrounded by snowy peaks. It’s a calm and atmospheric time to visit, especially for those who enjoy solitude and crisp mountain air.
The best hours of the day are early morning before 10 a.m. or late afternoon after 5 p.m., when the light is soft, reflections are strongest, and the number of visitors is low.
What to See and Do
The Lake and Its Underwater Park
In late spring, benches and trees disappear under clear turquoise water mirroring the peaks of Pribitz, Meßnerin, and Trenchtling. All water activities have been banned since 2016 to protect the ecosystem.
Circular Trail
A flat 4 km loop around the lake and its smaller ponds (Kreuzteich, Pfarrerteich) takes about 1-1.5 hours – ideal for families. Expect ducks, frogs, and lots of photo opportunities.
Viewpoint and Restaurant Seehof
Enjoy local Styrian trout, schnitzel, and apple strudel with a lake view from the terrace of Gasthof Seehof Grüner See.
Click here to learn more about creating a personal itinerary
Nearby Attractions
- Tragöß Dorf (2 km): small village with farm shops and local cheese.
- Marien Gorge (10 km): short family-friendly hike with waterfalls.
- Gesäuse National Park (30 km): alpine views and easy trails.
Tip from the Itinerary Expert: Combine Grüner See with Gesäuse for a full day of nature and mountain scenery.
Where to Eat and Stay
Seehof Grüner See – Classic Styrian menu with a panoramic view ( €20-30 ).
Gasthof Zum Grünen See – Casual local café in Tragöß ( €10-15 ).
Pension Seehof – Closest guesthouse to the lake (~€100 / night).
Gasthof Post Tragöß – Quiet stay with breakfast (~€90 / night).
A cozy wooden bench by the lakeshore, with sunlight touching the trees and the still water creating a perfect natural mirror.
2-Day Family Route
Trip Duration: 2 days
Day 1 - Arrival and Lakeside Walk
Morning (10 a.m.): Drive to Grüner See ( €6 parking ). Walk 15-20 minutes through the forest to the lake and spend time exploring the emerald shore.
Lunch (12:30 p.m.): Eat at Gasthof Seehof – child-friendly menu and lake view.
Afternoon (2 p.m.): Walk the 4 km loop around the lake and ponds ( ≈ 1 hour ). Relax on the grass afterward.
Dinner (6 p.m.): Try Gasthof Post Tragöß for traditional Styrian food in a cozy setting.
Day 2 - Nature and Fun Exploration
Morning (10 a.m.): Short drive to Marien Gorge – kids love the streams and small waterfalls.
Lunch (1 p.m.): Return toward the lake and stop at Hoamat-Kaffee for cakes and coffee.
Afternoon (2 – 5 p.m.): Let teens take photos or buy local honey in Tragöß. Enjoy the view from behind Seehof – the light is softer then.
Dinner (6 p.m.): End with a relaxed meal in a nearby tavern.
A stunning aerial view of a crystal-clear turquoise lake, surrounded by forest and mountain paths, like a hidden alpine gem.
Traveler Reviews
Emma Johnson
June 2024
We drove from Graz early morning – the emerald color was unreal. Kids loved spotting frogs along the trail. No cafés by the lake, so bring snacks.
Daniel Lee
May 2019
Nothing compares to seeing it in person. Arrive before 10 a.m. for peace and mirror-like reflections.
Olivia Martins
September 2023
We came late in the season and found a meadow instead of a lake – but it was still magical, peaceful, and perfect for a picnic.
Jack Bennett
May 2022
The drive from Vienna was worth it. The water was so clear it looked unreal – a must-see for families.
Sophia Adams
August 2018
Easy trails, clean facilities, and the best apple strudel at Seehof. Bring cash – no cards accepted.
Tips from the Itinerary Expert
- Arrive before 9:30 a.m. for the clearest colors and empty parking.
- Avoid GPS via Trofaiach – follow signs to Tragöß-Oberort instead.
- Walk clockwise for the best light and mountain reflections.
- Pack snacks and water – no shops on the trail.
- Carry a light jacket; even in summer it stays around 15 °C.
- Check recent photos before visiting – water levels change fast.
- Stay overnight nearby to enjoy the lake early before buses arrive.
Insights from the Itinerary Expert
I visited Grüner See in May 2023, just as snowmelt was filling the valley. Watching the green water rise around trees felt like seeing nature come alive. The loop trail is perfect for families – easy, beautiful, and never boring. My favorite spot was near Pfarrerteich, where the emerald color looked deepest. Even when the lake dries in autumn, the area remains peaceful and worth a visit.
Grüner See is a reminder that nature doesn’t stand still – it reinvents itself each season. Itinerary Expert invites you to create a personalized route that includes this extraordinary place and the most beautiful corners of Austria.
Price Table
| Name | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Entrance to Grüner See | Free EUR | No ticket required; open area |
| Main Parking (near Gasthof Seehof) | 6 / day EUR | Pay by coins only; cash payment |
| Public Toilets | Free EUR | Near main parking area |
| Café / Restaurant Seehof Grüner See | 20-30 / person EUR | Local dishes, trout, schnitzel, apple strudel |
| Café Zum Grünen See | 10-15 / person EUR | Soups, cakes, light meals |
| Pension / Guesthouse Stay | 90-150 / night EUR | Depends on type and proximity to the lake |
| Family Apartments (4-5 persons) | 120-150 / night EUR | Near Tragöß village |
| Parking at Marienklamm | Free / limited spaces EUR | Arrive early; small lot |
| National Park Gesäuse Entry | Free EUR | Pay only for parking (~5 EUR/day) |
Questions and Answers
What we propose
Emma Heidi
Customer Experience Manager
Take all the stress out of planning your trip!
With our experts, you can create the perfect itinerary for you – complete, comfortable, and tailored to all your dreams, wishes, and needs.
We take care of every little detail, so you can simply focus on enjoying your journey.
We’ve been designing personalized itineraries since 2015, and over the years we’ve created thousands of custom itineraries for happy clients.
Save time, avoid confusion – we do the work for you. Our service saves you weeks of searching, reading, comparing, and complicated planning. Instead of wasting endless hours – you receive a ready-to-use, accurate and clear itinerary.
A tailor-made itinerary – built just for you. Your itinerary is personally designed based on our experts’ real field experience and genuine feedback from hundreds of travelers – including hidden discoveries and insider tips that don’t appear in any travel guide.
Smart accommodation selection – often saves you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. We help you choose verified and recommended places to stay, checking availability for your exact travel dates. Sometimes we suggest hotels not “in the center,” but in safe, convenient, and highly strategic locations – which can significantly reduce travel costs and save you even thousands of dollars.
We’re by your side even during the trip. We stay with you throughout your vacation – providing professional help whenever needed. If the weather changes, there’s a strike, a local event, heavy crowds, or any unexpected situation – we are here to update, guide, and adjust your itinerary in real time.
Easy-to-use itinerary – with direct navigation links. Your itinerary includes direct Waze / Google Maps links – no need to search for parking addresses, no stress, no mistakes. Just tap – and go.
Service cost: from only $420. (Special price for short itineraries up to 5 days). Clients tell us the itinerary saves them costly mistakes, fines, wrong choices – plus exclusive discounts on car rentals, better-priced accommodations, and money-saving local tips.
Want to know if it’s really worth it?
Take a look at the experiences of travelers who built their personal itinerary with us.
Click here and let’s start building the itinerary that will save you time, money, and stress – and turn your vacation into perfection.
Of course, your first inquiry is completely free – with no commitment whatsoever.
How it works
- You are welcome to contact us
- We discuss your trip
- You fill out a special form
- We create your itinerary
- You get it with all useful tips
- We are in touch with you all the time
