Leslie Massey
The Green Lake (Grüner See) in Styria, Austria, is a popular destination for travellers. Located in the Tragöß municipality, the lake is about 80 kilometres from the provincial capital of Graz. The easiest way to get to the lake is by car, as public buses to Tragöß are infrequent. There is a large car park near the lake, which costs 6 euros per day. From the car park, the shore of the lake is 1 kilometre away via a footpath. The lake is also accessible via cable car from Ramsau.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Styria, Austria |
| Municipality | Tragöß |
| Nearest town | Tragöess |
| Nearest city | Graz |
| Travel time from Graz | 1 hour |
| Travel time from Vienna | 2 hours |
| Parking availability | Yes |
| Parking payment methods | Coins only |
| Distance from parking lot to lake | 1 km |
| Toilet availability | At the cafe next to the parking lot and at the Gasthof |
| Accessibility | Not accessible by wheelchair |
| Best time to visit | Spring to summer |
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What You'll Learn
Driving to Green Lake
Driving is the best way to get to Green Lake, also known as Grüner See, in Austria. The lake is located in the Tragöß municipality of Styria, around two hours west of Vienna. The road to Green Lake is well sign-posted, and there is a large car park with plenty of parking spaces available for around 6 euros per day. From the car park, the lake is accessible via a gravel road that can be traversed on foot.
If you are driving from Vienna, you can get on the A2 highway and exit at Gleinalm, taking you through the towns of Leoben and Bruck an der Mur. The latter is the nearest larger town to Green Lake, approximately 35 minutes away, while Leoben is about 50 minutes away. The drive from Graz to Green Lake will take around 1 hour and 20 minutes, covering a distance of 80 kilometres.
If you are up for a hike, you can take the Grüner See Circular Trail, a 1-hour trail that starts and ends at the parking lot. This trail takes you around the lake, passing by smaller bodies of water like the Pfarrerlacke and the Kreuzteich. Another popular hike is the 1.5-hour ascent to Sonnschienalm via Jassing and Russenstraße, which is suitable for families with children.
It is worth noting that public transportation to Green Lake is more challenging. While you can take a train to Bruck an der Mur or a bus to Tragöß, these options are infrequent and may require additional walking or taxi services.
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Public transport to Green Lake
Public transport is a popular way to get around Austria, with the country offering clean, fast, reliable, and cheap travel options. The local network consists of trains, trams, and buses that will get you to almost any destination in the country.
If you are travelling to Green Lake from Vienna, you can take the train to Bruck an der Mur using the OEBB. However, it is worth noting that public buses to Tragöß, the municipality in which Green Lake is located, run infrequently.
If you are travelling from outside Austria, Rome2rio is a helpful website and app that provides up-to-date schedules, route maps, journey times, and estimated fares from relevant transport operators, allowing you to make an informed decision about which travel option suits you best.
For those planning a trip within Austria, the WienMobil app is a helpful resource for local public transport information in Vienna. The app brings together all of Vienna's transport systems, including buses, trams, trains, bikes, and car-shares, and allows users to plan their trips and make bookings.
For train travel within Austria, the websites of the two local train organizations, ÖBB and Westbahn, are good sources of information.
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Car park costs and location
The Green Lake is located in the Tragöß municipality of Styria, about 80 kilometres from Graz, which is the nearest large town. The best way to get there is by car or rental car, as public buses to Tragöß are infrequent. The road to the lake is well-signposted, and there is a large car park in front of the lake. However, you have to walk the last 20-30 minutes, as you cannot drive directly to the lake. The car park has toilets, and there is a change machine where you can pay the €6 day ticket parking cost. In spring and summer, the car park can fill up very quickly. There is also a beautiful campsite, Freizeitsee Zenz, just a few minutes' drive away, which is open all year round.
From the car park, there are several walks to the lake, including through the forest to the back part of the lake (a 30-minute walk) or along the asphalt road to the front part (a 20-minute walk). There is a 1-hour circular walk that starts and ends at the car park, and a beautiful cross-country ski trail also starts at the car park during the winter.
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Walking routes from the car park
Grüner See, or Green Lake, is located in the Styria region of Austria, close to the town of Tragöß. The lake is known for its beautiful emerald green colour, which is the result of the water's purity and the reflection of the surrounding undergrowth. The lake is also famed for its moving nature, shrinking to a small pond in the winter months before expanding to its full glory in spring when it is fed by snowmelt from the surrounding mountains.
There is a large car park located in front of the lake, which costs €6 for a day ticket. From the car park, it is a 20-30 minute walk to the lake. There are two main routes to the lake:
- The first route takes you through the forest to the back of the lake. This route takes approximately 30 minutes.
- The second route follows an asphalt road to the front of the lake. This option is slightly quicker, taking around 20 minutes.
There are a variety of trails around the lake, both near the water's edge and through the forest. The walk around the lake is approximately 1 kilometre and takes about 1 hour, although the time can vary depending on the time of year and the resulting water levels. The route is not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers, but the easy paths and routes make it a good option for those with knee pain or those unable to take on a longer hike.
The lake is surrounded by the majestic Hochschwab mountains and the Alps, which are reflected in the clear waters. The area offers good infrastructure and is easily accessible, with the road to the lake being well-signposted.
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Other activities and attractions nearby
Green Lake, or Grüner See, is located in the Tragöß municipality of Styria, around two hours west of Vienna. The lake is known for its emerald green colour, which is caused by the reflection of the blue-green light from eroded rock suspended in the water, as well as the presence of green algae in parts of the lake. Surrounded by lush forests and rugged mountains, the lake is a popular destination for its natural beauty and scenic surroundings.
- Dachstein Skywalk: Take a cable car from Ramsau, Styria, to the Dachstein massif and enjoy stunning views of the region.
- Hiking: There are several hiking trails around and beyond Green Lake, offering the opportunity to explore the surrounding forests and mountains. The gravel road leading up to the lake from the car park is also accessible on foot and provides a different perspective of the lake and excellent photo opportunities.
- Photography: The unique colour of the lake and the surrounding scenery make for excellent photo spots. Consider adding people to your pictures to add a sense of scale and help viewers imagine the beauty of the location.
- Cuisine: Austria is known for its culinary heritage, with signature dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel, Knödel, and Tafelspitz. Street foods like Käsekrainer are also worth trying.
- Vienna: If you're visiting Vienna, you can explore the city's rich history and architectural styles, ranging from Gothic cathedrals to avant-garde masterpieces.
- Hallstatt: Consider visiting another beautiful lake in Austria, Hallstatt, which offers panoramic views and cafes.
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Frequently asked questions
Green Lake is located in the Styria region of Austria, about 80 kilometres from the provincial capital of Graz. The road to Green Lake is well signposted, and there is a large car park. From the car park, the shore of the lake is 1 kilometre away.
Green Lake is around two hours west of Vienna. While it is easier to get to Green Lake by car, it is possible to get there by public transport.
Green Lake is a very popular destination due to its beauty and the surrounding scenery. There are many easy walking paths and hiking trails around the lake. However, swimming, diving, and boating are prohibited to protect the lake's vibrant colour and fragile ecosystem.
