Near the town of Tragoss, Austria, exists a natural wonder that will truly leave you stunned. There is a very special lake called the Grüner See (Green Lake), which lies at the foot of the snow-capped Hochschwab mountains.
In the winter time, Grüner See is only 1 to 2 meters deep, and the surrounding parklands are enjoyed by hikers. But when spring approaches and the snow begins to melt, the lake swells to almost 12 meters deep, and causes a mystical transformation.
Impossibly clear water covers the entire parkland, engulfing trees, bridges and park benches. The flooding essentially creates an underwater forest, allowing visitors to swim above landmarks they once walked by. The grass and foliage beneath give the ice-cold lake a breathtaking emerald green hue. Beneath the crystal clear surface, alpine grasses and the flowers of the meadow sway in full bloom.
The mystical phenomenon has made the Grüner See a popular destination for scuba divers and keen Instagramers alike. What makes it even more special is that the swell of the lake only lasts for a fleeting moment, soon receding and returning the land back to the hikers for the rest of the year. It’s safe to say this is one to add to the bucket list.