Ephemeral dive at Lake Grüner See in Austria, where divers can only go in June and July!
Grüner See, literally "green lake", is a lake located in Styria, Austria, near the town of Tragöß, at the foot of the snow-covered Hochschwab mountains. In winter, the lake is only 1 or 2 metres deep and its surroundings serve as a nature park. It is particularly popular with hikers. But when the temperature begins to rise in spring, the ice and snow on the mountain tops start to melt and the water flows into the basin just below. The basin then gorges itself with water and floods the surrounding area, including the park. During the summer, the lake reaches its maximum depth of about 12 meters and is said to be the most beautiful time to see it... but also to be discovered by scuba diving.
The lake owes its characteristic green colour (as well as its name) to the grass and foliage at the bottom of the water, and thanks to the melting of the fresh snow, the icy water is crystal clear. The temperature of the lake is rather cold, from 4 to 8°C, but this place is very popular among divers who can observe the green meadows at the edge and at the bottom of the lake, especially in June, when the water is at its highest level. Alpine vegetation and meadow flowers can be seen in full bloom underwater (!) There are even benches, a bridge and footpaths.
Starting in July, the water level of the lake begins to drop. As winter approaches, the lake regains its original size and the park becomes again a beautiful place for hikers.
And here is a video of a dive in the lake Grüner See :
