A World Submerged: Green Lake

Divers will travel the world to dive its most exotic places, see the most unusual specimens, but we’re guessing Austria isn’t real high on that list. That may well be Austria’s intention, as the unique diving to be had at Green Lake is something that seems like it belongs on a “best kept secret” list. Located at the base of the Hochschwab Mountains in the Austrian state of Styria, this crystal clear body of water spends the majority of its existence being nothing more than a small mountain lake, just a few feet deep, fed by the runoff of melting mountain snow. But when spring temperatures rise and the sun stays just a little longer every day, the runoff becomes engulfing, raising the level of the lake to nearly 40 feet at its height at the end of June, before the water begins to subside in July.

If you don’t see what’s so special about that, it’s important to know that the area surrounding the lake happens to be a very popular park among hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts, all of which is perfectly preserved, submerged beneath tens of feet of icy, pristine mountain runoff during the spring and summer months. Blooming dandelions are suspended in the tranquil waters, while benches beckon you to take a load off for a while and enjoy the scenery. The lake is extremely popular with divers in the summer, as this superb footage demonstrates. Notice the drysuits, though — this is no tropical dive!

Image via freshNfunky