Mountain destinations, as you well know, hold a myriad of mysteries and legends passed down through generations.
Today I want to reveal what lies behind the beautiful Lake Tovel also known as the Red Lake.
Until 1964, a particular phenomenon occurred in the crystal-clear waters of this alpine lake in Trentino Alto Adige: they turned an unnatural but striking shade of purple..
Legend tells of a princess, Tresenga, daughter of the last king of Ragoli, beautiful as a goddess and sweet as honey.
Many suitors wished to marry her, but Tresenga rejected them one by one. She was free as the wind.
Unfortunately, one suitor, Lavinto, king of Tuenno, fell in love with the princess and her lands and would not give up. When his offers were rejected yet again, feeling dishonored and humiliated before his people, he decided to send his army against Ragoli in an attempt to force the princess into marriage.
By chance, neither she nor her people wanted to be subdued by the arrogant king of Tuenno and, though outnumbered and weaker, they fought back.
The battle took place right on the shores of Lake Tovel and saw the people of Ragoli succumb to the army of the king of Tuenno.
Tresenga ultimately died at Lavinto’s hand; “If I cannot have you, then no one else shall,” he said, looking into her eyes as her last breath left her.
The blood of the defeated flowed into the lake and by the end of the day its crystal-clear waters turned red.
A rather macabre legend.
Less gruesome, however, is the scientific explanation: the lake turned red due to the presence of a'alga known as Tovellia sanguinea..
The reddening phenomenon occurred in summer during the hottest months but ceased in the summer of 1964.
Some studies have suggested that its disappearance may be due to the lack of organic matter from cattle grazing near the lake.
Legend or science? Whether you choose one or the other, Lake Tovel, part of the Adamello-Brenta Natural Park, certainly boasts all the peace and beauty of alpine landscapes with lush nature, fresh air, and pristine water springs.