The lake

Lake Tovel is an alpine lake located in the municipality of Tuenno (TN) at a height of 1178 m, in the Natural Park Adamello-Brenta. It is also known as the Red Lake for the reddening phenomenon of its waters, which was the case until 1964 by the action of algae, the Tovellia Sanguinea.

In addition to the main tributaries, along the south western shore there are some small springs, but the majority of the flow of water that feeds the lake comes directly from the bottom. These spring waters come from Località Pozzol, a large depression located about one kilometer upstream, where the river Santa Maria Flavona disappears into the ground.

The lake is populated by various species of fish.

The legend

According to a local legend, once upon a time lived in the area princess Tresenga, daughter of the last king of Ragoli: it was sought in marriage by many suitors, including Lavinto, king of Tuenno, who did not resign when his offers were rejected. He sent an army against the Ragoli inhabitants, which, although lower in strength and numbers responded to the attack. The battle took place on the banks of the lake and saw the villagers of Ragoli, including Tresenga, defeated by the attacks of enemies. At the end of the day the lake was red for the blood of the dead, and is said to be for this reason that even today it gets colored.

(source: wikipedia)