Lake Braies, Myths and Legends of the Dolomites!
Lake Braies, Myths and Legends of the Dolomites!
With Andre Diaz
Located in the splendorous Valle di Braies, the emerald green waters of this lake are renown worlwide. After all, this is the largest natural lake in the Dolomites.
For many, this is also the most picturesque lake in the region. As this beautiful photo shows, its singularity is remarkable! The sky is reflected in the clear water, which shimmers in all the tones of green and blue. Because the color of the water changes continuously, one can have the impression of being on a distant island. However, from a different perspective, the jagged rocks and the Seekofel mountain remind us that we are actually in South Tyrol.
Interestingly, Lake Braies got an important role to play in the mythological world. According to legends, at the south end of the lake, there was the gate to the Fanes underworld. The Kingdom of Fanes, by the way, is a national epic of the Ladin people in the Dolomites and a significant part (to say the least) of the Ladin literature.
Now…reaching the gate to the underworld may be quite tricky! Leading to the realm of the queen of the Fanes people, the “Mountain Gate” is only visible when the moon is full and it can be only reached with a boat ride. If you are lucky, while treasures lie on the bottom of the lake, the mountains shalls open up and a boat should appear carrying a princess!
