The submerged village in Lake Reschen – what's the story behind it?

The small region of South Tyrol, located in Northern Italy, attracts thousands of tourists every year. This is not surprising: anyone who has already caught a glimpse of the picturesque mountain landscape of the Dolomites and the many other mountain ranges, visited the numerous museums, explored the wild nature parks, and the magnificent South Tyrolean lakes, knows where the beauty in South Tyrol can be found. However, an incredible spectacle took place at Lake Reschen in the Vinschgau valley. As a fan of South Tyrol, you have surely heard of Lake Reschen and its sunken church tower. In our article, you will find out what is really behind it and what special features Lake Reschen has to offer you as a visitor. Stay tuned.

 

The sad story: Why is the church tower in the water at Lake Reschen?

Perhaps you have already heard of the sunken church tower in Lake Reschen? If not, then at first it will probably seem like an edited Photoshop image – but that is not the case. This is pure reality and a sad past that took place in the mid-20th century at Lake Reschen.

To get a better insight into what really happened, it's best to watch this video.

The year is 1920. Already at this time, the Italian government had revived the plan to raise the water level by five meters. This slight increase would not have been a problem, as it would not have affected the villages of Graun and Reschen located there. But a few years later, at the beginning of the Second World War (around 1939), the next step was initiated. The large Italian company Montecatini wanted to dam the lake by 22 meters – however, this increase is not possible without affecting the two villages. Due to the fact that the Second World War raged in the following years, everything was delayed. The population was naturally relieved and hoped that this project would not become a reality. But they were mistaken: Already two years after the end of the Second World War, it began (1947). Of course, the population and also the priest made every effort to reject the project as much as possible. The appeal even went to Rome – but all the efforts did not lead to the desired result.

In 1950, the operation started – with the closing of the sluices, the damming of the lake began. Over 150 families lost their livelihoods. The water level slowly rose, the houses were flooded and finally blown up so that the water in the lake could be completely dammed.

 

 How did the families fare?

The people of Graun were stripped of their homes and had to stay in an emergency camp at the entrance to the Langtauferer Valley. The residents of Reschen, however, had it a little easier, as a few additional houses were built in this village, providing shelter for many women, men, and children.

Thanks to this information, you will understand why the tower juts out of the lake – a beautiful image, charming and graceful – but the background is both sad and terrible.

We interviewed an eyewitness who was there live and tells us her memories of the events at that time. To the interview (Minute 03:35)

 

General information about Lake Reschen – Facts and activities

In this context, we naturally do not only want to tell you the horrific story of Lake Reschen. Even if the past was hard for the inhabitants, Lake Reschen is now an interesting destination for many tourists who travel specifically to Vinschgau to spend their holidays here, or for those who are passing through to Austria or Italy.

Lake Reschen convinces not only with the church, but with great facts:

• The length of the lake is six kilometers, while the width was measured at one kilometer.
• The total area is 6.8 square kilometers.
• If you want to circumnavigate the lake, you cover a distance of about 15.5 km.
• The lake holds a water volume of 116 million cubic meters of water.
• The dam wall is 470 meters long and 30 meters high.

Today, Lake Reschen and the village are a beautiful destination for many locals and tourists to experience wonderful getaways. The idyllic landscape in which the lake is embedded surprises with peace, nature, and a wonderful mountain backdrop.

In the warmer season, active people use the lake for long walks, bike tours, jogging rounds, or inline skating. But it is not only on land that various sporting activities can be pursued. The optimal wind conditions ensure that water lovers grab a kiteboard. Theoretically, one could also dive in Lake Reschen – however, since it is very muddy there and the lake itself does not offer charming flora and fauna, it is not attractive for most divers. The Lake Reschen Run is not only popular with locals – many runners meet on this special day and circumnavigate the picturesque lake. The length of the tour is about 15.3 km, the best time is a little over 48 minutes.

In the colder months, the nearby Schöneben ski resort surprises with numerous lifts and a breathtaking mountain backdrop that is popular for skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, or tobogganing. But the lake itself can also be used for various activities: Many people enjoy a quiet winter walk in the romantic landscape, while others spend their time ice-sailing.

 

Lake Reschen without water: The village of "Altgraun" reappears

Lake Reschen empty?

The situation at Lake Reschen currently looks a little different – Lake Reschen is almost empty. While the goal in 1950 was to raise the water level, in 2021 the water of Lake Reschen was drained. This has a simple reason. At regular intervals, specially appointed companies have to carry out maintenance work on the lake. Already in 2009, a special restoration of the church tower was carried out, which lasted several weeks.

Due to the fact that the water level has sunk so low, residents and onlookers were able to recognize outlines or remains of old buildings of Altgraun. Presumably, the Lake Reschen "ruins" are a very interesting sight for many – while for the locals it most likely means a stab in the heart and reminds them of the terrible past. 

We didn't want to withhold these rare pictures from you, so we went there ourselves and took some exclusive shots of the ruins of Altgraun, but see for yourselves:

The maintenance work is finished, the water is being let back in and the level is slowly rising – thus Lake Reschen will once again cover Graun and its history.

Lake Reschen surprises with its history – have you ever been there?