Red Lake, Karst lake in Imotski, Croatia.
Red Lake is a karst lake near Imotski known for its reddish-brown tint caused by iron oxide deposits on the limestone cliffs surrounding it. The vertical rock walls rise over 240 meters above the water, creating one of the world's deepest sink formations.
The lake formed thousands of years ago when the roof of a massive underground cave collapsed, creating a giant sinkhole beneath. This geological event produced one of the region's deepest and most striking karst formations.
Local people speak of an old custom where visitors toss stones into the water hoping to attract good fortune in love, though the dramatic vertical walls make this ritual more symbolic than easy to perform.
The lake is accessible year-round through maintained trails starting from Imotski town center, with clearest views during late spring and early autumn. The steep terrain demands caution, and weather can change quickly, so visitors should prepare for variable conditions.
The water is home to an unusual fish species, Delminichthys adspersus, found nowhere else on Earth and living only in these mineral-rich waters. This endemic creature has adapted perfectly to the lake's extreme conditions.
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