Lake Carezza: A Guide to the Jewel of South Tyrol’s Dolomites

Lake Carezza in South Tyrol, known as Lago di Carezza in Italian and Karersee in German, is a petite alpine gem located within the scenic embrace of the Dolomites. What truly distinguishes this natural wonder is its enchanting kaleidoscope of colours, which paint the waters in surreal hues. This picturesque lake also offers a captivating perspective of the majestic Latemar mountain range.

The Legend of Lake Carezza

In the past, Lake Carezza was the enchanting dwelling place of a beautiful water nymph named Ondina. Her sweet songs along the shore captivated all who heard them. However, a sorcerer, deeply entranced by her music, yearned to capture her. Seeking counsel from a wise witch, he devised a plan to entice the nymph by stretching a rainbow between the nearby mountains. Yet, in his eagerness, the nymph noticed him as he neglected to conceal his identity.

Startled, Ondina vanished beneath the waters, never to be seen again. Subsequently, filled with fury, the sorcerer tore the rainbow from the sky, scattering it with countless jewels into the lake. Consequently, to this day, Lake Carezza shimmers with radiant rainbow colors, earning it the local Ladin name ‘Lech de l’ercaboan,’ signifying the ‘rainbow lake’.

Where is Lake Carezza / Karersee located?

Lake Carezza / Karersee is located in the picturesque Val d’Ega, a valley in the Dolomites of northern Italy. Situated at an altitude of 1,520 meters above sea level, this stunning lake is cradled within the enchanting embrace of the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Furthermore, lush alpine forests envelop the lake, offering captivating views of the majestic Latemar mountain range.

Lake Carezza / Karersee facts

• there exists a bronze statue within the lake, immortalizing the exquisite Ondina
• swimming in Lake Carezza or crossing the fence is strictly forbidden
• the lake receives its water from underground springs originating in the Latemar range
• the waters hold a mirror to the grandeur of the Latemar and Rosengarten massifs
• its name derives from ‘Caricaceae,’ a botanical family known for its leaves with broad lobes, symbolizing the natural richness of the region
• you can typically complete the lakeside trail, which spans a little less than 2 km, in about half an hour.

How to get to Lake Carezza

When it comes to reaching Lake Carezza, you have several options to choose from based on your preferences. Our choice was to rent a car and explore the Dolomites in this manner.

BY CAR: Driving to Lake Carezza via the SS241 road is the most convenient option. The address is Karersee, 39056 Welschnofen, Autonomous Province of Bolzano – South Tyrol, Italy. Notably, renting a car can provide you with flexibility and ease of access to explore the Dolomites at your own pace.

BY BUS: When it comes to bus travel, there are several options available, both direct routes and those with transfers. For detailed information on the routes from your departure city to Carezza (Nova Levante), Paolina, you can find all the necessary information here.

BY MTB: For those who are passionate about cycling, specifically mountain biking (MTB), there are several mountain bike trails designed for enthusiasts of all skill levels. To explore your options, visit the Eggental website, where you can find various routes and select the one that best suits your preferences.

BY PRIVATE TOUR: Additionally, consider booking a private tour through providers like GetYourGuide for a guided and hassle-free experience.

BY FOOT: For those who enjoy hiking, you can explore the scenic beauty of the region on foot. Additionally, here you can find the details of the hikes from nearby locations.

BY LIFT: Begin your adventure from Nova Levante or Tiers, where you’ll first reach Malga Frommer Alm. At this point, you can conveniently board the König I cable car to access the middle station. Continuing on your journey, make use of the Tschein chairlift to reach Moseralm. To access the lake, take a leisurely stroll starting from Hotel Moseralm, following paths no. 16 and no. 6.

Where to park at Lake Carezza?

When it comes to parking at Lake Carezza/Karersee, you have three options:

Parking nr. 1 (Lake Carezza)

The paid parking option is more extensive and is located just about 100 m from the lake. Here, you’ll also find convenient amenities such as souvenir shops, small restaurants with a selection of food options, and restroom facilities.

Parking prices for cars and motorbikes:

Up to 1 hour: 2 Euro

1-2 hours: 4 Euro

2-6 hours: 6 Euro

6-12 hours: 12 Euro

12-24 hours: 24 Euro

Parking prices for bus and campers:

Up to 3 hours: 9 Euro

3-12 hours: 18 Euro

12-24 hours: 30 Euro

Payment is accepted in both cash and card.

Parking nr. 2 (Schönblickweg | Via Bellavista)

Free for cars but campers are not permitted. You can access Lake Carezza within a 5-minute walk by following path no. 6 and crossing the suspension bridge from this point.

Parking nr. 3 (Paolina)

This parking area is situated approximately 800 m from the lake. It’s a relatively small space, and you can check its location here. Campers are welcome too but for a fee of 10 Euro from Monday to Sunday from 7 pm to 7 am. You can reach the lake by following the road for cars or use the same no. 6 trail route as on parking nr. 2.

Best time to visit Lago di Carezza

In my opinion, the ideal period for a Lake Carezza visit falls within the warmer months, namely from May to early October. During this time, the stunning colors are at their peak, and the weather is delightful. However, I’d suggest avoiding the months of July and August due to the increased crowds. For those who appreciate winter scenery, the other months are viable options, although you may find the lake covered in snow. For even more vibrant colors and fewer crowds, consider paying a visit to the lake during the serene moments of sunrise and sunset. During our October trip, we chose the enchanting sunset to explore its beauty.

Amenities

For those wondering about the amenities available at Lake Carezza, rest assured that next to parking lot nr. 1, you’ll find restaurants, souvenir shops, and restroom facilities.

Conclusion

While Lake Carezza (Lago di Carezza) is undoubtedly a jewel in the Dolomites, South Tyrol offers a tapestry of equally enchanting alpine wonders. Among these is Lake Braies (Lago di Braies), located in a different part of this picturesque region.

In summary, Lake Carezza is a captivating destination within the Dolomites. Its worthiness largely depends on your preferences. If you prefer solitude and less crowded places, it might not be your ideal spot, but remember, you don’t visit Lake Carezza for the crowds. Consider arriving early to avoid peak visitation hours. Furthermore, spending an entire day here might not be necessary. Given its convenient accessibility, Lake Carezza makes for a delightful stop on your journey. Additionally, to make the most of your visit, consider combining it with nearby attractions or activities. Notably, there’s a variety of hiking trails and other experiences to explore in the vicinity.