Lago di Carezza, also known as Lake Carezza or Karersee is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites region. It is known for its emerald green color and the majestic backdrop of the mountains.
During my road trip around the South Tyrol, I visited this lake and here’s a complete guide with everything you need to know before your visit.
In this article, I will share how to get there, hiking around the lake, and other useful information.
How to get to Lago di Carezza
Depending on where you start your journey, there are several ways to get here. Lake Carezza is located about 35 minutes drive from Bolzano and the quickest way from there is to drive via SS241.
- Visitors from Cortina d’Ampezzo can drive via SR48 and Strada Dolomites.
- Visitors from Verona can drive 2 hours Via A22/E45
- Visitors from Venice to Lake Carezza can drive 3 hours via A27
Going by car is the best way to get to Lago di Carezza in South Tyrol. However, if you’re staying in Bolzano, you can also go there by bus.
Parking
There is a paid parking space on the opposite side of the road next to the lake. It is quite big, so you won’t have an issue finding a parking space.
Bus from Bolzano to Lago di Carezza
- Bus number Bus nr 180.1 with a journey time of 40 minutes
Tours to Lake Carezza
Hike around Lake Carezza
I suggest going for a walk around the lake. The scenery is beautiful, and although it’s a relatively short walk, it will give you a nicer experience at Lago di Carezza.
It is a circular route that takes about 20 minutes to complete. You can also stay and have a picnic and enjoy the scenic views and nature.
Photo: Shutterstock
Restaurant and toilets
If you get hungry, there is a restaurant and cafe where you can get food for reasonable prices as well as coffee and other drinks.
You can also find toilets here if you need to visit the loo.
Stargazing at Lago di Carezza
If you come here by night, you’ll be met by peaceful nature and the most amazing sky full of stars that you can imagine. The lack of artificial light makes Lake Carezza an ideal place for stargazing.
There is also something special about being here alone at night. Make sure to bring a tripod to your camera, so that you can capture the stars and scenery at night.
Photo: Shutterstock
More information about Lago di Carezza (Karersee)
The depth of the lake varies, but the highest level measured was 22 meters, and the lowest level was 6 meters. The water is almost always crystal clear with great visibility.
- Altitude: 1,520 meters above the sea
- Surface: 12.25 hectares
- Width: 140 meters
- Length: 300 meters
- Depth: max. 22 meters
- Category: mountain lake
- Names: Lago di Carezza, Karersee (German), Lake Carezza
- Nicknames: “Rainbow Lake” and “Fairytale Lake of the Dolomites”
Even if you come here by winter, you’ll be amazed by the lake’s beauty. Then it will be completely frozen and covered by ice. And in the background, you will see the snowcapped mountains and the green pine trees.
The Legend
It is said that there was once a mermaid living in the lake, which a wizard named Masaré was in love with. He got advice from a witch who said that she should dress up as a jewel merchant in order to seduce her.
He should also make a rainbow all the way from Mt. Catinaccio to Mt Latemar. So, he did, but apparently, he forgot to dress up as a jewel merchant, and the mermaid disappeared forever into the depths of Lake Carezza.
The wizard got so angry that he threw all of the rainbow as well as his jewels into the water. And according to the legend, this is why the lake features rainbow colors depending on the weather.
Photo: Shutterstock
Best time to visit Lago di Carezza
Most people will probably enjoy Lago di Carezza at most from the months of April to September. Then it won’t be too cold, and the weather will generally be good and the roads won’t be inaccessible.
The most scenic views with the best colors from the lake can be seen on sunny days. On a grey and rainy day, the experience won’t be as pleasant, so if possible, you should avoid going here unless the sun is out.
What time of the day to go
I suggest coming here for sunrise or sunset. Arrive about 30-60 minutes before sunrise or sunset in order to have sufficient time. I would say that the sunrise is especially spectacular as the lake will often be very calm in the morning.
When the sun goes up you can see the warm colors touching the mountains and watch how the colors of the Lake Carezza changes and intensifies.
Recommended hotels nearby
- Hotel Adler (Nova Levante)
- Hotel Stiegl Scala (Bolzano)
Have you also visited Lago di Carezza in the South Tyrol? Share your experience in the comment section below.
If you have more questions, leave a comment as well and I will do my best to answer it.