Lago di Carezza (Karersee) is famous the world over for its iridescent, ever-changing colours and for the folk legend of the water nymph and the wizard, with the Latemar massif mirrored in its glassy surface.
The circuit is brief, easy and almost completely flat — ideal for a family stop along the Dolomite road.
How to get there — Parcheggio Lago di Carezza (1.520 m)
You start from the Lago di Carezza car park, on the SS241 state road through Val d'Ega, the one that climbs from Bolzano towards Passo Costalunga. By car from Bolzano it takes about forty minutes, while from Fiemme and Fassa you arrive by crossing the Costalunga itself. The lake lies on the opposite side of the road from the car park: fortunately a pedestrian underpass spares you crossing the state road, which is always busy here. The car park is paid and in the warm months fills up quickly, especially at midday, so it is worth turning up early. Those who prefer to leave the car at home can use the scheduled buses that climb the valley from Bolzano and stop at the Karersee stop, a stone's throw from the start of the trail.
The trailhead is in the Val di Fiemme area. Check the travel guide for lift schedules, parking and access rules.
Stage by stage
1. Main viewpoint
From the car park, a short walk leads immediately to the most photographed panoramic point on the shore.
2. Loop through the forest
Complete the circuit around the lake through the surrounding spruce forest.
When to go & weather
From April to November the loop is clear of snow and within everyone's reach, children and grandparents included. The golden moment is the early morning: the water is mirror-still, the Latemar is reflected sharply and the coaches have not yet arrived. Late spring and early autumn give the most vivid greens and blues, the ones that earned the lake its nickname of the rainbow lake; in summer, by contrast, the central hours are the most chaotic. In winter the perimeter trail remains a fine walk on the snow, but the basin often freezes and the emerald colours give way to a white crust, evocative in a different way.
Recommended gear
- Walking shoes or light trekking shoes: the ground is easy but gravelly in places
- A windproof jacket, because the air near the water always stays cool
- Camera or smartphone — here the reflections of the Latemar are worth the shot
- A water bottle and something to nibble on
- Card or cash for the paid car park
Useful tips
- Arrive at opening time: in the raking morning light the reflections are perfect and the trail almost deserted
- Stay behind the fences and read the signs: the lake is protected and you cannot approach the shore everywhere
- Do not stop at the first viewpoint, always crowded: complete the whole loop in the forest for different views
- Choose between the two routes: the short loop by the water is just over a kilometre, while the long loop in the forest exceeds five
- In October keep an eye on the golden larches around the shores — they are the most photogenic moment of the year
- Combine the visit with the nearby Passo Costalunga or the themed trails at the foot of the Latemar
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Lago di Carezza?
No — swimming is not permitted; the lake is a protected site. Visitors enjoy the shoreside walk and the panoramic viewpoints along the banks.