Lago di Carezza

Lago di Carezza / Karersee

The 'Rainbow Lake,' a small lake surrounded by spruce forest that reflects the jagged ridges of the Latemar. It is a five-minute walk from the car park and is the easiest classic Dolomites postcard view.

Lago di Carezza (Karersee) lies at the Val d'Ega pass, 25 km east of Bolzano, at an elevation of 1,520 meters. Its area is less than 3 hectares. Because its waters shift between emerald green, deep blue and purple as the sunlight changes, it is called the 'Rainbow Lake.' Its Latin name is Lec de Ergobando, and local legend says it formed where a rainbow of water nymphs fell into the lake. On the south shore rise the jagged ridges of the Latemar peaks, at 2,842 meters. On calm mornings, the mountains and spruce forest are reflected perfectly on the lake, making it one of the most accessible and classic views in the Dolomites. From the paid car park beside the road (about €1 per hour), walk 5 minutes through an underpass to the lakeside viewing platform. The walk is completely flat. To protect the shoreline, wooden railings line the lake, and entering the water or getting close to the bank is prohibited. The wooden trail around the lake takes about 20-30 minutes. The water level is highest in summer, fed by snowmelt, drops noticeably after October, and freezes in winter. The best times are 7-9 a.m. (side lighting, no wind, few visitors) and the hour before sunset. At midday the light is behind the scene and it is crowded. In October, when the larches turn yellow, the colors are richest. There is a visitor center and restaurant beside the car park. You can also reach the lake by bus No. 180 from Bolzano (about 50 minutes). Lago di Carezza is usually a stop along the way: on the way from Bolzano to the Val di Fassa, Canazei or Moena via the Passo Costalunga, a 30-60 minute stop is enough. The nearby Carezza ski area has cable cars in winter. The Latemar trails and the Paolina cable car take you deeper into the Latemar peaks.

Lago di Carezza

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby