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Karersee: a fairytale mountain lake in the Dolomites

Karersee or Lake Carezza, an idyllic mountain lake in South Tyrol, is surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Dolomites. With its emerald green water, it reflects the beauty of the Alpine landscape. A true natural wonder at over 1,500 metres above sea level that enchants visitors.

Nature hotels in South Tyrol

Facts & figures of the Italian fairytale lake

**Karersee**
Dreamlike winter landscape in Eggental in the Dolomites
Eggental Tourismus - Alexandra Näckler

Location: In the Latemar forest of the upper Eggental Valley, about 20 kilometres south-east of Bozen, in the municipality of Welschnofen.
Altitude: 1,520 metres above sea level.
Size: Area of 3.5 hectares; length approx. 300 metres, width approx. 140 metres.
Depth: Maximum depth of around 22 metres.
Water supply: Fed by underground springs from the Latemar mountains. The size and depth of the lake can vary seasonally and depending on the weather.
Round tour: A circular path around the lake allows for walks with views of the surrounding mountain scenery.
Its Italian name is Lago di Carezza and in English, it is sometimes called Lake Carezza.

Legendary “Rainbow Lake” in South Tyrol

**Lake Karersee**
Hiking at Lake Karersee at the foot of Latemar massif
Eggental Tourismus - Helmuth Rier

Karersee is known above all for its extraordinary emerald green colour and its reflections. The surrounding Dolomite peaks are beautifully reflected in the water and attract visitors from all over the world. It has also earned the lake the nickname “Rainbow Lake” in Ladin, where it is known as “Lec de Ergobando”.

The name is derived from an old legend: Once upon a time, a sorcerer is said to have tried to catch a beautiful mermaid in the lake by spinning a colourful rainbow of gemstones to attract her. But when his plan failed, he destroyed the rainbow and the jewels out of anger. The fragments sank to the bottom of the lake, which, according to legend, explains the shimmering colours of the water.

Constantly fluctuating water level

The water level of the cirque lake fluctuates greatly as it is mainly fed by underground springs from the Latemar mountains. This dependence on melt and rain water means that the amount of water varies seasonally. The water level is at its highest in spring and early summer. The meltwater from the surrounding mountains and increased precipitation feed the lake at this time of year.

In late summer and autumn, however, the water level drops significantly as the water supply decreases due to less precipitation and a lack of meltwater. In particularly dry periods, the water level can be up to 6 metres below its maximum value, which changes the overall appearance of the lake and significantly reduces its surface area.

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Activities around Karersee

**Rosengarten**
at dusk
Tourismusverein Welschnofen

**Karersee Lake**
Embedded right in the heart of the Rosengarten Latemar area
Tourismusverein Welschnofen

In addition to the beautiful view of the crystal-clear Dolomite lake, visitors particularly appreciate the countless hiking trails and mountain bike tours in Eggental. There is also the Carezza/Karersee golf course nearby with fantastic views of the Rosengarten. Horse riding and guided rides through the marvellous landscape also offer families and nature lovers a special way to experience the countryside.

In winter, the area around the mountain lake is transformed into a paradise for skiers and snowshoe hikers. The Carezza Dolomites family ski area at the foot of the legendary Rosengarten massif in the Dolomites offers around 40 kilometres of ski slopes. It is perfect for families and environmentally conscious winter sports enthusiasts and is also part of the Dolomiti Superski ski network.

Hiking tours around the lake

A walk around Karersee is possible on an easily accessible circular trail, which offers visitors the opportunity to admire the emerald green surface of the water and the reflective Dolomite peaks at close quarters. There are also several interesting tours in the area for hiking enthusiasts:

Five-day hike - South Tyrolean Pearl Circular Trail: the tour connects the four villages of Deutschnofen, Welschnofen with the Karersee, Steinegg and Tiers between the Dolomite mountains Rosengarten and Latemar.
Family hike Karerpass to the Mitterleger and the Latemar meadows: A mixture of forest paths and alpine trails. Hikers have the opportunity to view the lake and the surrounding peaks from different perspectives.
Tour to Rotwand: A more challenging hike that also starts near the lake and leads through the Eggental Valley to Croda Rossa, with spectacular views.

Swimming is not permitted all year round

Swimming in Lake Carezza is prohibited all year round in order to protect the sensitive ecology of the lake and preserve its unique water quality.

Frozen over in winter

Karersee is also a picturesque sight in winter. The lake is covered in a glistening layer of ice and snow. However, ice skating on the frozen lake is prohibited (although there are other lake alternatives for ice skating).

In addition to snowshoe hikes through the snow-covered coniferous forests, there are also ski tours in the nearby mountains. The well-groomed and family-friendly slopes and toboggan runs of the Carezza and Obereggen ski areas are in the immediate vicinity.

Getting there

**Welschnofen in Eggental**
In summer, the picturesque village in the Dolomites is a holiday paradise for hikers, mountain bikers and nature lovers.
Eggental Tourismus - Othmar Seehauser

Karersee is easily accessible both by car and by public transport. Drivers should take the Brenner motorway (A22), exit Bozen Nord/Eggental. After 0.5 km in the direction of Bozen, turn left at the roundabout into Eggental (SS 241) and continue on the Dolomites road. In Birchabruck, turn left towards Welschnofen and follow the road to Karersee (approx. 30 minutes from the motorway). There are three paid car parks right by the lake, but they cannot be reserved.

If you are travelling by public transport, there are regular buses from Bozen and other towns in the area.

Other places in the surrounding area

Karerpass: A picturesque mountain pass in the immediate vicinity of the lake of the same name, with a unique view of the Rosengarten and Latemar.
Bozen: The capital of South Tyrol with its historic old town, the arcades and the famous archaeological museum, where the glacier mummy Ötzi is exhibited.
Welschnofen: A picturesque mountain village at the entrance to the Eggental Valley, an ideal starting point for hikes and ski excursions.
Seiser Alm: Europe's largest high Alpine pasture, a popular destination for hikers, skiers and nature lovers in both summer and winter.
Lake Kaltern: The warmest bathing lake in the Alps attracts visitors with its Mediterranean flair and picturesque vineyards.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Lago di Carezza?
Lake Carezza is located in Italy, in the South Tyrol region, nestled in the Dolomites. It is located in Eggental, about 20 kilometres south-east of Bozen, in the municipality of Welschnofen.

How do you get to Lago di Carezza?
The lake can be easily reached by car or public transport. There is a paid car park near the lake and regular buses from Bozen and other towns in the area.

Why does Lago di Carezza have so little water?
The water level fluctuates greatly as it is fed by underground springs that depend on melt and rainwater. The water level can be particularly low in late summer and autumn when there is less water flowing in from the surrounding mountains.

Why is swimming not allowed in Lago di Carezza?
Swimming is prohibited in order to protect the sensitive ecology and water quality.

How long is the walk around Lago di Carezza?
A walk around the lake takes about 20 to 30 minutes. The circular route is easily accessible and offers wonderful views.