Lake of Carezza (Lago di Carezza): A Complete Guide To Visiting

Emerald waters that sparkle magnificently, surrounded by misty Spruce forests and breathtaking views of the incredible mountain ranges beyond…

We dare you to find us a more picturesque setting than Lago di Carezza.

What makes it even more amazing is this lake is free to visit (just pay to park opposite). You can spend as long as you like here walking around and admiring the views.

Nestled in the heart of the Italian Dolomites, Lake of Carezza commonly known as Lago di Carezza is a natural wonder you don’t want to miss. This enchanting lake is known for its brilliant emerald and turquoise waters, reflecting the surrounding peaks.

Join us as we explore the beauty and history of Lake Carezza (Lago di Carezza), a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Read all about our favourite spots in the Dolomites here.

Where is Lake of Carezza?

Lake Carezza, also known as Lago di Carezza in Italian, is located in the Trentino-Alto Adige region of northern Italy. It’s nestled in the Val d’Ega valley within the Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning alpine scenery.

The lake is situated near the small village of Carezza, making it easily accessible from popular tourist destinations like Bolzano and Merano. Its central location within the Dolomites makes it a convenient stop for those exploring this mountainous paradise.

About Lago Carezza

Lago di Carezza is just 1.5km long and 0.5km wide and sits at an altitude of 1520 meters (4987 feet) above sea level. The beautiful rainbow lake can be reached via winding mountain roads that offer incredible views in every direction.

How to get to Lake of Carezza

Getting to Lake Carezza is generally a straightforward journey, which only makes the desire to visit here even stronger.

If you have a car whilst in the Dolomites (which we recommend) then read on…

Can you drive to Lago di Carezza?

Yes! Lago Carezza is one of the easiest destinations to reach in the Dolomites via car. The lake is just 16 miles (26 km) southeast of Bolzano (Bozen) along the Great Dolomites Road (a beautiful drive). There is then a car park around a 5 minute walk from the lake, just across the road. Parking here costs € 2.00 for 1 hour and € 4.00 for 1 hour – 2 hours.

How to reach Lago di Carezza via car

To reach Lago di Carezza you’ll typically start from Bolzano, a nearby city located in the South Tyrol area.

Take the SS241 road for a scenic drive, and you’ll arrive in about 30-40 minutes. This route treats you to stunning mountain views. If you’re coming from Merano or Trento, it’s still quite accessible and the drive should take you around 1 hour.

If you are flying in then Bolzano Airport is the closest major airport. You can rent a car or take a taxi from there to reach Lake of Carezza.

How to reach Lago di Carezza via bus

For those without a car, there are bus connections to the lake from nearby towns. South Tyrol has a great public transport network, and this makes it possible to reach Lago di Carezza by bus. 

Simply jump on the 180.1 bus from Bolzano to Pera di Fassa (via Nova Levante and Carezza) and you’ll be there in about 40 minutes. The bus runs rather frequently and costs 4.50 Euro per journey. Check the bus timetable before planning your journey to ensure that you don’t just miss a bus.

We visited Lake Carezza on our way from Venice to South Tyrol and the journey and views (minus the summer thunderstorm) was incredible the whole way.

How to reach Lago di Carezza via tour

If you don’t want to hire a car or use public transport then you can also visit Lago di Carezza via a tour. This will save you any of the effort of planning or navigating your way through the Dolomites roads.

You can visit the best Instagram-worthy spots in the Dolomites of Bolzano on a private car tour or via a private tour. You can also combine your visit to the lake with stops off at other spots in the Dolomites from nearby spots such as Venice or from around South Tyrol and Bolzano.

Where can I park when visiting Lago di Carezza?

Conveniently, there’s a car park just on the other side of the road to Lake Carezza. The car park costs 2 Euros per hour and is capped at 4 euros so is reasonably priced especially compared to some others in the Dolomites. You can pay using most major credit/ debit cards. Just be mindful that it can get fairly busy, especially during peak times so just keep this in mind when visiting Lago di Carezza.

When is the best time to visit Lake Carezza?

The best time to visit Lake Carezza largely depends on your preferences and what you hope to experience. Summer, from June to September, is the most popular season for tourists. During this time, the weather is generally pleasant, and the lake’s surroundings are covered in colourful wildflowers. It’s ideal for hiking, boating, and picnicking. The water also reflects the incredible emerald and turquoise hues most vividly during these months.

As with most places in the Dolomites and South Tyrol areas, Lake Carezza is super popular with tourists over the summer months. It’s an incredibly beautiful area, just don’t expect to have it all to yourself if you’re visiting Lake Carezza during the summer months.

If you prefer a quieter and more serene experience, consider visiting during shoulder season, in the spring or autumn. Spring brings the renewal of nature, with blossoming flowers and greenery. In the autumn, you’ll witness the Dolomites’ beautiful colours, a picturesque time for photographers. The lake’s charm remains, and you can still enjoy outdoor activities with fewer crowds.

Winter, on the other hand, transforms Lago di Carezza into a snowy wonderland, but access may be limited. Also, keep in mind that the water levels of the lake during the winter are far lower. Lago di Carezza is still incredibly beautiful, just in a very different way.

When is the best time of day to visit Lago di Carezza?

If you’re looking to have the lake all to yourself then sunrise us always the best time to visit. You’ll have the lake all (or practically all) to yourself. You’ll be able to take in a few quiet moments before the hordes of tourists arrive.

Alternatively, sunset is another great time to visit. There will naturally be more people around but the light is also excellent for around an hour before (and just after) the sun sets for that soft golden hour glow.

However, if you are planning to visit during the day then don’t worry, we visited mid-morning (around 10am) and didn’t find it too busy. Of course, there were others around. But, we still managed to find a few moments of calm and Lago di Carezza.

How long should I spend at Lago di Carezza?

The amount of time you’ll want to spend at Lago di Carezza largely depends on whether you choose to relax or hike one of the nearby trails. We recommend spending around 3 hours here. This will give you enough time to take a leisurely stroll around the lake or enjoy a picnic beside the crystal-clear water. There’s a small walking circuit around Lago di Carezza that takes about 20 minutes winding through the beautiful Spruce forest that surrounds the lake. It’s a pretty flat and easy trail that is packed with lookout spots to admire the view of the lake.

There are a few spots to sit down and enjoy the views, or simply sit and soak up all the lush nature around you.

However, if you’re after a bit more of a challenging hike then could easily spend a half-day or a full day here exploring one of the many trails.

Is visiting Lago di Carezza worth it?

Yes! If you’re visiting The Dolomites then visiting Lago Carezza is certainly worth it. It’s a beautiful alpine lake with incredible views and reflections. It is, in our opinions, one of the most beautiful spots in the whole of Italy. If you’re visiting from Trentino or South Tyrol, exploring the Dolomites, then Lake Carezza is most definitely worth a visit. During your trip you can also visit spots like Geisler Alm or all of the other wonderful spots that can be found in The Dolomites during your trip.

However, if you are not planning a trip to The Dolomites and instead, are visiting spots such as Venice, Milan, Florence or Cinque Terre then it might not be worth going out of your way to only visit Lago di Carezza. It is quite far from these spots and would make a long day just to see the wonderful Lago di Carezza.

Is there a restaurant at Lake of Carezza?

Yes, there’s a restaurant and a cafe serving food, drinks and coffee all for fairly reasonable prices. There’s also a little shop selling souvenirs and outdoor clothes in case you weren’t prepared enough. There are also public toilets available in the tunnel linking the car park to the lake.

Can I swim in Lago di Carezza?

No, you cannot swim in Lago di Carezza. It has a fence all around it so you also can’t get close to it, or go swimming in it. There is however, a trail around the outside of the lake which you can follow. The trail provides beautiful views from different angles of the lake so is well worth a walk around if you have the time.

Conclusion on visiting Lago Carezza

The ultimate guide to visiting Lago di Carezza, or Karersee Lake, in Italy!

The natural beauty of this alpine lake is absolutely gorgeous. The shimmering waters of Lago di Carezza, with its misty spruce forests and jutting mountains behind it will leave you speechless. We hope that you have an amazing time visiting Lago Carezza. We hope that this guide has helped you to plan your visit. Have you been to the Dolomites before? Or, are you planning a visit? We would love to know in the comments below!