Karersee — Attraction in Salten-Schlern - Salto-Sciliar

Lago di Carezza (aka Karersee) – A Quick Glimpse of Dolomite Magic

Lago di Carezza is the kind of place that makes you stop, even if just for a moment, to appreciate the sheer beauty that nature can offer. On our way to the next stop of our Italian Dolomites tour, we pulled over for a quick visit. It’s the perfect kind of detour for a traveler who doesn’t want to be caught in the trap of mass tourism but still wants to experience the jaw-dropping scenery that places like this deliver in spades.

The setup is typical—parking on one side of the road (a reasonable $2) and the lake on the other. I can appreciate the convenience, but what I don’t appreciate is being herded through the commercialized pathway that leads through a gift shop and tunnel. We weren’t in the mood for a forced shopping excursion, so we skipped the queue. Instead, we crossed the road and found a quiet gravel path lined with railings, offering a direct and unobstructed route to the lake itself.

And the lake—well, it's as stunning as you'd expect. The deep turquoise waters, cradled by towering peaks, are nothing short of spectacular. Even in our short walk along the trail, the views were incredible. We snapped a few photos, soaked in the surroundings, and were back in the car in no time, on our way to explore more of the Dolomites.

It's a quick, easy stop if you're on a schedule, and while the tourist crowds are inevitable, there are ways to sidestep the hustle and just enjoy the raw beauty of Lago di Carezza. If you know how to dodge the commercial side of things, it’s worth the stop. A perfect slice of alpine serenity—just don’t let the gift shop...

Lake Carezza: A Jewel in the Dolomites⛰️

Lake Carezza, also known as Lago di Carezza, is a stunning alpine lake nestled in South Tyrol, Italy. Renowned for its vibrant turquoise waters that shimmer like a gemstone, the lake is even more breathtaking on calm, sunny days.

The surrounding mountains provide a dramatic backdrop, making it a favorite spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Here's what you can expect at Lake Carezza:

Pros: Breathtaking scenery, easy walking trail, unique water color, delicious gelato (I enjoyed the pistachio flavor with whole nuts!), ample parking (although finding a spot can be tricky)

Cons: Can get crowded, limited dedicated photography spots (arrive early to avoid crowds)

Overall, Lake Carezza is a must-visit for anyone exploring the Dolomites. The combination of the lake's beauty, the fresh mountain air, and the refreshing gelato makes for a perfect afternoon.

Just be mindful of the potential crowds and plan your visit accordingly.

Tips: Arrive early in the morning to score a parking spot and capture photos without the crowds. There are limited designated photography areas, so be prepared to share the space with...

There is an easy, well-maintained 1-km path circles the lake, offering numerous viewpoints and photo opportunities.

You can find a visitor center with information about the lake, a café, and restrooms near the parking lot.

These are some other notable trails starting from the parking lot:

Karersee to Carezza Pass Length: 5 km (one way) Duration: 2-3 hours Difficulty: Moderate This trail takes you from the lake to the nearby Carezza Pass, passing through beautiful forests and meadows with stunning mountain views.

Karersee to Latemar Labyrinth Length: 7 km (round trip) Duration: 3-4 hours Difficulty: Moderate A moderate hike that leads you through the fascinating rock formations of the Latemar Labyrinth, offering a unique geological experience and great views of the lake and surrounding peaks.

Karersee to Rifugio Roda di Vael Length: 15 km (round trip) Duration: 6-7 hours Difficulty: Challenging A more challenging hike that takes you up to the Rifugio Roda di Vael, offering panoramic views of the Dolomites and a rewarding destination for...