Lake Carezza Complete Guide: How to Visit Lago di Carezza in the Dolomites

Lake Carezza (Lago di Carezza in Italian or Karersee in German) is one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the Dolomites, Northern Italy.

To give you a quick picture: it’s a small mountain lake with water that changes colors like a rainbow, from deep blue to emerald green and even golden tones, surrounded by tall pine forests and the rocky Latemar peaks.

The lake became popular only in the last decade, mostly thanks to social media and its incredible, mirror-like reflections.

The lake sits right next to Passo di Costalunga (Karerpass) and is very easy to reach, that’s why it fits perfectly into almost any Dolomites itinerary.

I’ve visited Lake Carezza many times, and I can honestly say it’s one of the most magical spots in the Dolomites that you shouldn’t miss.

If you’ve read some of my other articles, you already know that the Dolomites are one of my favorite hiking areas in Europe. I return every summer, sometimes to revisit old favorites, sometimes to explore new trails. By now, I know this region quite well, and I’m happy to share my experiences, including all the tips you’ll need for your visit to Lake Carezza.

There are a few important things to know before you go: about how to get there, parking, what to do, where to stay, and where to eat. To help you plan your trip easily, I’ve put together this complete Lake Carezza guide with everything you need for a smooth and enjoyable visit.

Let’s dive in and see what makes Lago di Carezza such a special place!

After this quick overview, let’s go through the most frequently asked questions about visiting Lago di Carezza:

Is Lake Carezza in South Tyrol worth visiting?

Yes, Lake Carezza is definitely worth a visit, especially if you’re exploring the western part of the Dolomites.

Because it’s easy to reach from Bolzano, you can easily add it to almost any Dolomites itinerary.

Visiting the lake doesn’t take much time, but it’s still one of the most beautiful and photogenic lakes in the whole region. So don’t skip it if you’re traveling to the Dolomites.

Where exactly is Lake Carezza located?

Lake Carezza is located in the southwestern part of the Dolomites, in the Costalunga Pass, near the small village of Carezza al Lago.

It lies right next to the Via Carezza (SS241), which connects Bolzano and Vigo di Fassa. This scenic mountain road winds through beautiful forests and valleys, with Lake Carezza as one of its highlights halfway along the route.

How to get to Lake Carezza

You can reach the lake by bus, car, or by bike.

By bus

If you’re traveling alone or as a couple, or simply don’t want to drive on mountain roads, taking the bus is a great option.

From Bolzano, bus number 180 goes directly to Lake Carezza, and the journey takes about 53 minutes.

You can buy a single ticket on the suedtirolmobil.info website, or if you plan to travel around the region, it’s worth getting a Mobilcard or a Südtirol Pass, which allows you to travel almost anywhere in South Tyrol at a discounted price.

By car

This is the most flexible option.

By car, it takes about 35 minutes from Bolzano and around 20 minutes from Vigo di Fassa.

The road isn’t the most difficult mountain drive in the Dolomites, but it’s still full of bends and curves, so it’s best if a confident driver is behind the wheel.

Parking at Lake Carezza

You can park on the north side of the road, in the large parking area called “Parking Lake Carezza” on Google Maps.

This is a paid parking lot, and as far as I know, there are no free or alternative parking options nearby.

From the parking area, you can easily walk to the lake through a short underground tunnel. Near the tunnel, you’ll also find a shop and a restaurant.

By bike

These options are only recommended if you are an experienced cyclist.

The road to the lake is often busy with cars and buses, so cycling there is not the most relaxing choice.

Best time to visit Lake Carezza

The best time to visit Lake Carezza is from June to the end of September.

During July and August, the weather is warm, the days are long, and the light is perfect for photos. It’s a great time for a short stop or an easy walk around the lake. Rain can happen anytime in the Dolomites, so it’s smart to check the weather forecast and bring a light jacket or raincoat.

I don’t recommend visiting in spring or autumn, because the weather is often cold, rainy, and unpredictable.

In winter, the lake usually freezes and the whole area is covered in snow. It looks beautiful, but it’s only worth visiting if you’re already skiing nearby or want to take winter photos.

The best time of day to visit is before sunset. The crowds are smaller, parking is easier, and the Latemar mountains behind the lake turn red in the soft evening light, it’s a truly magical moment!

What to expect at Lake Carezza

Let’s take a look at some other common questions that may come up about Lago di Carezza:

Best things to do around Lake Carezza

The best things to do at Lake Carezza are simple but really enjoyable.

Here’s what I recommend:

• Walk around the lake: There’s a short and easy path that goes all around Lake Carezza. It only takes about 20–30 minutes and offers beautiful views from every side.
• Take photos: Lake Carezza is one of the most photographed lakes in the Dolomites. The colorful water and the Latemar peaks make it a perfect spot for photos, especially before sunset.
• Try local food: Near the lake, you’ll find small restaurants like Carezza Snack, or in Carezza al Lago, Ristorante Laurin Carezza, where you can taste local South Tyrolean dishes such as sausages, cold cuts, or goulash with spätzle (a type of noodle).

Is it worth hiking around the lake?

I only recommend walking around the lake if you have enough time and feel like it.

The best views are actually from the viewing platform on the northeast side and from the northern shore.

Walking further around the lake is a nice, easy stroll, the trail is just a bit over 1 km long, but it doesn’t offer much more in terms of scenery.

What to pack for visiting Lake Carezza

Since the parking area is very close to Lake Carezza, you don’t need to pack too much. Still, here are a few things that can be useful to bring:

• Proper clothes: Dress for the season and weather. In summer, it can get quite warm, and colorful clothes look great in photos. In other seasons, it’s better to bring warmer layers and a waterproof jacket.
• Comfortable shoes: If you plan to walk around the lake, hiking shoes are not a must, but they can make the walk more comfortable.
• Backpack: Bring some snacks and water, it’s always handy to have them with you.
• Phone: Perfect for taking photos of the lake and the Latemar mountains.

Is the area crowded?

Yes, Lake Carezza can get very crowded, especially in late morning and early afternoon.

It’s a small lake with only a few good photo spots, so most tourists gather in the same places.

That’s why it’s better to visit outside peak hours, though even then, taking photos can still be a bit tricky.

Photo tips

If you want to take beautiful photos of Lake Carezza, here are a few simple tips:

• The best light is in the late afternoon or before sunset. I’ve been to the lake at different times of day, and this period always gives the most beautiful colors and perfect reflections.
• Keep in mind that the lake is surrounded by a high wooden fence, which makes taking photos a bit harder. Some people climb over it, but it’s not allowed and I don’t recommend doing it.
• A wide-angle camera can be useful, but it’s not necessary.
• For photos, white, yellow, orange, or red clothes look great against the green water and the mountain background.
• The best photo spots are from the viewing platform and from a few places along the northern shore.

These are just some basic tips, but honestly, the scenery at Lake Carezza is so stunning that even simple photos look amazing.

Where to eat near the lake

• Near the lake, there is only one small snack bar called Carezza Snack. You can get sandwiches and simple fried food there.
• A bit farther away, in Carezza al Lago, you’ll find Ristorante Laurin Carezza, which serves South Tyrolean and Italian food, and Thai Zwei Drei Restaurant, which offers Asian dishes.

Can you swim in Lake Carezza?

No, swimming is not allowed in Lake Carezza, as the area is part of a protected nature park.

Also, the water stays very cold even in summer, so most people wouldn’t want to swim here anyway.

Can you use a drone at the lake?

No, flying a drone at Lake Carezza is not allowed, as the area is a protected natural site.

Other places to visit near Lake Carezza

Don’t miss these beautiful places if you’re visiting Lake Carezza. They are all within a short drive and worth adding to your Dolomites trip:

• Alpe di Siusi / Seiser Alm: The largest alpine meadow in Europe, with amazing views and easy walks.
• Seceda: One of the most famous viewpoints in the Dolomites, known for its dramatic mountain peaks and photo spots. You can reach it easily by cable car from Ortisei.
• Val di Funes: A beautiful valley with green fields, small villages, and the famous church of Santa Maddalena. It’s one of the most photogenic valleys in South Tyrol.

So this was my complete guide to Lake Carezza, with all the main information you need to plan your visit. I’ve also shared some useful tips and personal experiences to help you make the most of your trip.

I hope this article has inspired you to visit Lake Carezza and helped you plan your trip with confidence.

If you want to see this colorful little lake for yourself, don’t wait too long! Plan your next trip to the Dolomites with Lake Carezza as one of the highlights. Book one of the nearby hotels, enjoy the local food, and get ready to explore one of the most magical places in Northern Italy.