The Lake of Carezza in Italy: Alpine decor and rainbow fresco

Discover the Lake Carezza, a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by breathtaking mountain landscapes!

Northern Italy is known for its lakes, all more beautiful than others. But if there is one that stands out, it is the beautiful Lake of Carezza, nestled in the alpine heights. Located in the beautiful South Tyrol region, this small alpine lake is surrounded by a thick pine forest.

In the shade of the slopes of the Latemar massif, which is reflected in its crystal clear waters, you will appreciate its bright colors that earned it the charming name of "Lec de Ergobando", the Arc-en-Ciel Lake. This hidden natural treasure of the Italian Dolomites is also imbibed with folk legends.

So if you are looking for a place full of natural beauty, you will find in this article all the information you need to know to visit the Lake of Carezza in Italy!

In the footsteps of Carezza Lake in Italy

Located in the Italian Dolomites, in the north of the country, Lake Carezza is a few kilometers from Bolzano , the entrance door of this famous mountain range. Located in 1,534 m altitude , this small alpine lake lives according to the seasons.

In the snow melt, the lake reaches its highest level with a length of 287 metres and a width of 137 metres. Its maximum depth is then 17 meters. During this beautiful season, the water flows into a charming small stream, which flows west of the lake. Winter, the lago di Carezza freezes and its beautiful colours remain trapped in the ice until spring returns.

Because Lake Carezza is particularly known for its striking colours, which earned it the most beautiful of the nicknames: Lake Arc-en-Ciel. Surrounded by a thick forest of spruce and other species, crystalline waters reflect such a mirror the bright blue of the sky, the clouds that test it, the emerald of trees but also the impressive mountainous mountains that watch over the lake.

Accessible by national road 241 , the lake is now one of the most popular tourist destinations in Trentin-Haut-Adige. In the summer, travellers are rushing around the lake, walking along the path arranged around (access to the shores is not allowed) to admire the calm waters, the beautiful colors that are reflected there but also the superb mountain panorama with the Latemar massif and the Catinaccio in the background.

In winter, the lake is home to temeral divers who carry out superb shots under the thick layer of ice. Arc-en-Ciel Lake, even when its waters are frozen, still houses amazing light games in its heart.

What is he hiding at the bottom of Carezza Lake?

Thanks to its spectacular appearance, the Lago di Carezza has always attracted the admiration and wonder of the local inhabitants. Many artists have inspired themselves for their paintings or their stories.

Several folk legends surround Arc-en-Ciel lake. The most popular is a very beautiful Naïade who once lived in the Lake Carezza, Ondina. A wizard from Latemar — Masaré — one day surprised her singing with a soft voice on the lake.

Seduced, he sought to kidnap her by various stratagems. Failing each time, and under the advice of the witch Langwerda, he revealed a superb rainbow above Carezza Lake to attract the nymph out of the water.

Although Ondina was distracted by this wonderful creation, she quickly recognized the wizard and escaped her trap. She never left the lake again. Desperate and sad of his own smear, the wizard broke the rainbow into a thousand pieces, which came to ground in the lake.

Since that day and according to legend, its bright colours have been reflected in the crystal clear waters of Lake Carezza.

To go

How?

Now that you are convinced to visit this exceptional place, let's see how to get there:

• By plane

To get to South Tyrol, you will have to go through the airport of a neighbouring province. From Paris or other airports, you can easily find a flight to Venice , Milan or Innsbruck (Austria). To find tickets at the best price, don’t hesitate to take them in advance and to use a flight comparison such as Ulysses .

• By train

From one of these three cities, you will then have to reach that of Bolzano, which is the largest city closest to Lake Carezza. From Innsbruck, count at least 2 - 3 hours by train, with at least a change on the border. You will find routes from 9€ .

From Milan or Venice, the train to Bolzano lasts on average 3 hours with a change Verona . Count on average 20€ The trip.

• By bus

Flixbus, like many other companies, offers routes from these three cities to Bolzano. From Innsbruck, the direct route lasts 2 hours on average and costs on average 10€ . From Milan or Venice, you can travel with or without change to Verona. Count this between 4 and 6 a.m. To go to Bolzano. The journey will usually cost you less 20€ .

Once in Bolzano, you can take a public bus to the city of Carezza. From the city you can easily reach the Arc-en-Ciel Lake on foot or by bike during a charming walk in a dream setting.

• By car

You can also choose to go to the Lake Carezza with your own vehicle or opt for it car rental . To reach Bolzano from Milan or Venice, count at least 3 hours .

From Innsbruck you will have to cross a border and cross mountain roads. The journey lasts on average 2 hours . To reach the Lake Carezza or visit this beautiful region, owning its own vehicle is obviously an excellent advantage.

Note : a paid parking is located near the lake (1€ per hour).

When?

Lake Carezza can be visited all year round!

Of course. spring and summer are the best times to admire it. During these seasons, the lake reaches its maximum size. The Arc-en-Ciel table that is reflected in it is then all the larger! It is also the best time to discover the South Tyrol region on foot or by bike during extraordinary hikes.

L’ winter , you can certainly enjoy the snowy setting of Tyrol or practice alpine skiing in the charming surrounding ski resorts, but the frozen lake is of interest only for the experienced divers.

L’ Fall is also a pleasant time to discover the Lake Carezza and its surroundings. The temperatures begin to decrease, the lake is coloured with autumn colours offering a unique picture to the spectator.

To sleep

On site

Trentin-Haut-Adige is a tourist region of Italy. You will have no trouble finding accommodation near Carezza Lake. For example, you can choose to stay in Carezza or Nova Levante, both of which are home to numerous luxury homes, holiday homes or hotels.

To find the hotel that suits you best, don’t hesitate to use a hotel Compare hotels . You will necessarily find the one that will best fit your expectations! Minimum count 80€ at night for a hotel room in this exceptional setting.

If you are lovers of more atypical housing, you can also turn to Airbnb . More affordable than hotels, you can count on average 50€ at night per person. You can thus stay in authentic chalets, an excellent way to perfect your experience in the region.

The nearby addresses

It is also possible to stay in the surrounding cities, as Vigo di Fassa and Pozza di Fassa, or the great city of Bolzano. From these cities it is also easy to discover the Trentin and the natural wonders of the Italian Dolomites.

To eat

On site

Close to Carezza Lake, you will find a shopping area with restaurants, souvenir shops and toilets. You can also take your own snack or meal for this discovery. Just be sure to respect and preserve the place by leaving no waste.

The nearby addresses

In Carezza or Nova Levante, you will find many small restaurants and local pizzerias where you can eat and enjoy a delicious meal. The centre of Carezza is only 25 minutes on foot from the Lago di Carezza.

To take in my backpack

If you come in the summer, it's best to equip yourself to avoid sunburn or insolation. In winter and autumn, prefer warm but comfortable clothing for a small hike. For your trip to Lake Carezza, we recommend you bring:

• A bottle of water or a gourd
• Non-polluting sun cream
• A hat or cap to protect you from the sun
• Footwear suitable for mountain hiking
• A raincoat jacket in case of averse
• From a camera to capture the beautiful colors of the lake and the splendor of the surrounding alpine scenery
• A snack to regain strength

What I can discover in the region

The Italian Dolomites lack neither wonders to discover nor activities to practice. Here is a non-exhaustive list of things you can do or discover in the region:

• Visit the Archaeological Museum of Upper Adige in Bolzano, as well as the Castel Roncolo, nestled at the top of a hill a few kilometers from the city
• Get in the Bolzano cable car to discover Collalbo Klobenstein and the Earth Pyramids
• Make the spectacular hikes of Parco Naturale Sciliar-Catinaccio, not far from Carezza, or Val Fiscalina and Strudelkopf, in the neighboring mountains
• Admire the 3 Cimes since Monte Paterno

Lake Carezza in pictures