Lake Carezza (1,549 m) is considered one of the most beautiful mountain lakes in the entire Alpine region. There is a visitor centre by the lake offering refreshments, as well as an underpass providing barrier-free access to the lake. The lake is at its most beautiful in the evening or early morning, when the crowds of tourists have not yet taken over the car park and the rocks are reflected in the crystal-clear waters of the lake.

Reachability

From Bolzano through the Eggental valley to Welschnofen and on to Lake Carezza. At the lake, we turn left towards the visitor centre and park (paid car park, 4 reserved spaces for people with disabilities and 4 bus parking spaces).

Description

From the Karersee car park, we follow the clear signposts to the lake. Via an accessible pedestrian underpass with a gentle gradient of 8%, we reach the viewing platform by the lake directly. The walkway through the underpass is artistically designed. Alongside the history and mythology of the Latemar Forest, the artworks also showcase wood as a material with all its virtues: right at the entrance to the underpass, a so-called ‘Myth Room’ sets the scene for this theme. In the centre of the passageway, an oversized wooden xylophone is installed. It is intended to highlight the connection between Latemar wood and various musical instruments. Just before the exit, a light installation projects rainbow colours onto the floor. As the legend goes, the golden treasure lies exactly where the rainbow meets the water. After leaving the passageway, we arrive directly at the new viewing platform. It is also easily accessible by wheelchair. The final section of the path consists of compacted earth and gravel. The viewing platform offers a magnificent view of the lake and is flanked by an informative display board. Many South Tyrolean legends surround the lake. The small mountain lake is particularly famous for its calm, deep-green water and the beautiful mountain backdrop, with the Rosengarten and Latemar ranges in the distance. With a surface area of just under 130 x 300 metres, Lake Carezza is not particularly large. Its deepest point is 22 metres. The lake is fed by underground springs.