Karersee Lake
Small alpine lake famed for colorful emerald waters
An alpine lake beneath the Latemar group known for clear water and short woodland trails. Hikers and photographers come for Dolomite views, easy boardwalks around the shore and nearby lifts that open longer mountain routes.
Karersee at a Glance#
Address: Lago di Carezza / Karersee, South Tyrol (near Passo Costalunga), Italy
Hours: Open access (outdoor lake)
About Karersee#
Karersee, also called Lago di Carezza, is a small alpine lake in South Tyrol, Italy, noted for its clear emerald water and the reflection of the surrounding Dolomite peaks.
The main attraction is the visual contrast between the lake’s water and the nearby Latemar massif; the site is compact and designed for short visits and photography rather than long hikes. There is a short, waymarked loop path around the lake and a small visitor car park close by.
The lake is a natural mountain feature formed in an alpine basin and has long been a local scenic landmark; its picturesque appearance has made it a frequent subject for photographers and local tourism promotion.
Karersee lies in the Dolomites region of South Tyrol (Trentino-Alto Adige/Sfcdtirol), within easy driving distance of nearby mountain villages and the road network that serves the alpine valleys.
- Names and appearance: Also known by its Italian name Lago di Carezza and its German name Karersee, the lake sits in the Dolomites and is famous for its vivid, emerald-coloured water and mountain reflections.
- Elevation and access: Elevation is approximately 1,520 metres and the site is reached via short walks from nearby parking areas, making it accessible for most visitors.
What to See#
- Shore promenade and viewpoints: A small lake shore and promenade with a short walking loop that provides the standard framed views of the lake and its mountain reflections.
- Parking and trail access: Nearby car park and trailheads give access to short woodland paths and lookouts towards the Latemar massif, which is reflected on calm days in the lake’s surface.
How to Get to Karersee#
Located near Passo Carezza (Kaiserjäger/Costalunga pass) in South Tyrol. By car follow road SS241/Strada Statale from the town of Nova Levante/Welschnofen or from Bolzano; there is a small car park and a short, level trail to the lake.
Tips for Visiting Karersee#
- Arrive at dawn or early morning for the best reflections on still water - wind later in the day disturbs the surface.
- Park at the Costalunga/Passo Carezza car park and take the short lakeside trail for best viewpoints.
Best Time to Visit Karersee#
Summer and early autumn provide the best combination of accessibility and scenery; mornings offer the calmest reflections.
Weather & Climate near Karersee#
Karersee's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -6°C to 18°C. Moderate rainfall (704 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -6° - 0° | -6° | 24 mm | partly cloudy | 89% | 1.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.9h |
| February | Poor | -6° - 1° | -5° | 25 mm | partly cloudy | 90% | 1.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.2h |
| March | Acceptable | -4° - 4° | -2° | 31 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 2.0 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -1° - 7° | 1° | 43 mm | overcast | 80% | 2.2 m/s | 1.0 high | 13.4h |
| May | Acceptable | 4° - 12° | 7° | 73 mm | overcast | 79% | 2.1 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.8h |
| June | Good | 7° - 16° | 11° | 94 mm | overcast | 78% | 2.1 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.6h |
| July | Good | 9° - 18° | 14° | 99 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 1.9 m/s | 1.7 very high | 15.2h |
| August | Good | 9° - 18° | 14° | 95 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 1.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.0h |
| September | Acceptable | 6° - 14° | 10° | 76 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 1.7 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Acceptable | 3° - 10° | 5° | 68 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 1.7 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | -2° - 4° | -1° | 49 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 1.6 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.3h |
| December | Poor | -5° - 1° | -5° | 27 mm | partly cloudy | 88% | 1.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.5h |
