You know that feeling when you’re heading to some incredibly famous spot and something unexpected steals your heart along the way? That’s exactly what happened to us with our beloved Lago di Misurina in the Dolomites Italy. Lukáš and I keep stumbling upon it whenever we’re driving towards the iconic peaks of Tre Cime. Every single time we tell ourselves we’ll just stop for a quick photo, and every single time we end up spending half the day here. ☺️

And honestly, it’s no wonder — this place is an absolute paradise, rightfully nicknamed the pearl of the Dolomites. While you certainly can’t get a pushchair up to Tre Cime or the turquoise waters of Lago di Sorapis, Lago di Misurina gave us the most relaxed family stroll of our entire trip.

So come along — I’ll show you everything we’ve explored around Misurina over the years, from a leisurely pushchair-friendly walk and a mysterious observatory to the hike up to the Cadini viewpoint that has absolutely taken Instagram by storm in recent years. I’ll also share tips on where to park and how to avoid astronomical fines. 😉

TL;DR

• Location & orientation: The lake sits at an altitude of 1,754 metres, just a 15-minute drive from the famous Cortina d’Ampezzo towards Tre Cime.
• Walk around the lake: The loop is 2.6 kilometres, almost completely flat, and takes under an hour — perfect with a pushchair or small children.
• Cadini di Misurina: A stunning group of rocky towers with an iconic viewpoint, reachable in roughly 30 to 45 minutes on foot.
• Health phenomenon: The air here is so clean and unique that the shores are home to the Istituto Pio XII, a one-of-a-kind sanatorium for children with asthma.
• Parking: The official Lago di Misurina car park costs around €5 for three hours, but it fills up fast in peak season.
• Drone ban: You’re inside a national park — flying a drone here can land you with a no-nonsense fine of up to €3,000.

What is Lago di Misurina and why you need to visit

When people think of the Dolomites mountains in Italy, they usually picture jagged peaks and gruelling climbs, but the area around Lago di Misurina offers a different, more tranquil experience. Be prepared for this place to win you over with its hauntingly beautiful atmosphere — especially when the lake’s surface mirrors the massive mountain ranges all around it.

The lake is surprisingly large and deep. It sits at a full 1,754 metres above sea level, so even in the height of summer it’s noticeably cooler than the valleys below. Compared to nearby Cortina d’Ampezzo, our favourite base in the region, it’s a fair bit chillier up here. But what fascinates me most about Misurina is its microclimate. The air is so uniquely clean and pure that people with respiratory conditions have been coming here for treatment since the last century. To this day, the Istituto Pio XII operates on the lakeshore — a globally unique high-altitude sanatorium for children suffering from asthma. Take a deep breath here and you can almost feel your lungs clearing out.

Cadini di Misurina: a viewpoint worth every step

Beyond the lake itself, there’s another huge draw to this area — the dramatic rock towers known as Cadini di Misurina. Just a few years ago, barely anyone outside of locals and die-hard mountaineers knew about this viewpoint. Then the photographers found it, and the rest is Instagram history.

It’s an incredibly dramatic vantage point on a narrow rocky ridge, with jagged peaks rising behind you. If you’re prone to vertigo, your knees will definitely wobble — but the view is absolutely worth it. From the lake, the hike up takes roughly 30 to 45 minutes depending on how often you stop to soak in the scenery. We ended up carrying our little one, Jonášek, in an ergonomic carrier, because a pushchair simply won’t make it over the rocky terrain.

When to visit and how to get there

If you’re wondering what time of year to plan your trip, I have to say Misurina has charm all year round — even though the experience changes dramatically with the seasons. The road to the lake is straightforward and well signposted from multiple directions.

Getting there by car and bus

From Cortina d’Ampezzo, you’ll reach the lake in about 15 minutes along the scenic SR48 road — just be prepared for heavier traffic during the summer months. If you’d rather not drive, local transport works brilliantly: bus number 30 runs regularly from Cortina and drops you right at the Misurina-Lago stop. The main paid car park is right by the lake — expect to pay around €5 for three hours. If it’s full, you can drive a bit further along the road towards Tre Cime, where you’ll sometimes find free overflow spaces.

If you’re flying in from the UK, the nearest airports are Venice Marco Polo and Treviso. From there, hiring a car is by far the easiest way to explore the Dolomites. Several airlines including easyJet, British Airways, and Ryanair operate regular flights from London and other UK cities to Venice.

Which season to choose

Summer is obviously the most popular time, as you can tackle high-altitude hikes and enjoy the sunshine — though the tourist crowds can be exhausting. If you love colours and photography, come in October when the surrounding larches turn incredible shades of gold and orange. Winter, however, is a chapter all its own. Thanks to its altitude, the lake freezes completely and transforms into a vast natural ice rink. At the local Forte de Misurina club, you can even hire ice skates and glide beneath the Alpine peaks — a truly fairy-tale experience.

Where to stay near Lago di Misurina

Whenever we plan a trip to this part of the Dolomites, we always face the same dilemma: stay in a livelier town with restaurants and shops, or opt for the peace and quiet of the mountains? Both have their merits, and a lot depends on whether you’re travelling as a couple or, like us, with the whole family in tow.

If you want tranquillity, falling asleep under a blanket of stars and setting off on a morning hike without getting in the car, stay right by the lake. There are some lovely smaller hotels — for example, the historic Hotel Lavaredo, where the hospitality feels genuinely personal, or the family-run Hotel Sorapiss right on the shore. If you prefer more buzz — great restaurants and shops — I’d recommend making your base in Cortina d’Ampezzo. It’s only a 15-minute drive to the lake, and you’ll have hundreds of apartments and luxury hotels to choose from. A cheaper and very pleasant alternative is the little town of Auronzo di Cadore, nestled a bit further down in the valley. You can search and compare accommodation easily on Booking.com.

Lago di Misurina & Cadini: 10 things to see and do

There’s plenty around the lake and its immediate surroundings to make it worth extending your visit. Let’s dive into the best of what awaits you here — whether you love long treks or prefer soaking up the atmosphere with a good Italian coffee in hand.

1. Walk around the lake — pushchair-friendly

Our favourite activity is, surprisingly, the simplest one. The trail around the entire Lago di Misurina is about 2.6 kilometres long and runs mostly on flat ground. At a leisurely pace, it took us around 40 minutes — and Jonášek happily slept through almost the entire thing in his pushchair, while our dogs Kája and Baby enthusiastically sniffed every bush along the shore. It’s a beautifully maintained path, and the views of the Sorapis range from the opposite bank are simply breathtaking.

Along the way, you’ll find plenty of benches perfect for a snack break. If you’ve got dogs like us, you’ll also appreciate that the path is largely lined with grass and trees, giving them room to run around and cool off in the shade.

2. The iconic Cadini di Misurina viewpoint

As I mentioned earlier, this is the view that practically everyone recognises from photos. The trail starts near Rifugio Auronzo and follows the ridge towards the sharp rocky spires. It’s not a particularly strenuous climb — about 30 to 45 minutes one way — but the path is rocky and exposed in places, so proper hiking boots are an absolute must.

I’d strongly recommend heading out either very early in the morning or later in the afternoon. During the summer season, literal queues form during the day as everyone waits for their turn to snap the perfect people-free photo.

3. The wooden jetty photo spot

As you walk along the promenade on the eastern shore, you’ll come across a small wooden jetty with little boats gently bobbing beside it. Early in the morning, before the wind picks up and ripples the surface, the lake perfectly mirrors the Sorapis range and the Cadini towers. This is exactly where those stunning postcard shots are taken.

For the best photo, though, you really need to get up early. By ten o’clock the tour buses start rolling in, and the magical morning calm quickly turns into a bustling promenade.

4. Cosmolab Misurina observatory

This was a massive surprise for us. Right by the lake, you’ll find a working astronomical observatory — the Cosmolab Misurina. Admission is around €8, and it’s a brilliant backup plan when the mountains throw bad weather at you — which, in the Dolomites, happens more often than you’d like. The local dark skies, free from light pollution, guarantee spectacular stargazing.

They sometimes hold evening sessions too, when viewing conditions are at their best. Make sure to check the opening times in advance though, as they frequently change depending on the season and lunar phases.

5. Winter ice skating on the frozen lake

If you’re visiting in winter, this is something you simply cannot miss. Part of the lake is officially maintained as the Pista Misurina — for around €8 to €10 you can hire skates and glide across the ice. Please stick to the designated rink area only, as the ice beyond it can be unstable — and a dip in freezing water is something nobody wants to deal with.

Make sure you wrap up properly, too. The mountains surrounding the lake often block the sun in winter, and temperatures plunge well below zero. A stop for hot chocolate or a bombardino at the nearest bar will sort you right out afterwards.

6. Escape the crowds at Lago d’Antorno

When the summer crowds at Misurina get a bit much, Lukáš and I have a secret tip. We drive a few minutes further along the road towards Tre Cime and stop at the tiny Lago d’Antorno. It’s surrounded by dense forest, far fewer people come here, and the view of Tre Cime is arguably even more poetic than from below.

A simple wooden boardwalk and gravel path loop around the little lake. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic away from the main hustle, and the reflections of the peaks on the still water make for incredible photographs.

7. Cable car up to Rifugio Col de Varda

A chairlift runs right from the lake and whisks you up in minutes to Rifugio Col de Varda. If you don’t fancy a steep uphill walk, it’s the perfect way to get gorgeous panoramic views of the entire lake from above. The food at the rifugio is fantastic too — we always treat ourselves to something sweet up there.

The ride up only takes a few minutes, but the vista it reveals is something you simply won’t get from the water’s edge. And if you’ve got a bit of energy to spare, I’d recommend walking back down — it’s a lovely, gentle stroll through a pine forest.

8. Hike up to Forcella Misurina

For those of you craving a bigger challenge beyond a flat lakeside stroll, a steeper trail leads from the Col de Varda hut up to the Forcella Misurina saddle. This one is aimed at more experienced hikers — the path is loose and quite steep — but once you scramble to the top, you’ll find yourself in utter peace, far from all the tourists.

Don’t forget to pack trekking poles — they’ll save your knees big time on the descent through the loose terrain. Your reward will be panoramas shared with only a handful of fellow enthusiasts.

9. The Istituto Pio XII sanatorium

Although it’s a medical facility and you can’t go inside, the enormous yellow sanatorium building is impossible to miss — and its story is well worth knowing. The sight of this vast structure on the shores of an Alpine lake is genuinely fascinating and gives you goosebumps.

What particularly intrigues us is that it was originally established under the patronage of the world-famous Padre Pio — the combination of an Alpine sanatorium and a place of pilgrimage has something almost mystical about it. Apparently, the unique climate helps children breathe so much better that families from across Italy return several times a year.

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to stay near Lago di Misurina and Cadini

5 accommodations — hotels and other lodging options

⭐ TOP CHOICE 🏨 Hotel

Hotel Lavaredo

Historic hotel right by Lake Misurina, where guests are treated like family. Ideal for peaceful accommodation with mountain views.

★★★★ Check prices

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Hotel Sorapiss

Family hotel right on the shore of Lake Misurina. Perfect for those who want to fall asleep with a view of the stars and head out for a hike in the morning without driving.

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Hotel Misurina

Lakeside hotel with an excellent restaurant that maintains outstanding quality Italian cuisine. Ideal spot for lunch after a walk around the lake.

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Grand Hotel Misurina

Large hotel by the lake that serves as the starting point for the Col de Varda cable car. Visible from many spots around the lake.

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10. Launchpad for Tre Cime di Lavaredo

Misurina serves as the unofficial base camp for a trip to Tre Cime di Lavaredo. The bus stop here is the main departure point for buses number 30 and 31, which take you up the steep toll road. If you’d rather not pay the hefty toll for a private car, leaving it down at Misurina and hopping on the bus is by far the smartest option.

In peak season, expect the bus to be pretty busy, so it pays to arrive at the stop with time to spare. Tickets can usually be bought via an app or directly from the driver.

Where to eat and what to try

After a hike, we’re always absolutely ravenous — and in the Dolomites, that’s a wonderful problem to have. The local Italian cuisine carries a subtle Austrian influence, and the result is nothing short of genius. We usually rely on mountain huts, which may look unassuming but cook with brilliant local ingredients.

Our top tip is the aforementioned Rifugio Col de Varda, reachable by chairlift. They make utterly divine casunziei — traditional ravioli filled with beetroot, sprinkled with poppy seeds, and drenched in an obscene amount of melted butter. A bit further along the route towards Tre Cime, you’ll find the renowned Lavaredo hut. If you prefer a more conventional sit-down meal by the lake, the restaurant at Hotel Misurina delivers excellent Italian cooking. And as a sweet finale after your lap of the lake, don’t skip proper Italian gelato from one of the many stands along the promenade.

Practical tips and rules to keep in mind

Nature in the Dolomites is fragile and protected, and because hundreds of thousands of visitors descend on the area each year, the Italian authorities have introduced some fairly strict rules. Here are a few things that might catch you off guard.

Lots of people ask about swimming, because the sight of crystal-clear water on a hot summer’s day is seriously tempting. Unfortunately, I have to disappoint you — swimming in the lake is officially banned. And honestly, the water is so cold that you probably wouldn’t fancy getting in voluntarily anyway. Dogs can dip their paws and cool down at the water’s edge, but humans should stay out.

Now for a genuinely important warning for photographers. Since you’re within a nature park, there’s a strict ban on flying drones. If you’re caught filming aerial footage here, you face a crushing fine of up to €3,000 — and local park rangers apparently enforce it very seriously. Before heading out from your hotel, I’d definitely recommend checking the current weather by searching for “Lago di Misurina webcam live” or “webcam Lago di Misurina.” Mountains are unpredictable, and sunshine in Cortina doesn’t mean a storm isn’t brewing at the lake.

Final tips and tricks (not just for the Dolomites)

A few practical things that save Lukáš and me plenty of stress (and money) before every trip to Italy:

Finding flights from the UK

The most convenient airports for the Dolomites are Venice Marco Polo and Treviso. Airlines like easyJet, British Airways, and Ryanair all operate regular flights from various UK airports. We like comparing routes and fares on Kiwi to find the best deals.

Hiring a car on arrival

If you fly in, getting around the Dolomites without a car is tricky — especially for reaching the lakes and smaller viewpoints. Lukáš and I have had consistently good experiences with DiscoverCars, which we use pretty much everywhere around the world.

Don’t forget proper travel insurance

Italian hospitals and mountain rescue services can be seriously expensive, especially if you take a tumble on the rocky path to the Cadini viewpoint. We swear by SafetyWing, which we’ve reviewed in detail. Even though your EHIC or GHIC card provides some cover in the EU, a dedicated travel insurance policy gives you much better peace of mind for adventure activities.

Data and internet

Since Brexit, UK mobile users no longer benefit from free EU roaming on most plans, so data charges in Italy can add up fast. If you want reliable connectivity — even in the mountains — have a look at our guide to using an eSIM from Holafly.

What to wear in the mountains

While the path around the lake is flat, you’ll definitely need sturdy footwear for the Cadini viewpoint hike. Check out our guide on choosing the right hiking boots so you don’t end up suffering in trainers.

Where else to go in the Dolomites

Northern Italy is the kind of place you could return to for a decade straight and still not see everything. If you’ve already ticked off Lago di Misurina, make sure you don’t miss our other favourite spots in the area.

Straight up the road from the lake you’ll reach the three iconic pinnacles — our favourite Tre Cime di Lavaredo trek. If you’re looking for a base with incredible atmosphere for further adventures, check out our guide to Cortina d’Ampezzo. If you love jaw-dropping lakes with impossibly turquoise water, don’t forget to add the more challenging hike to Lago di Sorapis to your itinerary. And for a comprehensive overview of the best the entire region has to offer, I’d recommend reading our big article on what to do and see in the Dolomites.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

You’ve almost certainly stumbled across a photo of Lago di Carezza on social media at some point. Its impossibly vivid turquoise-emerald colour looks so unreal that you’d swear someone went overboard in Photoshop. But they didn’t. Karersee, as it’s called in German, is one of those rare gems in the Dolomites Italy that actually looks even more magical in real life than it does on screen.

In this article, I’ll share where to stay strategically and what to expect. You can’t drive directly to the lake, but there’s a brilliantly designed, flat five-minute tunnel walkway from the car park that’s completely pushchair-friendly.

TL;DR

If you’re already in the car heading for the Italian Dolomites, here are the key things I wish someone had told me before we went:

• Major parking update: A reservation system for cars has been introduced — similar to the one at the legendary Tre Cime — so book your spot at car parks P1 or P2 online in advance, or you risk being turned away at the barrier.
• Pushchairs and kids: The entire loop around the lake and the access path from the car park are fully accessible and perfect for families with young children.
• Dogs: Our pups loved the outing, but remember that dogs must be kept on a lead at all times.
• Swimming: The crystal-clear water might tempt you, but the answer to the common question “can you swim in Lago di Carezza?” is a firm no — the lake is strictly protected.
• Best time to visit: The water is at its most vibrant early in the morning or in autumn, when the surrounding larches turn golden. Expect crowds during summer daytime hours.

What is Lago di Carezza and its Rainbow Lake legend

But first, a bit of context that makes this place truly special: why on earth does the lake have such an extraordinary colour, and where does the name “Rainbow Lake” come from? Lago di Carezza is a relatively small alpine lake sitting at an elevation of 1,520 metres in the province of South Tyrol (Trentino-Alto Adige). What makes it so remarkable is its colour and the dramatic backdrop of the jagged limestone peaks of the Latemar massif towering behind it.

The water shifts in the most mesmerising way from pale green through deep emerald to rich turquoise. The explanation is wonderfully prosaic: limestone bedrock plus the right angle of sunlight equals a natural emerald. Science is all well and good, but the local legend is far more romantic, if you ask me.

The story goes that a beautiful water nymph called Ondina once lived in the lake. A sorcerer from the nearby Masarè range fell hopelessly in love with her. To lure her out of the water and win her heart, he conjured a spectacular rainbow over Mount Latemar. But he forgot one small detail — he hadn’t disguised himself as a witch from another mountain had advised. When Ondina spotted the hideous sorcerer, she was so frightened that she vanished into the depths for good. The sorcerer flew into such a rage that he tore the rainbow apart and hurled the pieces into the water. And that, so locals say, is why Lago di Carezza is still known as the “Rainbow Lake” (Lec de Ergobando in the local Ladin dialect). ☺️

Best time to visit and Dolomites Italy weather

Planning a trip to the Dolomites always revolves around picking the right season. If you’re wondering when to visit Lago di Carezza, it largely depends on what you’re after and whether crowds bother you more than cooler temperatures. From our experience, every season here has something going for it.

The most popular window is, unsurprisingly, summer — roughly July to September. The lake is beautifully full from melting spring snow and the whole area bursts with lush colours. The catch? Thousands of tourists. If you’re visiting in summer, I strongly recommend arriving early in the morning — ideally by seven or eight o’clock. Not only will you dodge the crowds and have the viewing platforms to yourselves, but the morning light creates perfect photography conditions and the surface is mirror-still.

Autumn in the Dolomites is a personal favourite for me and Lukáš. Around October, the larches surrounding the lake transform into incredible shades of gold and orange. If you check the Lago di Carezza weather forecast before setting out and hit a sunny autumn day, you’ll witness a total visual explosion. Just bear in mind that the water level tends to be noticeably lower by autumn.

And what about winter? Searching for “Lago di Carezza winter” is absolutely worth it. In the colder months, the lake often freezes solid and disappears under a thick blanket of snow — you won’t see the famous turquoise, but the fairy-tale winter landscape more than makes up for it. If you’re into skiing, there’s a popular ski resort just a stone’s throw from the lake, making a visit to the frozen Carezza an ideal afternoon stop after a day on the slopes.

How to get to Lago di Carezza and new parking rules

Transport and parking are probably the single most important topic to cover for Lago di Carezza, because the rules have tightened considerably in recent years to protect the area from overtourism. Most visitors drive here from larger hubs like Cortina d’Ampezzo, nearby Bolzano, or from the Val di Fassa valley via the town of Canazei. The route typically winds through the scenic Passo di Costalunga pass and is an experience in itself, with jaw-dropping views the whole way.

If you’re travelling from the UK, the easiest option is to fly into Venice, Treviso, Verona, or Milan — you’ll find plenty of direct flights from London, Manchester, and other major UK airports with carriers like easyJet, Ryanair, and British Airways. From there, it’s roughly a two-to-three-hour drive north into the Dolomites. Search for cheap flights on Kiwi, which is our go-to flight comparison tool.

Right by the lake there are large paid car parks labelled P1 and P2 — and this is where it gets important. Since spring 2024, the system works much like the one at the famous Tre Cime: capacity is capped and during peak season you must reserve your spot online in advance. Imagine the nightmare of driving all the way into the mountains with your family, only to be told at the barrier that it’s full and there’s nothing they can do. Sort it out a few days ahead. Parking costs roughly 5–7 € for the first two hours, which is plenty of time for a relaxed visit and a walk around the lake. For car hire on mountain trips, we often use DiscoverCars.com, which we’ve had consistently good experiences with.

If you’d rather skip the parking hassle entirely, the Italian public transport network serves this area well. From Bolzano, direct bus line 180 runs here — the ride takes just under an hour and drops you practically at the visitor centre. If you’re staying on the other side of the mountains in Canazei, hop on bus number 480, which crosses the Passo di Costalunga.

Once you’ve parked or stepped off the bus, you’ll find a surprisingly modern gateway to nature. A safe pedestrian tunnel has been built under the road, leading you straight from the car park to the main viewing platform at the lake. It’s a five-minute stroll, completely flat, so when we unloaded Jonášek’s pushchair and set off with our dogs this year, there were no rocks or roots to wrestle with.

Where to stay near the lake + how much it costs

If you want to properly explore the Latemar area rather than just popping by the lake for an hour, it’s well worth finding accommodation nearby. Let’s be honest — the Dolomites aren’t a budget destination, and prices in August or February make that abundantly clear. A week for two including food and fuel can easily run to 1,200–1,800 €, which Lukáš and I offset by packing our own lunches like true mountain folk and not splurging on fancy hotels. We usually search for accommodation on Booking.com, where we often grab good deals through the loyalty programme.

The closest and most iconic option is to stay right above the lake. Just across the road from the car park sits the renowned Carezza Hotel Latemar, which offers lovely wellness facilities and jaw-dropping mountain views. It’s on the pricier side (expect from around 160 € per night upwards), but the sheer bliss of wandering down to the lake at sunrise with a coffee in hand, before the first cars even arrive, is sometimes worth every penny.

Another excellent strategic base is the nearby village of Nova Levante (Welschnofen), just a few kilometres below the lake in the valley. You’ll find classic Tyrolean charm, plenty of small family-run guesthouses (garni), and traditional restaurants serving the best dumplings you’ll ever taste. Prices tend to be a little gentler on the wallet, and you’re still just minutes from the mountains.

If you prefer a bit of urban buzz or want to combine nature with some history and shopping, consider staying in Bolzano. It’s only about a 30-minute drive from the lake, and in the evening you can stroll under the arcades of the old town with a gelato in hand. For serious hikers and high-mountain enthusiasts, Canazei in the Val di Fassa valley is a superb choice — you can reach the lake via the pass in about 20 minutes, and from Canazei you can also ride cable cars up to the Sella massif or the Marmolada glacier.

Lago di Carezza: 10 best things to see and do

Lago di Carezza isn’t just about snapping one photo from the viewpoint and rushing back to the car. The whole Latemar area offers loads of ways to fill an entire day or a long weekend. Here are the things that have genuinely impressed us at Carezza over the years — plus a few that took a bit of effort before we fell in love with them. 😅

1. First impressions from the main viewing platform

When you emerge from the tunnel on the car-park side, you step straight onto a large wooden viewing platform. This is exactly where 99% of those picture-perfect shots are taken — and you’ll instantly understand why. Arrive in the morning or early evening when the surface is mirror-still, and the reflection of Latemar’s jagged peaks in the turquoise water will genuinely stop you in your tracks. Don’t forget the obligatory family photo, but be considerate of other visitors — in summer it gets quite cramped and everyone wants their own slice of the view.

2. Take the easy loop walk around the lake

A trail starts right at the main viewpoint and circles the entire lake. Although people often ask about a complicated Lago di Carezza route, this particular loop is as easy as it gets — anyone can manage it. It’s roughly one kilometre long and takes a leisurely 20 to 30 minutes, even with frequent photo stops.

The path winds through an enchanting coniferous forest, occasionally drawing closer to the water’s edge (though you’re not allowed past the wooden fence). You’ll discover completely different angles of the lake along the way. The surface is compacted gravel, so pushchairs won’t be a problem.

3. Stop at the Latemar mountain viewpoints

As you walk around the lake, you’ll come across several additional wooden platforms and benches strategically positioned to face the Latemar range. This mountain chain forms a natural wall between South Tyrol and the province of Trentino, and its limestone towers are utterly fascinating.

4. Tackle the more challenging Hirzelweg hike

If a one-kilometre lakeside stroll doesn’t satisfy your appetite for adventure, look up “Lago di Carezza hike.” One of the more beautiful and moderately challenging trails in the area is the Hirzelweg (Hirzel Path). You can join it near the lake — many people take the Paolina cable car (more on that shortly) to reach the starting point.

This trail leads directly beneath the colossal rock walls of the Latemar massif, partly heading towards the Catinaccio (Rosengarten) group. Along the way you’ll encounter a completely different landscape of scree fields, alpine flora, and the occasional marmot. This route is definitely not pushchair-friendly — you’ll need proper hiking boots and a reasonable level of fitness, as you’ll be walking at altitudes above 2,000 metres.

5. Relax at the modern Carezza Center

Right by the car park you’ll find the recently renovated Carezza Center visitor hub. Don’t expect just a ticket booth — it’s a surprisingly handsome timber building that blends beautifully into the landscape. Inside, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable return to civilisation.

Beyond the clean public toilets (something you appreciate immensely when travelling with a small child), there are souvenir shops, a deli selling local cheeses and speck, and several small bistros. We love stopping here for an afternoon bombardino or Aperol Spritz while the dogs rest in the shade on the terrace. The upper floor even houses a small wellness area and an exhibition on the history and geology of this unique spot.

6. Enjoy winter fun and skiing

Although most people know this spot from summer photos, don’t overlook the fact that the Lago di Carezza winter season is a huge draw for snow lovers. Just above the lake and the village of Nova Levante lies the family-friendly Carezza Dolomites ski resort (often linked with the Latemar / Cinquantore area). It boasts over 40 kilometres of beautifully groomed pistes that are far less crowded than the more famous Sella Ronda circuit.

A massive bonus is that the slopes sit right at the foot of the Latemar and Catinaccio mountains, so you carve your way downhill with these limestone giants constantly in front of you.

7. Wait for the best photography light

Photographers already know this, but it’s worth stressing: light makes the photo, and at Lago di Carezza that’s doubly true. Around midday, when the sun blazes straight down, the lake may look pretty enough, but it loses that magical depth — you’ll get glare bouncing off the surface rather than mountain reflections.

Evening light in the Dolomites is famous for a phenomenon called “Enrosadira” (Alpenglow), when the limestone cliffs catch an incredibly intense pink to fiery red glow. It’s in the evening, after the tour buses leave, or right after dawn that you’ll capture the most iconic shots. Morning mist lingering over the water adds a mysterious air straight out of the Ondina legend.

8. Walk the themed Sentiero del Latemar trails

If you’re travelling with slightly older kids and looking for something more engaging than “just walking through the forest,” definitely try the Sentiero del Latemar. It’s a network of themed and educational trails (such as Latemar.Natura, Latemar.Panorama, and Latemar.Art) scattered across the slopes above the lake.

The trails are packed with wooden sculptures, interactive stations, and information boards that draw children (and, let’s be honest, adults too) into the world of alpine nature in a way that’s far more fun than simply trudging from A to B. The routes typically start at the upper stations of the cable cars, so you skip the toughest uphill and enjoy a gentle, rolling terrain with gorgeous valley views.

Lukáš and Lucie recommend

Where to stay near Lago di Carezza (Karersee)

2 accommodations — wellness hotels and other lodging options

⭐ TOP CHOICE ⭐ Luxury

Carezza Hotel Latemar

Renowned hotel directly above the lake with beautiful wellness facilities and incredible mountain views. Ideal for those who want to be at the lake early in the morning before the first cars arrive.

★★★★ from €160/night

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View all accommodations near Lago di Carezza (Karersee)

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9. Ride the Paolina cable car into the sky

This is our absolute favourite tip for anyone who wants to experience the high mountains without a full day’s slog from the valley. A short way from Lago di Carezza you’ll find the lower station of the Paolina cable car (used by skiers in winter, hikers in summer). The open chairlift whisks you from roughly 1,600 metres up to 2,125 metres, right to the Rifugio Paolina mountain hut.

The ride up is an experience in itself — your legs dangle in the air and with every metre the panorama widens across valleys and ridgelines in the distance. From the hut at the top, you can set off on shorter one-to-two-hour trails along the mountainside. Incidentally, you’ll get a superb bird’s-eye view of Lago di Carezza itself, which from up here looks like a tiny blue jewel dropped in the forest.

10. Trek to the Rifugio Roda di Vael mountain hut

Our final tip is for the serious mountain lovers out there. From the upper station of the Paolina cable car, you can set off on a fantastic trek to the Rifugio Roda di Vael (Rotwandhütte), which perches at 2,283 metres directly beneath the dramatic rock face of the Catinaccio massif.

The path leads through the so-called “Eagle’s Pass” (Passo dell’Aquila) and includes some fairly exposed sections. It’s not quite a via ferrata, but there are stretches where you’ll need to watch your step carefully. Your reward is phenomenal food at the hut (their Kaiserschmarrn is legendary) and the satisfaction of ticking off a proper high-mountain achievement. If you’d rather not retrace your steps, you can complete a loop via other trails back down into the Carezza valley.

Visiting the lake with kids and dogs (our experience with baby Jonášek)

As I’ve mentioned a few times, the Dolomites can be pretty unforgiving terrain — sharp rocks and steep drop-offs everywhere. That’s precisely why we were so pleasantly surprised by how family-friendly Lago di Carezza turned out to be in 2024. When you’re planning an outing with a toddler and two curious dogs, your priorities shift dramatically.

💡 Local tip: On virtually every cable car and bus, dogs are required to wear a muzzle (you can buy one almost anywhere, including at the lower stations). It was honestly a bit annoying — they insisted even when we had the cabin entirely to ourselves. On days with multiple cable-car rides planned, we ended up leaving our two dogs resting back at the campsite.

With Jonášek, everything went smoothly. The entire loop around the lake is properly surfaced with fine gravel — no steps or tree roots to snag the pushchair wheels. Dogs are allowed at the lake but must stay on a lead at all times, which makes perfect sense given the sheer number of people passing through daily. One extra thing to watch: dogs must not drink from the lake, and letting them swim is strictly forbidden — it’s a protected natural monument. Bring drinking water for your four-legged friends in a bottle from the car park.

What to eat in the Latemar region

Travel for me is never just about sights and scenery — food plays an enormous part. South Tyrol (Alto Adige) has a fascinating cuisine that blends classic Italian cooking with the heavier, heartier tradition of Austrian-Tyrolean mountain fare. What should you absolutely not miss?

The absolute staple that we order at every mountain hut — including our favourite Rifugio Paolina — is homemade Apfelstrudel. Forget dry puff pastry: this is a proper, generous roll packed with apples, raisins, and pine nuts, drenched in warm vanilla sauce. I always pair it with a strong Italian espresso, because otherwise the sweetness would simply floor me. ☺️

For a post-hike lunch, we go straight for the local Knödel — dumplings prepared a thousand different ways (cheese, spinach, speck) — served either in a rich broth or simply with melted butter and grated local cheese. And if you’re really ravenous, go for polenta. The local polenta con grigliata (creamy cornmeal porridge served with porcini mushrooms and mountain cheese — or with grilled meat if you prefer) will keep you fuelled for the rest of the day. Before you leave, pop into the shop at the Carezza Center and pick up some superb local sheep’s or cow’s cheese from Latemar-area farms — absolutely divine with a glass of wine in the evening.

Practical tips to finish

So nothing catches you off guard on the day, here’s a quick roundup of rules and practical info to keep in mind:

• No swimming: One of the most common questions online is “can you swim in Lago di Carezza?” Unfortunately (or rather fortunately for nature), swimming is strictly prohibited year-round. The water is ice-cold even in mid-August, so you probably wouldn’t enjoy it much anyway. Wooden fences protect the shoreline and crossing them has carried a hefty fine since 2019.
• Water isn’t drinkable: The lake water is not safe for drinking — not for you, and not for your dogs.
• Leave the drone at home: As with most high-profile spots in the Dolomites, drone flying is strictly banned here — for wildlife protection and fellow visitors’ privacy. Those breathtaking aerial shots will have to stay in your memory (or be captured from a cable car).
• Getting there from the UK: Fly into Venice, Treviso, Verona, or Milan — all well-served by airlines like easyJet, Ryanair, and British Airways from major UK airports. Compare flights on Kiwi, our go-to search tool.
• Don’t forget travel insurance: Mountains can be unpredictable. For shorter European trips, a good option is True Traveller, which offers excellent cover for hiking and adventure sports.
• Mobile data: If you need reliable connectivity in remote mountain areas or want to avoid roaming issues, try an eSIM from Holafly — we’ve had great results with them all over the world.

Where else to go in the Dolomites Italy

Lago di Carezza should be just one stop on your broader journey through this stunning part of the Dolomites in Italy. If you’re looking for further inspiration, I highly recommend visiting the breathtaking Alpe di Siusi (Seiser Alm) plateau, which is just a short drive to the north. For a completely different, far more dramatic feel, check out the ridge hike at Seceda, which I personally consider the most photogenic peak in the entire Dolomites.

You’ll find loads more specific trails and tips on places that even less experienced hikers can tackle in our comprehensive guide to things to do in the Dolomites.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Whenever readers message me about trips to the Dolomites, the same questions about Carezza come up again and again. So I’ve gathered the most common ones in one place, so you can plan with confidence and without any unnecessary surprises.