Day trip destination
Karersee lake near Welschnofen: a gem of emerald green
Karersee lake near Welschnofen is described as the prettiest mountain lake in the Alps with good reason: its fascinating play of colours leaves its impression on visitors both in summer and winter.
Anyone seeing Karersee lake near Welschnofen for the first time can hardly believe their eyes: water of such a beautiful emerald green can only be the result of witchcraft. This is what the Ladin ancestors of the local population thought when they called the lake 'Lec de Ergobando', which means something like 'rainbow lake'. This name originates from an old legend that explains the wonderful colours of Karersee lake.
The pretty mermaid
A beautiful mermaid who often sat on its banks and braided her blonde hair whilst singing was said to have once lived at Karersee lake. One day, the sorcerer of Masarè was watching her braiding her hair and singing and fell deeply in love with her. As the mermaid failed to be seduced by him, the sorcerer tried to win her over with his magic instead. Langwerde the witch advised him to stretch a rainbow from the Rosengarten to the Latemar mountains and approach the mermaid while dressed as a jeweller. No sooner said than done, but the wicked sorcerer forgot his jeweller costume in his infatuation: the mermaid was amazed at the rainbow, but then noticed the sorcerer and disappeared into the depths of the lake never to be seen again. The sorcerer, however, was beside himself with rage, and tore the rainbow down from the sky and threw it into the lake along with the jewels: this is why Karersee lake shimmers with all the pretty colours of the rainbow to this day.
Colour play on water
The lake nestles in a hollow beneath the Latemar group of mountains. When the weather is good, its waters do not just reflect the Latemar, but the Rosengarten, too. The lake is fed by underground sources from the Latemar mountain range. The depth and size of the lake are dependent on the season: the water table can reach 22 metres. In winter, Karersee lake is buried beneath a thick layer of snow and is very popular with documentary film makers who wish to capture the colours' effects beneath the water. But you can leave your swimming at home in summer, too: swimming is not allowed in Karersee lake – it is a natural monument with protected status.
The lake lies at the edge of the Latemar forest at a height of 1,520 metres above sea level, 20 kilometres east of Bozen and a few minutes' drive from Welschnofen. From Welschnofen, you drive towards Karerpass and leave your car at the large car park next to the lake. From there, you can walk around the lake on a pretty panorama path.
Karersee lake
Further information
Getting to the starting point of the tour by public transport is easy and convenient.
By public bus line:
- 180 from Bozen | Bolzano, Birchabruck | Ponte Nova, Welschnofen | Nova Levante, Karer See, Lago di Carezza
- 180 from Fassatal | Val di Fassa, Karer Pass | Passo Costalunga
- 184 from Weissenstein | Pietralba, Petersberg | Monte San Pietro, Deutschnofen | Nova Ponente, Stenk with change 180 (or 181 and change 180)
- 184 from Obereggen, Eggen | Ega with change 180 (or 184 and change 180)
- 186 from St. Zyprian | S. Cipriano, Nigerpass | Passo Nigra
- 187 from Steinegg | Collepietra, Gummer | San Valentino with change 180 (or 182 and change 180)
Bus stop: Paolina. Online timetable search at www.suedtirolmobil.info/en/
In August 1897, Empress Elisabeth of Austria – better known as Sissi – spent an extended holiday at the historic Grand Hotel Karersee. During her stay, she took numerous excursions into the idyllic surroundings, one of which led her along the very path that now bears her name: the Elisabeth Promenade. This historic walking trail, complete with a commemorative monument, stands as a tribute to the Empress’s love of nature and hiking. Even today, it invites visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll through the stunning landscape around Lake Carezza (Karer See | Lago di Carezza).
Getting to the starting point of the tour by public transport is easy and convenient.
By public bus line:
- 180 from Bozen | Bolzano, Birchabruck | Ponte Nova, Welschnofen | Nova Levante, Karer See, Lago di Carezza
- 180 from Fassatal | Val di Fassa, Karer Pass | Passo Costalunga
- 184 from Weissenstein | Pietralba, Petersberg | Monte San Pietro, Deutschnofen | Nova Ponente, Stenk with change 180 (or 181 and change 180)
- 184 from Obereggen, Eggen | Ega with change 180 (or 184 and change 180)
- 186 from St. Zyprian | S. Cipriano, Nigerpass | Passo Nigra
- 187 from Steinegg | Collepietra, Gummer | San Valentino with change 180 (or 182 and change 180)
Bus stop: Paolina. Online timetable search at www.suedtirolmobil.info/en/
By car:
Destination: Karersee | Carezza
Parking: Parking lot Paolina
Refreshment stops:
- Golf. Food & Drinks at the Paolina parking lot - Opening hours and closing day: https://eggental.com/en/info/golf-food-drinks_10392
- Meierei inn along the Schönblickweg | Via Bellavista - Opening hours and closing day: https://eggental.com/en/info/albergo-gasthof-meierei_5116
- Ladritscher Hof farm along the Schönblickweg | Via Bellavista - Opening hours and closing day: https://eggental.com/en/info/farm-ladritscher-hof_5252
Parking: Parking lot Paolina, https://maps.app.goo.gl/3YHh2Jc8bFskkTXdA
Refreshment stops:
- Golf. Food & Drinks at the Paolina parking lot - Opening hours and closing day: https://eggental.com/en/info/golf-food-drinks_10392
- Meierei inn along the Schönblickweg | Via Bellavista - Opening hours and closing day: https://eggental.com/en/info/albergo-gasthof-meierei_5116
- Ladritscher Hof farm along the Schönblickweg | Via Bellavista - Opening hours and closing day: https://eggental.com/en/info/farm-ladritscher-hof_5252