In the western Dolomites there is a small lake, which is known as “Rainbow Lake” and “Fairytale Lake of the Dolomites”
Image gallery: Lake Carezza
In the Val d'Ega, only a few km from Nova Levante, there is an emerald green mountain lake - Lake Carezza (Karer See). Due to its impressive colours, in Ladin language it is called "Lec de Ergobando" (Rainbow Lake). But its colours are not the only reason for this special name. According to a legend, once upon a time there was a mermaid living in the lake, which wizard Masaré was in love with. In order to seduce her, the witch Lanwerda advised him to dress up as jewel merchant and throw a rainbow from Mt. Catinaccio to Mt. Latemar. That is what he did, but he forgot to dress up. So the beautiful mermaid detected him and forever disappeared in Lake Carezza. The wizard was angry and threw all the pieces of the rainbow as well as the jewels into the waters.
Lake Carezza is fed by subterraneous springs from the Latemar Group and its water level is constantly changing: The highest level is achived in spring with a depth of 22 metres, whereas the lowest level in October reaches only 6 metres. In summer months, the lake is fed by snow melt and in winter, the "Fairytale Lake of the Dolomites" near Carezza is frozen. A circular trail leads in 20 minutes round Lake Carezza, its shores are not accessible. The lake can be reached by public means of transport as well as by car - on the opposite side of the street there's a large parking space. By foot, you may combine a visit with the hike from Obereggen to Lake Carezza.
Altitude: 1,520 m a.s.l.
Surface: 12.25 hectares
Depth: max. 22 m
Category: mountain lake
