A May walk through the coniferous forests beneath the Latemar to the famous mountain lake, said to be home to a water nymph
Image gallery: Hike from Obereggen to Lake Carezza
In May, when spring finally reaches the areas beneath the peaks of the Dolomites, the timing is ideal for a hike at an altitude of 1,500 to 1,600 metres. We start from Obereggen and follow paths number 9 and 8 (Pearl Trail) to reach the "Fairytale Lake of the Dolomites", Lake Carezza. These are easy walking paths with an elevation gain of just 270 metres each way, making the hike suitable for families who are used to walking longer distances. The round trip covers about 15 kilometres.
The forest track winds mostly through coniferous woods and crosses a few meadows above the hamlet of Hennewinkel. Twice, the forest opens up into meadow clearings. These breaks in the trees reveal views of the mountains belonging to the Latemar Group and Catinaccio Group.
When we spot the road to the Passo di Costalunga, we know we are close to our destination. Just a few more minutes, and we reach the lake. At first glance, the water looks somewhat plain through the trees. Only when we walk around it and the sunlight hits the surface at the right angle does Lake Carezza reveal its unique character. It sparkles in incredible shades of turquoise and blue.
Before heading back, we get some refreshments at the bistro in the Lake Carezza visitor centre, which also houses a few souvenir shops. The patches of snow still lying around the lake on this May day cast a distinct light over this well-known spot. We then take the same path back to Obereggen, arriving there after nearly four hours.
Author: AT
Experienced: May 2009
Last updated: 2026
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- Starting point:
- Obereggen (1,550 m a.s.l.)
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- Overall time:
- 03:40 h
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- Total route length:
- 14,2 km
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- Altitude:
- from 1.492 m to 1.582 m
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- Altitude difference (uphill | downhill):
- +273 m | -273 m
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- Signposts:
- no. 9, 8
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- Destination:
- Lake Carezza (1,519 m a.s.l.)
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- Resting points:
- Sea Bistro at Lake Carezza
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- Recommended time of year:
- Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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- Download GPX track:
- Hike from Obereggen to Lake Carezza
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- More information:
- The overall time shown above refers to the walking time only, not including breaks or stops.
If you want to undertake this hike, we recommend checking the weather and trail conditions in advance and on site before starting this hike!
