Have you ever imagined walking among the trees starting from one of South Tyrol’s most magical lakes? The trail leading from Lake Carezza to the Mittagsscharte is the perfect opportunity to do so.
It is not a demanding hike, but it offers a lot: the unspoiled charm of the lake, the tranquility of the forest, picture-perfect views of the Dolomites, and that wonderful feeling of being far away from everything. Ideal if you are spending a few days in Val d’Ega, but also perfect as a half-day trip from Bolzano, to breathe in nature and lightness.
Lake Carezza: the starting point
The trip begins at a true icon of the Dolomites: Lake Carezza., famous for its iridescent colors and the legend of the nymph Ondina. The lake, protected by the Latemar massif, is easy to reach by car or bus from Nova Levante or Bolzano.
It is worth taking a few minutes to walk around the entire lake along the equipped path: the morning light creates unique reflections, ideal for taking photos or simply letting yourself be amazed.
Along the trail between larch trees and legends
After admiring the lake, the real journey begins: take trail no. 8which leads into the Latemar forest. You walk in a cool, shady environment, with the scent of resin in the air and the sound of birds keeping you company. The route is a well-marked loop with an elevation gain of about 250 meters, accessible even to those who are not particularly fit or to families with children (excluding hiking strollers).
The Radura di Mezzo, at an altitude of around 1,750 meters, is a small sunny meadow nestled among the trees. Here you can lie down on the grass, have a picnic, read a book, or simply breathe. The view of the Latemar rocks reminds you how special this corner of South Tyrol is. And on clear days, the light plays on the peaks as if in a painting.
On your way back, you can end your walk with a stop at the Lake Carezza visitor center,where you can learn more about local legends and the geology of the Latemar. Or enjoy a slice of strudel in one of the restaurants near the parking lot, overlooking the emerald waters of the lake.
When and how to organize yourself
The ideal time to walk this trail is from late May to early October,when the trails are passable and the weather is stable. In summer, even during the hottest hours of the day, the forest offers pleasant coolness.
Put in your backpack: water, a snack or packed lunch, a light jacket (the weather can always change at high altitudes) and comfortable hiking shoes,preferably with non-slip soles. Also bring a towel to lie down on or have a snack in a clearing, and if you love photography, don’t forget your equipment: every view here is worth a photo.
