After that of Brais, it is certainly the most photographed and loved lake of the Dolomites, but on the other hand also one of the places most attacked by Mordi and Fuggi mass tourism. Yet Lake Carezza is an experience that must be savored at a slow step, enjoying all the nuances that is able to offer especially if you get there after having traveled one of the most beautiful paths of the Val d’Ega as The legendary Path of King Laurino.
In this enchanted valley, nestled between the peaks of the catinaccio and the Latemar, in fact it is possible to safely leave the car at home, arriving by train and using the widespread public transport network to discover the pleasure of a mountain holiday without stress, at the rhythm of nature.
A journey without a car: freedom on foot and by bus
The Val d’Ega, in the heart of South Tyrol, is a destination that lends itself perfectly to those who want to travel without a car. Thanks to an efficient public transport system and a network of well -reported paths, we can explore this corner of Dolomites in a sustainable way, leaving behind the chaos of the loveourism. Our starting point is the Hotel Pfösl, an oasis of peace in Nova Ponente, immersed in alpine meadows and with a breathtaking view of the catinaccio and the Latemar. From here, we organize our journey to Lake Carezza, combining buses and an excursion on foot that will allow us to immerse ourselves in nature without haste.
How to reach the Val d’Ega without a car
To get to Val d’Ega without a car, the train is the most comfortable and ecological choice. From the Bolzano station, reachable with regional trains or long distance from many Italian cities (Trenitalia, Italo or DB-Öbb Italia), regularly start buses that connect the South Tyrolean city to the Val d’Ega. Line 180, for example, leads directly to Nova Levante and to Lake Carezza in less than an hour, with races every 30 minutes.
Staying us in Nova Ponente (Deutschnofen) we took line 181 and in less than half an hour we went down to the stop right in front of our hotel. Thanks to the South Tyrol Guest Pass or the Guest Pass Val d’Ega, very often provided directly by the accommodation facilities, it is possible to use all public transport of South Tyrol for free, making the trip even simpler and more convenient.
One more reason to choose the train and leave the Tourism Authority of the Val d’Ega directly at home which also organized a special lottery this year to encourage the use of long -distance trains and bus. Reaching the valley by train or bus and staying in a member structure (such as those of Nova Levante-Carezza, Collepietra etc.), we can participate in the competition by registering on the site and loading a copy of the train or bus ticket that demonstrates the arrival in Bolzano. There are 15 baskets with local products and a voucher for two nights in a 4 -star hotel in the Val d’Ega. The lottery, valid until November 2, 2025, is a fun way to reward those who choose an ecological journey, helping to reduce the environmental impact and traffic in the valley.
From Nova Ponente we comfortably organized our excursion to Lake Carezza for the next day, combining a stretch by bus and a dive on foot in the heart of the Dolomites.
The path of King Laurino: a legendary journey
To reach Lake Carezza on foot, one of the most suggestive routes is the path of King Laurino, part of the magical king Laurin Tour, an itinerary that immerses us in the legendary beauty of the Dolomites, between mountain panoramas and the enchantment of the lake with its turquoise waters. Starting from the Hotel Pfösl we took the bus to the Nova Levante stop (Carezza cable car), with a comfortable journey of about 20 minutes. From here, we started our adventure from the parking lot of the Laurin I (1182 m) cable car, following the path described in the Lourin Tour King, which combines ascent systems and paths for an experience suitable for everyone, including families.
Re Laurin Tour
The journey begins with the fresh wind that caresses the face, while the catinaccio stands out in front of us like a silent guardian. From the parking lot of the Laurin I cable car in Nova Levante we climb to the Malga Frommer (1743 m) a corner of the peace where the scent of freshly baked strudel invites us to a short break, with the panorama of the Rosengarten to frame.
We then continue, surrounded by the silence of the woods, towards the Fronza refuge in the coronelle, or Laurins Lounge (2337 m), where a terrace suspended in the clouds gives us a view that takes away our breath. Here, it is possible to relax with a hot drink or a typical dish, immersing us in the atmosphere of the “underground building” of King Laurino, as the legend tells.
From what is called the highest panoramic lounge of South Tyrol we follow the Hirzelsteig (549) and (552) paths (552) (which require a little safe step in some sections) to the Paolina refuge (2125 m), a welcoming nest with a view that enchants, perfect for a coffee before reaching the Paolina chairlift that leads us comfortably to the village of Carezza (1600 m).
From here, we take path 6, which passes next to the Simhild pension and crosses the suggestive suspended bridge, the forest opens and the Carezza Lake appears in front of us, or Karersee, as they call it in German.
A “caress” for the soul
Its waters, of an emerald green that seems unreal, reflect the latemar as a perfect mirror. It is not surprising that it is nicknamed “Lake of the rainbow”: depending on the light, its shades change, giving a unique visual experience. Getting on foot, without the chaos of crowded parking lots or wraps, makes us feel as if the lake was there only for us.
After admiring the lake, we can take a short circular tour on the path (10) (about 20 minutes), which allows us to explore any angle of this Dolomite jewel and sit on one of the benches present to let yourself be enchanted by the colors and atmosphere that really becomes a “caress” for the soul.
To escape the loveourism, the secret is simple: to arrive early or in the late afternoon, when most of the death visitors have already gone away.
Why choose a holiday without a car
Traveling without a car in Val d’Ega is not only an ecological choice, but a way to reconnect with nature and with yourself. Walking through the paths, waiting for a bus admiring the panorama, stopping to chat with a local farmer: they are simple gestures that transform a holiday into a deep experience. Lake Carezza, with its fragile beauty, deserves to have lived like this, at a slow pace, far from the frenzy.
The Val d’Ega shows that one of the pearls of the Dolomites can be discovered without stress, without cars and, above all, without giving in to the logic of mass tourism. Just a pair of boots, a bus ticket and the desire to be surprised.
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