Lago di Carezza, Dolomites

Lake Carezza (Karersee in German) is a small alpine lake located in the Val d'Ega to 1,534 m in the municipality of Nova Levante, about 25 km from Bolzano. It is nestled among thick pine forests and is located under the foot of the Latemar massif, which is reflected in its crystal clear water. The lake is known for its beautiful colors and so the Ladin language is also called "de Lec Ergobando" (or "arcoboàn"), meaning "Lake of the rainbow." The name of the lake is derived, according to the Guide of the Italian Touring Club, from "Caricaceae" family of plants with broad leaves lobed. The lake has no visible tributaries and is fed by underground springs. Its scope and its depth will vary depending on season and weather conditions: the highest level is usually reached in late spring with the melting snow. In the following months, the water level drops, until towards the end of October the lake water level reaches the lowest, with a depth of 6 m. In winter, the lake usually freezes. The maximum water temperature (13°C) is recorded in the month of August.