Spring trekking in the Latemar Dolomites
We’ve returned to that transitional period between the winter and summer seasons, when we put away skis, snowshoes, and crampons, and set out in search of new routes. Yet this is more than just a time of change: spring offers a unique atmosphere of its own, filled with colours, views, and scents.
Lake Carezza is therefore an ideal destination for a spring hike, with the colours of its waters awakening from their winter slumber and offering unique and marvellous reflections. That’s why, in May, we take the opportunity to set off on a walk to the Häusler Sam Hut: a route that winds its way at the foot of the imposing cliffs of the Latemar Dolomites, which, at the start of the trail, are beautifully mirrored in the waters of Lake Carezza.
We are in Val d’Ega, in the province of Bolzano, and along the road that connects us to the Costalunga Pass and the Val di Fassa, Lake Carezza, situated at an altitude of 1,540 metres, is a must-see stop. In addition to the classic walk around the lake itself, it’s well worth exploring the many trails that surround it, leading into the heart of the spruce forests from which the rocky towers of the Latemar rise.
On the first stretch of the path, we are immediately captivated by the lake’s magnetic beauty – its water shimmering with deep shades of blue and light turquoise reflections.
The pale Dolomite rock walls soar impressively above the lake, their summits and scree slopes still bearing the last of the spring snow. The jagged, pointed towers and peaks of the Latemar form one of the most iconic and breathtaking profiles among the Dolomites of this region.
After walking alongside the lake for a while, we follow signs for path no. 8 (also known as the “Alpine Pearls Trail/Templweg”), which leads us along a forest track deep into the Latemar’s spruce woodlands.
The forest still holds the transitional atmosphere between two seasons, while the sun gradually warms the air. As the path opens out from the trees, we find ourselves surrounded by broad, green meadows, bathed in full sunlight. From here, the view shifts to reveal another side of the Latemar, dominated by the prominent Corno d’Ega.
A detour along the “Samweg” trail (marked with an S) takes us to the Häusler Sam Hut: in this peaceful alpine pasture, the atmosphere is one of tranquillity and quiet, with panoramic views stretching from the Latemar Dolomites across to the Catinaccio group.
For the return journey, we choose a different route back to the lake, avoiding the same path we took on the way up. This time, we follow a trail that runs parallel to the original one but at a slightly higher elevation. A somewhat steeper climb through the forest awaits us, along which our trekking poles give us that extra push to keep going uphill, as well as essential support for the knees during the steeper downhill sections. In particular, we’re referring here to the Tamus poles, suitable for all terrains and ideal for spring and summer hikes, being ultra-lightweight and easy to fold away.
The path then widens into a forest track that leads us directly back to Lake Carezza, offering numerous new views that now open up directly towards the peaks of the Catinaccio range.
Clouds now cover the afternoon sky, allowing only glimpses of blue and creating a shift in atmosphere that gives the lake a different hue compared to its morning appearance. One final loop around the lake brings us back to our starting point, with our gaze first drawn to the water, then once again captured by the jagged Dolomite skyline.
