What to See in Val di Fassa: The Area from Costalunga Pass
CostaLunga House is located in the heart of the Dolomites, at Costalunga Pass (1,753 m), in the municipality of Nova Levante. From the pass you can reach Lake Carezza, the Catinaccio massif and the Latemar — three Dolomite icons within a 20-minute walk. What to do in Val di Fassa? Here's your complete guide to the area from the apartment's location.
Lake Carezza: 20 Minutes on Foot from CostaLunga House
Lake Carezza is the icon of the Dolomites: emerald and turquoise waters, the Latemar reflected on the surface, a legend that explains its colours. Looking for hotels near Lake Carezza? CostaLunga House is about 20 minutes on foot from the pass, no car needed.
The Lake and Its Colours
Lake Carezza (Regenbogensee, "rainbow lake") has colours that change with the light: emerald in the morning, turquoise at noon, dark green towards evening. The Latemar is reflected on the waters creating one of the most photographed scenes in the Dolomites. Wooden walkways let you admire it from every angle, the suspension bridge offers a unique panoramic view.
How to Get to Lake Carezza from Costalunga Pass
Lake Carezza is reached in 20 minutes on foot from Costalunga Pass: easy, flat path, suitable for everyone (including pushchairs). By car it's 5 min via SS241, but the lake car park is paid and crowded. From CostaLunga House no car needed: walk out the door, avoid parking. Bus 180 available at the door.
Lake di Mezzo and the Legends Trail
Lake di Mezzo (Mittlerer Karer See) is reached via the legends trail connecting the two lakes: 30 min easy walk through the forest, panels telling local stories. Much less crowded than Lake Carezza — perfect for those seeking tranquility.
The Legend of the Water Nymph and King Laurin
The Lake Carezza legend tells of a Water Nymph and a sorcerer who created a rainbow to win her heart — shattered into the lake, since then the waters shimmer with a thousand colours. King Laurin cursed his rose garden on the Catinaccio: invisible by day and night, he forgot dawn and sunset — so the rocks still turn pink. The Enrosadira is visible every evening from CostaLunga House terrace.
Lake Carezza in Winter
Lake Carezza in winter is reached in 20 min on foot (path maintained and safe). The Latemar is reflected in the ice, winter light creates fairy-tale atmospheres. Christmas markets (late November - 6 January) are among the most atmospheric in the Dolomites: frozen lake, local products, mulled wine.
Discover what to do in winter →
The Vaia Storm Disaster
The Vaia storm (October 2018) hit the forest around Lake Carezza hard: many firs fell. Recovery is underway — new trees are growing, the forest is regenerating. The lake today is as beautiful as before, nature shows its resilience.
Where to Stay Near Lake Carezza
CostaLunga House is about 20 min on foot from Lake Carezza (about 5 min by car). Apartment for 6 people at Costalunga Pass: full kitchen, double balconies with Catinaccio view, privacy. Booking direct: best price guaranteed, zero OTA commissions, direct communication.
The Catinaccio: The Pink Mountain Outside Your Window
The Catinaccio (Rosengarten in German) is the massif that dominates the view from CostaLunga House. At sunset it turns pink: it's the Enrosadira, the phenomenon that inspired the legend of King Laurin. From Costalunga Pass, trails lead to the Coronelle and Roda di Vaèl refuges.
The Enrosadira: Why the Catinaccio Turns Pink
The Enrosadira colours the Catinaccio pink every evening at sunset. It's an optical phenomenon: dolomite (calcium and magnesium carbonate) reflects sunlight wavelengths. The King Laurin legend explains poetically: the king cursed his rose garden but forgot dawn and sunset. From CostaLunga House terrace you have the best seat to admire it.
Hikes on the Catinaccio
Trails to the Catinaccio start from Costalunga Pass: Roda di Vaèl Refuge (2h 30min, +580 m) and Fronza alle Coronelle Refuge (2h 30min, +650 m), gateway to the Vajolet Towers. From CostaLunga House walk out the door and you're on the trail — zero car. Detailed routes on the summer page.
Discover summer hikes →Nova Levante and Costalunga Pass: Where You Are
CostaLunga House is located at Costalunga Pass, in the municipality of Nova Levante (Welschnofen). A strategic position between Val di Fassa and Eggental, 30 minutes from Bolzano, 5 minutes from Lake Carezza, 3 minutes from the Carezza slopes.
The Location
Costalunga Pass (1,753 m) is located between Val di Fassa and Eggental, in the heart of the UNESCO Dolomites. Distances: Bolzano 30 min, Lake Carezza 5 min, Carezza slopes 3 min, Moena 20 min. Guest Card included: free transport, lift discounts. In Nova Levante (5 min): pharmacy, grocery, restaurants.
How to Get to Costalunga Pass
How to reach Costalunga Pass: from Bolzano 30 min (SS241), from Trento 1h 15min (Val di Fiemme), from Verona 1h 30min (A22 Egna-Ora), from Brenner 1h (A22 Bolzano Nord). CostaLunga House: free parking (underground garage + outdoor). Bus 180 at the door — free with included Guest Card.
Frequently asked questions about Val di Fassa and Lake Carezza
How far is Lake Carezza from CostaLunga House?
20 minutes on foot (easy trail) or 5 minutes by car. No car needed: bus 180 stops at the apartment door and at the lake.
Can you swim in Lake Carezza?
No, it's a protected natural area. The lake's beauty is contemplative: wooden walkways let you admire it from every angle, with Latemar reflected in the emerald waters.
Why does the Rosengarten turn pink at sunset?
It's the Alpenglow: the dolomite composition reflects sunset light creating pink and orange hues. From CostaLunga House terrace you see it every evening with clear skies.
How to get to Karerpass?
From Bolzano: SS241, 30 minutes. From Trento: Val di Fiemme → Moena, 1h 15min. From Verona: A22 exit Egna-Ora, then SS241, 1h 30min. Free parking at CostaLunga House.
Where to stay near Lake Carezza?
CostaLunga House is about 20 minutes on foot from the lake. Apartment for 6 people, direct booking with best price guaranteed, no OTA commissions.
Val di Fassa What to See: Complete Guide from Costalunga Pass
What to see in Val di Fassa? Lake Carezza is the first answer: one of Italy's most beautiful alpine lakes, 20 minutes on foot from CostaLunga House. The Catinaccio with the Enrosadira at sunset. The Latemar and its trails. If you're looking for things to do in Val di Fassa, from Costalunga Pass you have everything at hand — no car needed.
Lake Carezza in winter, with Christmas markets on the frozen lake. The legend of King Laurin and the Water Nymph. Lake di Mezzo, less known but equally striking. The things to see in Val di Fassa are concentrated around the pass: from here start the trails to the Catinaccio refuges, the Latemar hikes, the easy walks for families.
Looking for hotels in Nova Levante or hotels near Lake Carezza? CostaLunga House is an apartment, not a hotel — about 20 minutes on foot from the lake. Full kitchen, space for 6 people, Catinaccio view, free parking. Booking direct guarantees the best price, no OTA commissions.
Nova Levante is at 1,182 m, Costalunga Pass at 1,753 m. Strategic position: Bolzano 30 min, Lake Carezza 5 min, Carezza slopes 3 min, Val di Fassa 10 min. Guest Card included in your stay for free transport and discounts. Val di Fassa and everything to see: it all starts here.
20 Minutes from Lake Carezza · Catinaccio View · Free Parking
CostaLunga House is about 20 minutes on foot from Lake Carezza. Apartment for 6 people, direct booking, best price guaranteed.