With its crystal-clear emerald waters and inspiration drawn from mystical legends of the Kingdom of the Fanes, Lago di Braies is renowned as 'The Jewel of the Dolomites.
Renowned as the most iconic sight in the Dolomites, Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) is celebrated for its crystal-clear aquamarine waters and its breathtaking landscape surrounded by beautiful spruce pine forests and towering limestone peaks. Often referred to as the pearl of the Dolomites, Lago di Braies is located within the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dolomites.
Recently, Lago di Braies has gained significant popularity. I'm certain that when you think about the Dolomites, one of the first images that comes to mind is this lake. Despite its popularity among tourists, it remains a must-see destination that simply cannot be missed.
Lago di Braies is one of the largest and deepest natural lakes in the Dolomites, situated at an elevation of 1496 meters. It spans 1.2 kilometers in length and reaches a depth of 36 meters
This unique mountain lake in the Dolomites has a significant place in South Tyrolean legends. According to local lore, the lake served as a point of access to the subterranean realms of the Fanes kingdom via boat. Legend has it that the submerged entrance to the underworld was situated at the southern end of the lake, in the direction of the Seekofel peak, which is why it is referred to as Sass dla Porta (Gate Mountain) in Ladin, one of the three languages spoken in South Tyrol, alongside Italian and German.
Lago di Braies, which is associated with several extensive legendary tales, also played a significant role in World War II, with a poignant reminder of its history found in the small chapel on the west side of the lake. Although the chapel was constructed in 1904, it served as a meeting place for prisoner exchanges involving detainees who were being transported to concentration camps.
This is your ultimate guide for visiting Lake Braies. Unveil insights ranging from the optimal time to visit and transportation tips to the premier attractions and leisure activities dotting the scenic shores of the lake. Whether you're seeking serene boat rides or embarking on picturesque hikes, this guide has you covered for an unforgettable adventure at Lake Braies.
WHERE IS LAGO DI BRAIES?
Lago di Braies is situated in northern Italy within the South Tyrol region, near the Italian-Austrian border. The lake is located in the Braies Valley and is part of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park (German: Fanes-Sennes-Braies Pragser Wildsee), which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Dolomites. Here are driving distances and times from nearby destinations:
Cortina d’Ampezzo: 46 km, 1 hour
Bolzano: 101 km, 1 h 45 mins
Dobiacco: 16km, 20 mins
Venice: 205 km, 3 hours
Milan: 377 km, 5 hours
Verona: 252 km, 3 hours
Innsbruck (Austria): 134 km, 2 h 20 mins
WHEN TO VISIT
Best time of year to visit Lago di Braies
Lago di Braies is a wonderful destination to visit throughout the year, with each season offering a unique experience. However, the prime time to visit Lago di Braies is during the summer and fall. During these seasons, you can take leisurely walks around the lake, embark on hikes to various peaks, rent a rowboat, and revel in the glistening greens and blues of the crystal-clear lake waters. While the summer months are popular among tourists, it's essential to note that there may be road restrictions in place for lake access during this time.
To avoid crowds and enjoy a more serene atmosphere, consider planning your trip during the off-season months of May-June or September-October. The weather remains pleasant during these times, and the tourist numbers are more manageable.
Although winter visits are possible, there are fewer activities available. From December to March, the lake freezes over and is blanketed in snow, exuding a special charm. Additionally, you can try your hand at ice skating as the lake becomes a frozen wonderland.
Best time of day to visit Lago di Braies
It is advisable to visit Lago di Braies in the morning, particularly at sunrise. For the best photographic opportunities and to avoid the tourist crowds, I recommend arriving between 6-7 a.m. If your main intention for visiting Lago di Braies is to capture photographs, consider taking a 3km walk around the lake, which offers various viewpoints of its beauty.
If you're not an early morning person, it is still recommended to arrive early, ideally before 9 a.m. Lago di Braies is one of the most popular destinations in the Dolomites and tends to get crowded during the day. Additionally, if you plan to rent a rowboat, a popular activity on the lake, ensure you arrive early, especially during the peak season when boats tend to sell out quickly, often by mid-morning.
HOW TO GET THERE
Driving regulations
Between July 10th and September 10th, there are driving access restrictions to Lago di Braies between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to reduce traffic and visitor numbers in the Pragser Tal Valley during the peak season. During this time (9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.), Lake Braies can be accessed by public transportation, on foot, by bicycle, or upon presentation of an online parking reservation or a valid transit permit.
It is mandatory to book parking spaces at the lakeside car parks in advance. You can make your reservations through the official website.
Getting there by car
The easiest way to reach Lago di Braies is by car. However, it is crucial to be mindful of the rules and restrictions, especially during the summer months, as I mentioned in the previous section. If you are planning to visit Lago di Braies by car between July 10th and September 10th, it is compulsory to pre-book parking spaces at the lakeside car parks in advance. You can make your reservations through the official website.
Parking
While there is a good amount of parking available at Lago di Braies, it tends to fill up quickly, especially in the busy summer months. It's worth noting that the parking lots are managed by different companies, and the pricing can vary depending on the time of day.
Below is a quick guide about parking at Lago di Braies to assist you in planning your trip. For the latest parking information and prices, please refer to the official website provided above.
P4: This is the car park managed by Hotel Lago di Braies. It is the closest parking area to the lake. When we went there, you could book a day-stay ticket for 38 EUR through their official website. This includes access to the car park at any time of day, a reserved parking spot, and a 15 EUR voucher, which you can redeem at one of their bistros or restaurants.
P3: This is the second closest car park to Lago di Braies, located only 500 meters from the lake, and it is about a 4-to-5-minute walk to the lake. You can pre-book your tickets and check the most recent parking costs here.
P2: This car park is located only 800 meters from the lake and is about a 10-minute walk to the lake. You can pre-book your tickets and check the most recent parking costs here.
P1 (formerly known as "Segheria"): This car park is located 5.5 km from Lago di Braies. There are shuttles that run approximately every 30 minutes (between 9:30 am and 4 pm, except during lunch) to Lake Braies. You can pre-book your tickets and check the most recent parking costs here.
Getting there by public transport
In the Dolomites, a well-developed public transportation system serves as an alternative to using a car. The region is efficiently connected through a network of buses, regional trains, and cable cars, which also facilitate connections to Lago di Braies.
If you prefer to visit Lago di Braies without a car, it's advisable to first travel to the village of Dobbiaco by train or bus. The 442 bus line operates year-round, with services every 30-60 minutes (depending on the time of year) from Dobbiaco and Villabassa. The bus journey lasts approximately 30 minutes and drops you off just 50 meters from the Lago di Braies hiking trailhead.
Additionally, you can travel to Lake Braies from Cortina D’Ampezzo by bus. The trip takes roughly 90 minutes and involves a transfer in Dobbiaco. From Cortina d’Ampezzo, you can take Bus 445 to the Dobbiaco Bus Station and then transfer to 442 to Lago di Braies.
However, please be aware that if you plan to take a bus to Lago di Braies between July 10th and September 10th, advance online booking and prepayment are necessary. You can pre-book your transit on the official website.
BEST THINGS TO DO AT LAGO DI BRAIES
1 - Rent a rowboat and explore the lake
One of the most popular activities is renting a rowboat, which is a perfect way to explore the lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery. During our visit to Lago di Braies in 2023, we paid 50 euros for a private rowboat, 30 minutes ride. If you prefer not to hire a private boat, there is an option to share a rowboat for 10 euros per person for 30 minutes, with a maximum capacity of five people. As mentioned earlier, if you plan to visit Lago di Braies during peak season, it is advisable to arrive early, as boats tend to sell out rapidly, typically around mid-morning.
2 - Lago di Braies Circuit Trail
There is an easy hiking trail loop that encircles the lake. Depending on your pace, the walk takes approximately 1 - 2 hours. The circuit path is primarily flat, with some stairways on the east bank of the lake. Hikers have the option to trek in either direction, although most people generally choose to hike by heading west, along the right side of the lake. I highly recommend doing the loop around the lake as it offers the opportunity to view the lake from various angles and provides numerous picturesque spots to capture the beauty of the lake.
3 - Visit the Chapel on the lake
There is also a small chapel by the lake that you can visit. The chapel, designed by the same architect responsible for the Lago di Braies hotel, Otto Schmid, was built in 1904 in the typical South Tyrolean style. It is open to visitors during the summer months. The location has an interesting history, as during World War II, a German commander used this church as a meeting place for a prisoner exchange.
4 - Challenge yourself with one of the trails that starts at Lago di Braies
Lago di Braies serves as the starting point for various trails, including the long-distance hiking trail, Alta Via 1. The Alta Via 1 is a 120 km (75 miles) long walking trail that spans through the Italian Dolomites, starting from Dobbiaco in the North and concluding in Belluno in the South.
There are several one-day hikes in the Dolomites that commence from this point. One of the most notable is the hike from Lago di Braies to the summit of Croda del Becco (Seekofel). Croda del Becco (2818 m) is the striking mountain that serves as the backdrop of Lago di Braies in the Braies Dolomites. However, it is a challenging, steep trail suited for more experienced hikers in good physical condition. It typically takes around 4 hours to reach the summit from Lake Braies.
The Hochalpenkopf Peak Trail, another challenging hike, commences at the lakes and ascends high into the mountains. This 17-km loop is a demanding hike that typically takes around 8 hours. However, please note that as of September 2023, some parts of this trail were closed due to a rockfall. It is advisable to check for the latest updates with a local tourist office before embarking on this hike.
The Braies Valley (Prags Valley) in the Dolomites is not only renowned for its breathtaking lake but also for its stunning alpine meadows. To explore the valley, you can embark on a short hike to Malga Foresta (Grünwaldalm). Starting from the parking area Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee), you follow along the west coast of Lago di Braies, eventually reaching a broad gravel path marked by trail number 19 that leads you to Malga Foresta (Grünwaldalm). The walking time is approximately 1 hour.
5 - Sunrise photography
If there's a time of day to enjoy the serenity and avoid crowds, it's undoubtedly at sunrise. The boats remain peacefully moored at the dock, and the lake exudes a calm and untouched ambiance, offering a breathtaking reflection of the surrounding landscape if weather conditions permit. This serene and picturesque setting, with its crystal-clear mirror-like surface, nestled amidst majestic mountains, is an ideal location for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
FACILITIES AT LAGO DI BRAIES
The vicinity around Lake Braies boasts substantial development, including a prominent hotel located right along its shoreline, along with a variety of on-site dining options, such as restaurants, bistros, and cafes. We chose the bistro by the lakeside, and the food was delightful. I ordered polenta with wild mushrooms, and the prices were reasonable. Alternatively, you can proceed to the next destination and find something to eat there or on the way.
For restroom facilities, there are available toilets situated at the far side of the lake, as well as near the hotel and the car park.
WHERE TO STAY IN LAGO DI BRAIES
If you are comfortable with traveling greater distances and arriving at Lago di Braies later in the day, you have the freedom to choose your preferred base. However, as mentioned earlier in this guide, it's advisable to arrive at Lago di Braies early in the morning, preferably for the sunrise, as the area tends to become crowded and boat rentals quickly sell out. Considering this, it is recommended to stay in the nearby towns, ensuring easy and swift access to the lake.
Various towns and villages are situated within a 20 - 30 minute distance from the lake, such as Dobbiaco (Toblach), Monguelfo (Welsberg-Taisten), Villabassa (Niederdorf), or Valdaora (Olang). During our trip, we lodged in Valdaora, a quaint Alpine town merely 25 minutes away from Lago di Braies.
Other options for accommodation include Misurina and Cortina d’Ampezzo, but it's worth noting that these are situated a bit further away, requiring a 45-minute to one-hour drive to reach Lago di Braies.
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