8 Tips for Visiting Lago di Braies, the Enchanting Jewel of the Dolomites

28.10.2024.

Lago di Braies (Pragsee in German) is a breathtaking Alpine lake, popular for a reason. Let’s be honest- not only one reason but a hundred to visit one of the most amazing lakes in Europe. Embraced by the mountains, it’s easily to reach this location from the picture postcards.

Doing a circular route is inevitable at Lago di Braies but there are plenty of other activities to fill your day. While admiring the colours you will compete for a selfie with other tourists on a route. During the autumn days as I did, it’s even more enchanting and crowds are lesser. After exploring the alluring Lake Garda, Lago di Braies is the perfect start of your Dolomites adventure.

Its crystal clear waters shine with emerald allure and trees reflect their presence. Unmissable to your Dolomites itinerary, Lago di Braies will put a spell on you to return.

Where is Lago di Braies and how to reach

The gorgeous lake of South Tyrol deserves the glory of its popularity. It’s located in the Braies Valley within the Fannes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, a UNESCO Heritage Site. Being the largest lake in the Dolomites, it’s an exquisite pearl of the Val Pusteria region.

Dobiacco is the closest town to base yourself, only 16 km from the lake. Also adequate to visit the popular Tre Cime di Lavaredo, Dobiacco is a perfect solution to start exploring the area.

Choosing your accommodation in Val Pusteria covers some of these places: Villabassa, Dobiacco, San Candido and Sesto. Basing myself in the charming Bressanone required to change two trains and bus in Villabassa. From Cortina d’Ampezzo it’s 46 km to Lago di Braies.  

Amazing mountain cliffs that cover the Braies Valley belong to the Croda del Becco (Seekofel in German).

Where to stay in the area

Hotel Lago di Braies– with the stunning view of the lake you can enjoy all this area features, local delicacies included;

Garni Bergblick– located 5 km from the lake, you can enjoy the tranquil garden and cozy atmosphere;

Hotel Erika– only 1,5 km from central Braies, it offers amazing views, great design and fantastic spa;

Dobbiaco

Ostello di Dobbiaco

Hotel Rosengarden– with traditional restaurant, awesome views and jacuzzi, it’s your tranquil getaway;

Natura Boutique Chalet Wellness Spa– the cozy ambiance with a garden, spa and amazing restaurant;

San Candido

Residence Silvia– fantastic rooms, bar & lovely terrace;

Naturhotel Leitlhof– the luxurious hotel with awesome rooms, outdoor pool, spa facilities and great mountain views;

Sesto

Mountain Resort Patzenfeld– amazing location, indor and outdoor swimming pools, spa facilities and gorgeous design;

Hotel Monika– 5-star hotel with the spa facilities and local delicacies;

The seasonal driving restrictions

Having a car is the best way to visit Lago di Braies, which will help you to arrive early without the crowds. In this way you can catch the clear morning glimpses, though in autumn during my visit it was quite mysty.

During the summer time (from 10.07 till 10.09.) there are several restrictions to reduce the traffic.

Booking in advance the parking space is obligatory if you’re visiting between 9,30am and 4pm. Driving during these hours at Lago di Braies is permitted so you should use public transport, bike or going by foot.

Where to park

There are four parking areas close to the lake:

Parking Area P4- near Hotel Lago di Braies is the most expensive, but not allowed for campers. Book it here: pragsparking.com

Parking Area P3- takes place only 500m from the lake so book it here: https://parking.speckstube-eggerhof.it/

Parking Area P2- located only 800m from the lake, you can book here: prags.bz

Parking Area P1- at the town of Segheria is 6 km from the lake, you can book here: prags.bz. The shuttle bus is included.

Coming by bus

Bus n.442 connects Dobiacco and Lago di Braies taking 40 minutes to arrive. Coming from Cortina d’Ampezzo requires to change a bus in Dobiacco. Between 10.07.-10.09. online booking and payment is obligatory at prags.bz.

I would recommend taking a South Tyrol Pass, though some hotels have it as a gift for their guests.

When to visit Lago di Braies

Summer is the most popular time to visit Lago di Braies. Visiting Lago di Braies in spring and autumn is an excellent idea, not only because of the crowds. Autumn brings marvelous colours of the larch trees that reflect in the water. It’s also a fantastic time to make stunning photos.

From November till May the lake is frozen and snow prevails.

The best Instagrammable spots at Lago di Braies

As you roll around the lake almost every corner will be a picture-perfect opportunity. Coming here for a picture is insane but you cannot avoid catching the paradise this way. Even if you just wander around, it’s inevitable to catch the beautiful corners to take photos.

Start with the boat house and the cute wooden boats. It will be very difficult to make your decent portrait if you don’t come earlier. During my visit in the mid October it was pretty misty so summer would be in this regard.

As the lake extends near the fence, this is your sign to grab a camera.

I couldn’t believe my eyes that Lago di Braies is in fact that beautiful, that colours are so fascinating.

Crossing the lake again you will admire the scenery, reflections and beauty. This majestic nature will speak to you with silence against the crowds that appear.

About renting the boats

Rowboats are the symbols of Lago di Braies giving it a picturesque allure, especially for photos.

From late May to late October, the 45-minute excursion awaits you starting at the boat house Palafitta. The booking cannot be done online in advance. During the summer, the waiting line can take more than an hour.

In July and August the renting time is from 8,30 to 18,30. In any other time, the excursion time counts from 10,00 till 17,00.

The price is 50€ for a 45 minute ride at a private boat and 15€ for a shared boat within 30 minutes for 5 people. It’s fun and you definitely cannot get lost.

If you want to do a photoshot, the price is from 200-400€. Reserving is possible, no earlier than 4 days in advance.

Hiking trails around Lago di Braies

A circular route around the lake

Strolling around the lake is inevitable at this gorgeous place as you admire the scenery at every step. As the views get better and better, your camera fills out pretty quickly. Stopping to take photos may slow down your journey but what’s more fulfilling than enjoying the marvels of nature?

It’s an easy route covering 3,5km which would take 1,5-2h to complete. Don’t limit yourself to these numbers as you can count the picnic time and capturing the images.

At the middle of the trail you’ll pass across the small waterfall, which contributes to the fun.

Just before finishing the route at the Hotel Lago di Braies there’s a small chapel, so beautiful in the autumn.

You can easily do the route in your sneakers, so don’t need the hiking boots.

You’ll find picnic tables after passing the half of the way.

Val di Foresta / Grünwaldtal Valley

The hike to the Val di Foresta starts in the middle of the lake and you’ll see signs for Malga Foresta. It’s a cozy restaurant, only 20 minutes away. Here you can try the homemade strudel, though they’re a bit expensive- even more with the sauce. Yogurt with the wild berries is such a wonderful delicacy.

The trail to the Val di Foresta is nestled between the Seekofel and Monte Nero.

Croda del Becco/ Seekofel Peak hike

The challenging hike to Rifiugio Bellia covers 18 km taking you to the dramatic mountain that embraces the lake. From Rifugio Bellia start your adventure towards the summit at Croda del Becco and its rocky marvels.

The Alta Via Hiking Trail

Lago di Braies is the starting point to the epic Alta Via no. 1 leading all the way to Belluno in Veneto region. Through this 120 km, you’ll pass the various mountain ranges in a multi-day hike.

Pratto Piazza

Exploring the Braies Valley unveils its secret pearls like the high alpine meadow at Pratto Piazza. Several hikes outline the scenic beauty and the one to Monte Specie is very well worth it. In the vast panorama of the mountain wonderland it shines with the view towards the popular Tre Cime.

Rules regarding the visit

It’s not possible to swim in Lago di Braies as it belongs to the Nature Reserve within the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Drones are not allowed in Lago di Braies, neither in any of the nature parks in the Dolomites.

Camping is not allowed at Lago di Braies, rather choose some of the campsites nearby.

Facilities near the lake

There’s a restaurant by the huge hotel near the lake, and even a souvenir shop. Toilets are available at the middle of the trail and inside of a hotel. There are picnic tables to take a rest after half of your route at Lago di Braies.

Other lakes in the vicinity

Lago di Anterselva (Antholzersee) is the lesser known lake, a true gem that could overshadow Lago si Braies. Though nothing can substitute Lago di Braies, it’s one of the largest lakes in the Dolomites. Still, you probably didn’t hear for it?

Its emerald colours perfectly blend with the fabulous scenery around. There’s a lovely hotel and restaurant on the lake and it would take you 2-3 hours to loop around the lake.

Visiting Lago di Anterselva by car is the best option as it’s 40 minutes away.

The stunning Lago di Dobiacco (Toblacher see) is only 25 minutes drive from Lago di Braies. More than this, the town of Dobiacco offers an excellent base to explore the surrounding area. Unfortunately, there are no the gorgeous wooden boats, but you can rent a pedal boat.

Let’s add Lago di Misurina that is only 40 minutes by car from Lago di Braies.

The legends about Lago di Braies

What makes Lago di Braies even more enriching to visit are the local legends that live in silence. The peaceful kingdom once belonged to the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park.

Lake was a gate to the Fanes underground the Queen of Fanes and her daughter Dolasilla found this getaway after the local battles.

According to another legend, the treasure was hidden beneath the lake thanks to the local herdsmen.

Final thoughts

The captivating power of Lago di Braies lies in its exquisite colours, in the dramatic mountains around and fantastic scenery. The handmade boats add to the enchanting atmosphere and it would be so fun to try, to experience the lake differently.

Exploring the hikes of the Braies Valley brings more to this gorgeous mountain treasure.

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