Italy Blog | Roadie

With picture-postcard perfection, high alpine meadows and dramatic rocky hikes, there’s a multitude of experiences in the Braies valley. Lago di Braies is just the tip of the gorgeous lake-centred iceberg.

Fed by alpine streams and underground springs, Lago di Braies lures travellers to its sparkling emerald waters. Surrounded by blonde shingle beaches and backed by sheer rocky cliffs, it’s a photographer’s dream location, an idyll in the Dolomites, and a pristine nature reserve. Set against the massive north wall of Croda del Becco (Seekofel) – one of the giants of the Dolomites – Lake Braies is sometimes blue-green, sometimes crystal clear, sometimes milky and at all times enchanting.

Take a boat journey to magnetic beaches with mountains rising all around. Stroll past the quaint chapel on a slow amble through the forested path. Or hike the gruelling Rifugio Biella circuit to get up close to the domineering rock face constantly overlooking the lake. But most importantly, leave the picture-postcard lake behind and experience the Braies Valley beyond the hum of tourist buses idling in the Lago di Braies car park. Wander the beguiling Bagni di Braies Vecchia, explore the high alpine pastures of Prato Piazza and hike to one of the most complete and spectacular views of the Tre Cime towers. All just a stone’s throw from Lago di Braies.

1. VISITING LAGO DI BRAIES IN 2021

In order to maintain the ecosystem at Lago di Braies, both bus tickets and parking spaces must be booked in advance for visits between 10 July and 10 September. Entry remains unrestricted at all other times and it’s possible to walk or cycle to the lake throughout the year without pre-booking.

Pragser Wildsee

The Pragser Wildsee, or Lake Prags, Lake Braies is a lake in the Prags Dolomites in South Tyrol, Italy. It belongs to the municipality of Prags which is located in the Prags Valley. During World War II it was the destination of the transport of concentration camp inmates to Tyrol.

"Beautiful lake with so many colors. Avoid peak hours"

"The beauty of this lake is just unreal! You can rent a boat for 30€. Also you should book online your parking place. "

2. WHERE IS LAGO DI BRAIES

Lago di Braies, or The Pragser Wildsee in German, is located in the Braies Valley, which is in the northeast corner of the Italian Dolomites. Lake Braies is 16 kilometres from Dobbiaco (Tolbach).

The valley and lake are part of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies nature park, the largest in the Dolomites. The area is formed by karstification where soluble rock has formed the grooves and crevices that shape the formidable mountains. It’s also responsible for the landslide which formed Lago di Braies.

3. WHERE TO STAY FOR VISITING LAGO DI BRAIES & THE BRAIES VALLEY

As a popular tourist destination, there’s no shortage of accommodation in the Braies Valley. However, it does get booked up very quickly so it’s important to plan ahead. If you want to stay on the lake, the only option is Hotel Lago di Braies. It’s a charming old hotel with plenty of history but it has seen better days.

Staying up at Prato Piazza overnight means you’ll be in a prime location for sunrise and sunset, both of which are remarkable on the high plateau. There are two options on Prato Piazza, Hohe Gaisl and Rifugio Prato Piazza. Both are next door to each other, so the early morning views as the sun hits the opposite mountains is equally as stunning from each.

4. THINGS TO DO IN LAGO DI BRAIES

– RENT A BOAT ON LAKE BRAIES
– ENJOY A PICNIC ON A PEBBLE BEACH
– TAKE A RELAXING STROLL AROUND LAKE BRAIES
- HIKE THE STRENUOUS RIFUGIO BIELLA (SEEKOFEL HUT) CIRCUIT
- EXPLORE THE FLOWER-STREWN VALLEY
- VISIT THE HIGH ALPINE PANORAMA OF PRATO PIAZZA (PLÄTZWIESE)

RENT A BOAT

From Hotel Pragser Wildsee, row to the south end of the lake where a lovely pebble beach offers one of the best vantage points of the lake. Get out, lie down, and stare up at the towering Cristallo Group of mountains, so close you can see every glistening glacier.

BOAT RENTAL : May, Jun, Sep, Oct: 10am to 5pm; Jul-Aug: 8:30am to 6:30pm | Cost – €19 for 30 min; €29 for 1 hour for up to 4 people.

Thank you for reading!

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