Planning a visit to Lake Braies, Italy or daydreaming about the stunning Italian Dolomites? This essential travel guide has everything you need: the best things to do, tips on how to get there, and how to navigate the area—because let’s be real, a place this gorgeous isn’t meant for rushed itineraries.
Soaring pine trees scenting the morning air, majestic mountains reflecting in deep blue waters, old-fashioned wooden boats serenely floating around – standing on the shore of Lake Braies for the first time, it felt as if I was looking at a beautiful en plein air painting.
The thick forest frames the view into a perfect composition, and when the light is right, the landscape ranges in color from every shade of green, turquoise, and blue. You’d think only an artist could ever envision such an image, but then again, who’s better at wielding the paintbrush than Mother Nature? I could definitely go on yapping about every inch of this place for days, but honestly, pictures can do a much better job than my words.
Besides, if you’re reading this, chances are you have already stumbled into one of those spectacular snaps online and have smartly added a visit to Lake Braies, Italy, to your bucket list. Well, guess what? I’m here to help you check this item off right away.
Scroll down to find the ultimate travel guide to visiting Lake Braies, Italy with tips on how to get there, where to stay, and, as the cherry on top, a list of the best things to do – you know, besides taking those Instagram-worthy pictures!
Where is Lake Braies located?
Lake Braies is a stunning gem tucked away in the heart of Italy’s Dolomites, a captivating region that comprises the northwestern part of the Alps, with the picturesque towns of Cortina d’Ampezzo and Bolzano just a short distance away. This stunning lake, along with its surroundings, falls within the Fanes Sennes Braies Nature Park, a breathtaking reserve in the Dolomites. The impressive rocky cliff reflecting in the vibrant turquoise waters of the lake is known as Croda del Becco, or Seekofel in German. In addition to being a mesmerizing sight, Lake Braies is also the largest lake in the Dolomites.
You may also encounter travel guides referring to it as Pragser Wildsee, which is its name in German. This reflects the historical context of South Tyrol, which was part of Austria until 1919 and was predominantly inhabited by German speakers. Today, both German and Italian are spoken in the area, so you’ll find information in both languages.
How To Get To Lake Braies?
By Car:
The most convenient way to reach Lake Braies is by car. Renting a car will not only take you to your desired destination, but it will also enable you to explore the area at your own pace. The national road leading to the lake is the SS49, which is linked to all the major highways.
Here is a list of the main cities from which you can easily access Lake Braies:
- From Milano: 4,5 hours
- From Verona: 3 hours
- From Venice: 3 hours
- From Innsbruck: 2 hours
Note that if you drive to Lake Braies, you will need to pay for parking. I highly recommend reserving your parking space in advance on the official website if you plan to visit Lake Braies during the summer.
Public Transport:
During the summer months, you can reach Lake Braies by train. The nearest railway station is Niederdorf (Villabassa), which is served by trains departing from Milan (5 hours), Verona (3 ½ hours), Padua (4 hours), and Venice (5 hours). You can find all your travel options on Trenitalia’s website. From Villabassa station to Lake Braies, you can take bus number 442, which operates between the end of June and September. You can download the “Südtirol2Go” app to check the updated timetables or download them here.
If you’re flying to Italy, there are no international airports near Braies. However, you can fly into Venice and take a direct Flixbus transfer from the airport to Dobbiaco station, the central bus station in the Dolomites. Bus 442 also stops in Dobbiaco. The total journey by public transport from Venice to Lago di Braies is approximately 4.5 hours.
Where To Stay Near Lake Braies?
If you want to stay as close as possible to the lake, the Hotel Pragser Wildsee is hands down the best option. This nineteenth-century hotel is right in front of the lake, and the view from its rooms is amazing. Side note: if you’d like to stay in Pragser Wildsee, you need to book well in advance, as their rooms are often fully booked even 6 months ahead.
Most visitors choose to stay in one of the many charming hotels in Valdaora. There’s plenty of choice for all budgets, and the landscape is just as wonderful.
Best Things To Do In Lake Braies, Italy
1. Hike all around the lake
The Braies Valley offers 34 spectacular hikes of varying difficulty. The most popular route is the one that circles the lake and is approximately 4 kilometers long. It takes only 1.5 to 2 hours to complete this route, and it’s relatively easy, although it does involve going up and down many stairs. But hey, gotta burn off those strudels somehow.
You can find all the routes and details here.
2. Rent a boat
There’s nothing like sitting in an old wooden rowing boat and gliding through the calm waters. Having your own little boat gives you the opportunity to appreciate the mountains from a completely different perspective. Plus, what’s the point of all those workouts if you can’t impress your friends in a situation like this? Just grab your paddle, get in, and go!
The boat rental booth at Lake Braies is open daily from June to September, from 10 am to 5 pm. A 30-minute rental costs about €20, while a 1-hour rental costs €30.
3. Visit the Lake Braies Chapel
The charming little chapel that you can spot along the shore is the Lake Braies Chapel. It was built in 1904 as the private chapel of the Hellensteiner family, owner of the Pragser Wildsee Hotel.
In 1945, at the end of World War II, 137 prisoners of the Dachau concentration camps were taken to Lake Braies under the order of the SS commander-in-chief, who planned to exchange them for his safety. Luckily, the prisoners were indeed liberated, and immediately after the exchange they all went to the Lake Braies chapel to rest. To this day, you can find a plaque on the wall of the chapel that commemorates the event.
4. Grab a bite at Hotel Pragser Wildsee
The Hotel Pragser Wildsee dates back to 1899, and the historical episode you just read took place right before its entrance. Once the prisoners were liberated, the hotel owner, Emma Heiss-Hellenstainer, welcomed them and helped them regain their strength.
If you’re tired from all that hiking, you can head to Hotel Pragser Wildsee for a nice lunch. You’ll have the chance to taste some good old Tyrolean cuisine while learning about the past through the memorabilia around you. Besides, their outdoor seating is gorgeous, and you’ll have the best view in the area.
5. Go Climbing
The Dolomites are a climber’s paradise, offering fixed rope routes (via ferratas) and climbing crags around Lake Braies for practicing skills. There’s a large climbing garden with 15 different tracks just a 30-minute walk from Lake Braies. For a more challenging climb, you can tackle the popular via ferrata called Cima dei Colli Alti, which starts near the shore and takes around 6 hours to complete.
Tips For Visiting Lake Braies
What is the best time to visit Lake Braies?
Lake Braies is best visited during late spring, summer, and early autumn. If you’re interested in hikes, casual walks, beautiful scenery, and pleasant weather, it’s best to plan your trip for late June, July, or early September, when the temperatures range from 16 to 26°C. However, many visitors may prefer the winter season due to the numerous snow sports available in the Dolomites. Additionally, the frozen lake and the snow-covered Dolomites are truly a sight to behold. No matter when you visit, Lake Braies is guaranteed to take your breath away.
Is Lake Braies always crowded?
Lake Braies, once relatively unknown, has become a popular destination in recent years. However, the main shore is often crowded with tourists, especially when buses arrive in the summer. To avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit in June or September and go early in the morning, even at sunrise. Despite the crowds, Lake Braies is still an incredible sight.
Can you swim in Lake Braies?
Although swimming in Lake Braies is permitted, the cold water temperatures, even in summer, tend to discourage many visitors from enjoying a swim at this beautiful spot.
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