Lago di Braies is one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites. With its clear turquoise water and mountain views in the backdrop, it is easy to see why this lake is so famous. The Lago di Braies Hike is a simple trail that goes around the lake and lets you enjoy the scenery from many angles.
In this guide, I will show you everything you need to know before doing the Lago di Braies Trail. You will find useful tips about the trail, how long it takes, and the best time to visit. I will also share practical advice to help you avoid crowds and enjoy your time at the lake.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LAGO DI BRAIES
Lago di Braies, also known as Pragser Wildsee, is one of the most famous lakes in the Dolomites. It is known for its bright turquoise water, wooden rowboats, and steep mountain walls that rise straight from the shore. The lake sits at an altitude of about 1,500 meters and changes color throughtout the day, depending on the light and weather. Early in the morning, the water often looks calm and deep blue. On sunny days, it turns a clear green that reflects the surrounding peaks.
Lago di Braies also has an interesting cultural history. Local legends say the lake was once a gateway to the underground kingdom of Fanes people. During the final days of the Second World War, it became the site of a dramatic rescue when important prisoners were freed nearby.
Today, the small chapel by the lake adds to its peaceful atmosphere and is often photographed from the trail. It is also possible to rent a rowing boat and enjoy the beauty of this place from the water
PRACTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE HIKE
HOW TO GET TO LAGO DI BRAIES?
Lago di Braies is located in South Tyrol, in northen Italy, inside the Fanes Sennes Braies Nature Park. The nearest larger towns to the lake are Dobbiaco and Brunico.
The easiest way to get to the Lake is by renting a car and driving there. The lake is located 46 km away from Cortina d’Ampezzo (approximately 1 hour drive).
Alternatively, you can also use public transport to reach Lago di Braies. Bus line 442 connects Dobbiaco with the lake. Here is the timetable.
Important: Since the summer of 2025, between July 10 and September 10, there are access limitations to the number of cars that can drive to through the Praser Tal valley between 9:30 and 16:00. You will only be allowed to drive through the valley if you have made a reservation in advance to park in one of the available parking lots. You can make your reservation in advance on Pragser Lake Website.
Parking at Lago di Braies
There are 4 different parking lots at Lago di Braies where you can park your car.
P4 is the closest parking lot to the lake. This parking lot is the parking lot for those staying at Lago di Braies Hotel. However it is also possible to purchase a ticket online to park there. Just be aware that it is quite expensive! In 2025, it was 40 € to book a ticket in this parking lot.
P3 is the second closest parking to the lake, just a 5 minute walk. We parked our car in this parking lot and it was very convenient. In 2025, we paid 18 € to book our parking spot here.
P2 is located about 800 meters away from Lago di Braies. From here it is about a 10-minute walk to the lake.
P1 is the fardest parking lot from the lake, located 5,5 km away. From this parking lot, you can hop on bus 439 to the lake. The bus ride will take approximately 20 minutes.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU NEED TO HIKE AROUND LAGO DI BRAIES?
The Lago di Braies is easy and well maintained, so you do not need special gear. Still, the right equipment will make your visit more comfortable and safe. The path goes over gravel, forest ground, and a few rocky sections. In wet or cold weather, parts of the trail can be slippery, especially near the water and shaded areas.
- Hiking shoes. Choose shoes witha solid sole and good grip. In the summer months you can opt for some lighter shoes, but hiking shoes are always a better choice if you want more support.
- Weather appropriate clothing. Dress in layers, as the weather can change quickly in the mountains. A light jacket or windbreaker is useful even on warm days.
- Small backpack. A light backpack will allow you to carry water and some snacks. There are places to buy food near the parking area, but not along the trail.
- Sun protection. Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat will be very useful during sunny days.
- Camera or phone. There are many great photo spots along the lake that you will definitely want to capture.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LAGO DI BRAIES?
The best time to visit Lago di Braies depends on what kind of experience you want. The lake is beautiful all year round, but each season offers a different atmosphere. Weather, crowds, and access rules change throughout the year, so it helps to plan ahead.
Late spring and early summer, are great if you want fewer people and fresh mountain scenery. Snow may still be visible on the peaks, and the colors of the lake are often very bright. This period is ideal i you enjoy calm walks and cooler temperatures.
Summer, from July to September, is the busiest time to visit Lago di Braies. The weather is warm, the lake shows its classic turquoise color, and all services are open. Visiting early in the morning or late afternoon is key to avoid large crowds and enjoy the lake in a more peaceful way.
Autumn, from October to early November, is a quieter and very scenic time. The forests around the lake turn yellow and orange, and the number of visitors drops a lot. Days are shorter and cooler, and the atmosphere is calm and perfect for photography.
Winter visits are also possible, but access depends on snow conditions and road closures. The lake often freezes and offers a completely different, peaceful view of Lago di Braies.
Summer: Adjust your expectations
If you’re visiting Lago di Braies during the summer months, you should adjust your expectations a bit. We’ve all seen the beautiful photos of this lake on Social Media and arrive here expecting to find a “hidden breathtaking gem”. However, Lago di Braies is one of the most popular sites in the Dolomites and you will definitely not be there alone.
I visited Lago di Braies on August 8 and arrived at the lake around 9:00. The parking lots were already quite full and there was some people in the lake but it was still relatively calm. We had no issue with taking some beautiful photos without thousands of people next to us and the trail was quite calm.
However, there was already a big waiting line for renting boats. This was not an issue for us as we were not planning on renting one. By the time we left (around 12:00), it was really packed with people.
If you’re planning on visiting Lago di Braies during the summer months, definitely get here early.
LAGO DI BRAIES HIKE
HIKE STATS
Trail Start/End – Hotel Lago di Braies. From July 10 until September 10 (from 9:30 to 16:00), you have to reserve in advance a parking spot.
Distance – 3,9 km
Elevation Gain – 189 m
Level – Easy
Route Type – Loop trail
Estimated Time Needed – 1,5 to 2 hours (including plenty of time to stop for photos). Remember to stay within the marked trails.
Best Time To Visit – All year round!
HIKE MAP
I always use the AllTrails App during my hikes. The app has a GPX map that can help you stay on the right trail during your hikes. For this hike, we followed the Lake Braies Loop Trail.
MY EXPERIENCE HIKING AROUND LAGO DI BRAIES - STEP BY STEP GUIDE
The Boat House And First View Of The Lake
The hike begins next to Hotel Lago di Braies and the boat house. We were not planning on renting one of the famous boats, but we wanted to at least have a look at them. However by the time we arrived at the lake there was already a big waiting line to rent the boats so we decided to skip the boat house.
Instead, we headed to the little beach located next to the boat house where you can get a beautiful frontal view of the lake with the mountains on the back. Most people, were focusing on the boat house so we were almost alone at the beach.
The Eastern Side Of The Lake
Once we were done admiring the view, set off to walk around the lake. We decided to walk it in counter clockwise, so we first visited the eastern side of the lake.
Not far from the boat house, we reached the Cappella Lago di Braies and in front of it, there was a second beach with also some stunning views of the lake. We could not resist on taking some additional photos here.
After this brief stop, we continued walking around the lake. This part of the trail is mostly flat and goes through a forested area with openings here and there that allow you to get amazing views of the lake. We progressed slowly because we kept stopping to enjoy the views and take plenty of photos.
At the far end of the lake, there is another beach were you can relax and enjoy the lake from a less famous perspective.
The Western Side Of The Lake
After relaxing at this beach, we continued walking on the western side of the lake. Here, the trail is a bit more irregular with light uphills and downhills, and small pebbled beaches.
While walking, we particularly liked one of these beaches. The water was so calm that acted like a mirror reflecting the mountains on the lake.
It was starting to get a bit later so the trail was getting busier but we still managed to enjoy the views and lake.
OTHER THINGS TO DO IN LAGO DI BRAIES & NEARBY
1. PHOTOGRAPH THE ROW BOATS
If you arrive before the boat house opens, you can take the iconic photos of all the boats lined up at the dock of the boat house. Once the boat house opens, most of the boats will be rented out so it will be difficult to photograph them.
After 9 am, you can photograph these boats on the lake.
2. rent a boat
Seing the lake from the water will allow you to see the lake from a different perspective. To do so, you can rent one of the rowing boats to spend approximately 45 minutes on the lake.
Practical information
- Price. The price to rent a boat is 55 € for a private boat and 20 € per person on a shared boat (prices in 2026). Always check the latest updated prices on the official website.
- Opening Hours. The opening hours vary throughout the year. Between June and September the boat house is open between 8:00 and 19:00.
3. VISIT THE CHAPEL ON THE LAKE (CAPPELLA LAGO DI BRAIES)
Not far from the boat house, you will find a cute little chapel, Cappella di Lago di Braies. This charming chapel built in bricks is a very photogenic spot next to the lake.
4. VISIT LAGO DI DOBBIACO
Once you’re done hiking the lake, you can visit Dobbiaco Lake, another beautiful lake located only 25 minute away from Lago di Braies.
WHERE TO STAY NEAR LAGO DI BRAIES?
The closest town to Lago di Braies is Dobbiaco, so I recommend booking your accommodation here. Alternatively, you can stay closer to Cortina d’Ampezzo. Here are some recommendations where you can stay.
Hotel Rosengarten
Hotel Rosengarten is located just 700 meters from the center of Dobbiaco. All rooms are beautifully decorated in wood and have private bathrooms.
Having a hotel in Dobbiaco allows you to have plenty of options to have dinner in town after a day of hiking.
Photos from Booking.com
Hotel Croda Rossa
Hotel Croda Rossa is a charming hotel with a great location. The hotel is located on a beautiful valley with great views of Monte Cristallo. Rooms were spacious and comfortable. The garden is perfect for relaxing after a day of hiking in the Dolomites.
We stayed at this hotel for 6 nights and had a fantastic day here. The only downside to this hotel was the food.
LAGO DI BRAIES: FAQ
1. IS IT WORTH VISITING LAGO DI BRAIES?
Absolutely! Lago di Braies is popular for a reason. The lake is just stunning so it is normal people want to come visit it. Just remember to arrive early to avoid the most crowded part of the day and you’ll be fine.
2. HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU NEED TO VISIT LAGO DI BRAIES?
It all depends on what you want to do. I would recommend spending here approximately 3 hours to hike around the lake, relax or even rent a boat.
3. CAN YOU FLY DRONES AT THE LAKE?
No, drones are not allowed in the lake.
4. CAN YOU SWIM AT LAGO DI BRAIES?
No, it is not allowed to swim in Lago di Braies.
MAP WITH ALL LOCATIONS
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Click the star next to the map title to add this map to your google maps account. To view it on your phone while traveling, open Google Maps, click on the menu button and go to “Your Places”, click on Maps and you’ll see this map in your list.
HIKE SUMMARY AND INFOGRAPHIC
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Lago di Braies hike is a simple and rewarding way to experience one of the most beautiful places in the Dolomites. With its easy trail, stunning lake views, and mountain scenery, it suits many types of visitors. Whether you come for a short walk, photos, or a quiet moment in nature, the lake offers something special in every season.
With a bit of planning and the right timing, you can enjoy Lago di Braies in a calm and relaxed way. Walking around the lake lets you see it from different angles and appreciate its changing colors and peaceful atmosphere.
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