An Iconic Image of an Iconic Lake
There are places in the Dolomites you never forget – Lago di Braies is one of them. The turquoise water, surrounded by steep mountain walls and pine forests, creates a magnificent backdrop. Especially in the early morning, when the lake is still at rest and the light glides softly over the water, the magic of this place comes alive.
During our trip to the Dolomites, this destination couldn’t be missing from our list. This time we stayed at Förra in Colle/Casies – beautiful apartments with a modern, natural design and exceptionally friendly owners. An ideal base for exploring the northern Dolomites. From Förra, it’s about 40 minutes by car to the lake. So even if you want to arrive very early, it’s perfectly doable.
About Lago di Braies
Lago di Braies (in German: Pragser Wildsee) is one of the most famous lakes in the Dolomites and is also known as the “Pearl of the Dolomites”. The lake lies at 1,496 metres elevation in the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a surface area of 31 hectares and a maximum depth of 36 metres, it’s one of the largest natural lakes in the region.
The distinctive turquoise colour of the water is caused by the white sand and small pebbles on the bottom that reflect the light. The imposing Croda del Becco (Seekofel, 2,810 m) forms the iconic mountain backdrop on the south side of the lake. The lake is also the starting point of the famous Alta Via 1, a 120 km multi-day trek through the Dolomites.
Interesting: Lago di Braies became famous through the Italian TV series “Un Passo dal Cielo” which was filmed here. At the end of World War II, Hotel Lago di Braies was the location where important prisoners of war were liberated.
Location and Getting There
Lago di Braies is located in the northeastern Dolomites, in South Tyrol (Alto Adige), Italy. The lake is situated in Val di Braies (Pragser Tal), a side valley of Val Pusteria (Pustertal). It’s easily accessible by car via the Brennero motorway A22.
| From Cortina d’Ampezzo | 35 km (45 min) |
| From Dobbiaco/Toblach | 12 km (20 min) |
| From Brunico/Bruneck | 30 km (35 min) |
| From Bolzano/Bozen | 100 km (1 hour 30 min) |
| From Innsbruck | 130 km (1 hour 45 min) |
| From Venice | 170 km (2 hours 15 min) |
From the A22 motorway, take the Bressanone/Brixen – Val Pusteria exit and follow the SS49 eastward. At Villabassa/Niederdorf or Braies/Prags, turn off towards Val di Braies. The last 8 km to the lake is a quiet valley road.
Public transport: Bus 442 runs regularly between Dobbiaco/Toblach and Lago di Braies (approx. 40 min). With a Mobilcard or Südtirol Guest Pass you travel for free. Tickets can also be purchased in cash from the driver.
Photography at Sunrise
The famous boathouse on the north side of the lake is one of the most photographed spots in Italy. I was there one hour before sunrise to secure a good spot. At that moment I was still alone, but that didn’t last long. The photo below shows just how popular this spot is.
It’s always a bit of a double-edged sword, but that’s to be expected with a place like this where the locations are so accessible. But the early start paid off: the lake was still mirror-smooth, the light soft, and the first sunrays slowly coloured the mountain peaks gold.
It’s worth staying a while after the sun has risen – the light changes constantly, and every minute the landscape seems to take on a different hue. Don’t forget to walk a bit along the lake; every corner offers a new perspective.
Photography tip: Zoom in on details too. This often produces beautiful images. The boats against the backdrop of the mountains make for a classic composition.
Best time for photography: Arrive at least one hour before sunrise for the best spot at the boathouse. The golden morning light on Croda del Becco is spectacular. Late afternoon also offers beautiful light, but it’s busier then.
Hiking Trail Around the Lake
After my photo session, back to the apartment. Time for breakfast together. Then back to the lake for a beautiful walk around the lake. It’s the classic route and perfectly doable for everyone. The trail is approximately 3.5 kilometres long and leads along the shore, through small groves and over wooden bridges. Along the way, you have constant views of the water, which varies from deep blue to bright emerald green depending on the light.
Route Details Loop Trail
| Distance | 3.5 km (loop trail) |
| Duration | 1.5 – 2 hours (including photo stops) |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Elevation gain | Approximately 100 metres |
| Start/Finish | Hotel Lago di Braies / Boathouse |
| Terrain | Well-maintained paths, partly stairs on the east side |
| Suitable for | Everyone, including families with children |
The route is self-explanatory – just follow the shores of the lake. The western shore (right from the boathouse) is flat and wide, ideal for a relaxed walk. The eastern shore is more adventurous with narrower paths, stairs carved into the rock and passages close to the mountain wall. Good hiking shoes are recommended for this section.
Hiking tip: Most people walk counter-clockwise (first to the right). Want to avoid the crowds? Walk clockwise and start with the steeper eastern section.
Extended Route to Grünwaldalm
If you have more time, the route from Ferrara (Schmieden) is recommended. It’s perfectly doable and the first part takes you through the forest towards the lake. Halfway around the lake, you turn off towards the Grünwaldalm. From the lake, it’s about 45 minutes walking via trail number 19.
Route Details Grünwaldalm
| Distance | Approximately 14 km (loop from Ferrara) |
| Duration | 4-5 hours depending on pace, stops, etc |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Elevation gain | Approximately 390 metres |
| Highlights | Lago di Braies, Val di Foresta, Grünwaldalm, Seekofel views |
The Grünwaldalm (Malga Foresta) is a cosy mountain restaurant with views over the valley. We had a wonderful lunch there – highly recommended for those who want to relax after a walk. The atmosphere is relaxed and the food honest and local, just as it should be in South Tyrol.
Culinary tip: Order the yoghurt with fresh farm berries at the Grünwaldalm – delicious! The alm is open from May to October.
Look up: Don’t forget to look up along the way. Everywhere you see the peaks of the Dolomites piercing through the clouds.
Rowing Boat Rental on the Lake
One of the most enjoyable activities at Lago di Braies is renting a wooden rowing boat. The iconic green boats can be rented at the boathouse on the north side of the lake. From the water, you have a unique perspective on the surrounding mountains and can optimally experience the tranquility of the lake.
Boat rental: Rowing boats cost approximately €30 per half hour (2024 prices). Rental is open from approximately May to October, depending on weather. In high season there may be a queue – arrive early!
Staying at Förra
Our stay at Förra in Colle/Casies was fantastic. The apartments are spacious, modern and built with natural materials. The owners are exceptionally hospitable and happy to help with tips about walks and excursions in the area. After a day in the mountains, it’s wonderful to come home to views of the surrounding forests and valleys.
Colle/Casies (Gsies) is located in a quiet side valley, away from the tourist crowds. It’s a perfect base for visiting both Lago di Braies and other highlights like the Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
Best Time to Visit Lago di Braies
You can visit Lago di Braies year-round, but each season has its own charm:
| Spring (May-June) | Snow-capped peaks, meltwater, quieter period |
| Summer (July-Aug) | Warmest period, swimming possible but ice cold! Very busy. |
| Autumn (Sept-Oct) | Golden larches, softer light, fewer crowds. Our favourite period! |
| Winter (Nov-Apr) | Frozen lake, snow landscape. Hiking trail closed. |
The most beautiful time to visit Lago di Braies is between late September and mid-October. The trees turn beautifully golden, and the high season crowds have passed. In the early morning it can be chilly – so dress in layers and wear sturdy hiking shoes.
Our tip: We were there in mid-October and it was perfect. Golden autumn colours, quiet, and the soft morning light was ideal for photography.
In Conclusion
Lago di Braies is a beautiful photography location; the stunning lake offers beautiful images everywhere. Whether you come to hike, photograph or simply enjoy nature – it’s an experience that stays with you. And yes, it’s busy in summer, but with a little planning you can still discover the tranquility the Dolomites are so famous for.
More inspiration? Also read my earlier blogs about Seiser Alm, Seceda and Val di Funes, or check out my book Dolomites – A Journey Through Breathtaking Heights.
Practical Information
Location and Getting There
| Region | South Tyrol (Alto Adige), Italy |
| Nature Park | Fanes-Sennes-Braies (UNESCO World Heritage) |
| Municipality | Braies/Prags |
| Elevation | 1,496 metres |
| GPS coordinates | 46.6940° N, 12.0855° E |
Parking
There are several car parks near the lake. Note: special rules apply during high season!
| P4 | Closest to the lake (100m). High season: reservation required (€38 incl. €15 voucher). Low season: €18/day |
| P3 | 300m from the lake. Charging stations for electric cars. Approx. €8/3 hours |
| P2 | 800m from the lake. Cheapest option: €6/day (2024 prices) |
| P1 | 6 km from the lake. Free parking, continue by bus |
| Campers | 20 spaces at P4, €45/24 hours |
High Season Access Rules
Important: From 10 July to 10 September, the access road to Lago di Braies is closed to cars between 9:30 am and 4:00 pm. You then have three options:
- Online reservation: Book a parking ticket in advance at pragsparking.com
- Public transport: Take bus 442 from Dobbiaco or Villabassa
- Arrive early or late: Before 9:30 am or after 4:00 pm no reservation is needed
Tip: Outside high season (10 Sept – 10 July) you can simply drive to the lake without reservation. This is also the quietest and most beautiful period!
Access and Costs
- Lake access: Free, accessible 24/7
- Hiking trail: Free
- Rowing boat: Approx. €30/30 min (May-October)
- Dogs: Welcome, on leash
Facilities
- Toilets: At Emma’s Bistrot (paid), accessible toilet available
- Food & drink: Hotel Lago di Braies restaurant, Emma’s Bistrot, souvenir shop
- Grünwaldalm: Mountain restaurant 45 min walk (May-October)
- Chapel: Kapelle Pragser Wildsee on the west shore
What to Bring
- Good hiking shoes (east shore is rocky)
- Warm clothing in layers (mornings are chilly)
- Tripod for long exposures
- Water and snacks
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- Cash (bus tickets, small stalls)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the walk around Lago di Braies?
The loop trail around the lake is approximately 3.5 km long and takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on how many photo stops you make. The route is mostly flat, only the eastern shore has some stairs and steeper sections.
Do I need to make a reservation to visit Lago di Braies?
Only during high season (10 July – 10 September) between 9:30 am and 4:00 pm. Outside these times and dates, you can simply drive to the lake. Reservations can be made at pragsparking.com. Alternative: arrive before 9:30 am or after 4:00 pm, or take the bus.
How much does parking cost at Lago di Braies?
Parking ranges from €6/day (P2, furthest away) to €18/day (P4, closest). During high season, a reserved ticket for P4 costs €38 including €15 food voucher. Campers pay €45/24 hours at P4. 2024 prices.
What is the best time to visit Lago di Braies?
The most beautiful period is late September to mid-October: stunning autumn colours, fewer crowds, and soft light for photography. Summer (July-August) is the busiest. For sunrise photography: arrive at least one hour before sunrise.
Can I get to Lago di Braies by public transport?
Yes! Bus 442 runs regularly between Dobbiaco/Toblach and Lago di Braies (approx. 40 minutes). With a Mobilcard or Südtirol Guest Pass you travel for free. Tickets can also be purchased in cash from the driver. From Cortina d’Ampezzo you can get there with a transfer in Dobbiaco (approx. 90 min).
Can you swim in Lago di Braies?
Yes, swimming is allowed in summer. However, the water is ice cold! Most people step in briefly but come out quickly. There’s no official beach, but there are pebble beaches on the south side.
Location on the Map
Gallery
Pictures speak louder than words:
Useful Links
- Official website Lago di Braies – prags.bz
- Parking reservation – pragsparking.com
- Hotel Lago di Braies – lagodibraies.com
- Förra Apartments – foerra.it
- South Tyrol Tourism – suedtirol.info
- Public transport South Tyrol – suedtirolmobil.info