Lake Braies – top things to do
Nestled in the Braies Valley in South Tyrol, Italy, lies Lake Braies, also known as Lago di Braies or Pragser Wildsee. This alpine lake, similarly referred to as the “Pearl of the Dolomites,” is renowned for its crystal clear bluish-green water and breathtaking mountain views. It’s not hard to see why this serene and natural location is a popular spot for photography and outdoor enthusiasts.
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How to get to lake Braies?
BY CAR | When planning your visit to Lake Braies, it’s worth noting that there are parking lots located near the lake, providing easy access to the stunning surroundings. The short walk from the parking lot to the lake is definitely worth the effort. To avoid disappointment, I would suggest arriving early in the morning to secure a parking spot as the lots tend to fill up quickly, particularly during the peak season of July and August. In recent years, traffic regulations are in place during the high season, meaning you might need to have an online parking reservation or plan to arrive only during specified hours to access the lake. For more info always check their site as changes may apply.
Parking Lots near Lake Braies
Depending on the time of day you plan to visit the Pragser Wildsee, the parking options may vary. There are several parking lots available, such as P4, P3, P2, and P1, each with its own unique features and distance from the lake. Some parking lots may have different hours of operation, parking fees, or restrictions, so it’s important to be aware of the options available and plan accordingly.
Prices:
P4 – free if you are a hotel guest, otherwise it is 20 EUR if booked online, or 38 EUR which includes a 30 EUR worth food voucher.
P3 – depending on the time of day you plan to visit prices may vary between 2-6 euros for 3 hours. After that every 30 minutes costs 80 cents.
P2 – for the whole day is 6 EUR for cars and 12 EUR for campers. Additionally, overnight parking for camper vans is available for 8 EUR.
P1 – a small parking lot with a kiosk which offers only daily rates. 6 EUR for cars, 9 EUR camper and 2 EUR for motorbike.
BY BUS | Visitors can also reach Lake Braies by taking a bus. The bus line 442 runs between the towns of Dobbiaco (Toblach) and Villabassa (Niederdorf) and it goes to the lake. During high season, an additional bus line 439 is also available, which runs from Welsberg.
In addition, you may want to check out the following sites for more information, which can be found here and here.
What to do at lake Braies?
RENT A BOAT
It is possible to rent boats at Lake Braies (Lago di Braies or Pragser Wildsee) to explore the lake and enjoy the views of the surrounding mountains.
Prices for renting a boat:30 min: 25 Euro |
Opening hours:20.05.23–18.06.23 – 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. |
Alternatively, you can check the site for more information, which is available here.
WALK AROUND THE LAKE
If you want to take in the full beauty of Lake Braies, I suggest considering taking the loop hike around the lake. Although it includes a few sets of stairs, the hike overall is considered easy and offers some fantastic views along the way.
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TAKE PHOTOS
Lake Braies is a prime location for photographers, with its clear blue-green water and stunning mountain views. Despite the occasional crowds, there are plenty of opportunities to find a secluded spot for that perfect shot. Additionally, you can bring your camera, take your time to explore, and capture the breathtaking moments of this Alpine lake.
GO ON A HIKE
Lake Braies offers several hiking options for those who want to explore the area. Unfortunately, I was not aware of these possibilities when I visited, so I only did the loop hike around the lake. However, there are some great hikes in the area that I hope to experience in the future. For instance: Cima dei Colli Alti (Hochalpenkopf) and Seekofel/ Sas dla Porta.
HAVE A PICNIC
When visiting Lake Braies, make sure to set aside some time to simply relax and take in the beautiful views. Be sure to bring some snacks and beverages to enjoy while you lounge by the lake. Take your time and savor the peaceful atmosphere and natural beauty of this picturesque alpine lake.
ENJOY THE VIEW
As you explore Lake Braies, it’s important to take the time to find a spot that speaks to you. Once you’ve found it, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the spectacular views of the clear blue-green water and beautiful mountain surroundings.
Do you HAVE to book a parking lot spot or can you just go early?
Thanks for the good guide btw!
Thank you! I’m glad you found the guide helpful. You don’t have to book a parking spot; I went without booking myself. Recently, I confirmed that online booking is not required. However, going early is a good choice.