Guidelines for Exploring Stunning Lago di Braies in the Italian Dolomites!

Guidelines for Exploring Stunning Lago di Braies in the Italian Dolomites!

Strutting into the majestic heart of the Dolomites, Lago di Braies that's also known as Pragser Wildsee in German, holds a spellbinding allure for travelers.

Lago Di Braies, nestled in the Fanes-Sennes-Braies nature park, is a sight to behold, especially during your Italian escapades. At an altitude of 1,496 m (4,908 ft), this 77-acre lake beckons you for a captivating half-day trip amidst the Prags Dolomites.

Exploring the Lake

Probably the most sought-after activity at the lake is renting one of those charming wooden row-boats and embarking on a scenic voyage across its crystal-clear emerald waters. The experience is even more exhilarating than riding a gondola in Venice! Row your boat to the opposite beach, or settle in the heart of the lake, absorbing the breathtaking mountain view.

Remember, those row-boats are quite the hot commodity, running out as early as 11 AM when the crowds descend. Therefore, it's best to arrive early - aiming for 9:30 AM when the boathouse opens its doors.

Boat Rental Information

• Boat Rental Season: June - September
• Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 5 PM
• Price: €25 EUR for one hour, €15 EUR every 30 minutes after that.

The Lakeside Chapel

A small chapel graces the west side of Lago di Braise lake, a historic structure built in 1904, offering a curious piece of history. During World War II, this very chapel was a meeting place for a prisoner exchange, ensuring the safety of a German SS commander.

The Hiking Trail and Beyond

Wander along the easy hiking trail loop that circles around Italy's Lago di Braies, a journey that takes around an hour, depending on your pace. Enjoy the captivating lookout points and small beaches perfect for sunbathing.

For nature enthusiasts, additional hiking trails ascend into the mountains (Croda del Becco) if you're up for a more challenging trek. If you're a hiker, don't forget to explore the famous Tre Cime di Lavaredo Hiking Loop, which lies nearby.

Reaching Lago Di Braies

Lago di Braies lies within the municipality of Braies/Prags in the Dolomites of South Tyrol, Northern Italy. Braies itself is a quaint town, with Bolzano being the nearest city.

Rent a Car

Discover Cars offers an easy and affordable way to rent a car in Italy, searching through both local and international car rental agencies.

• Milan: Lago di Braies is 377 km (5 hours) from Milan by car.
• Verona: The lake is 252 km (3 hours) from Verona by car.
• Venice: The lake is 207 km (3 hours) from Venice by car.
• Austria: The lake is 29 km (30 minutes) from the Austrian border by car.

Parking at the lake is free for the initial hour, and then costs €8 per day after that.

By Train or Bus

Many travelers arrive in the Italian Dolomites by taking a train from Milan to Bolzano, which takes roughly 3 hours. Once you're in Bolzano, you can either rent a car or hop onto another train heading to Niederdorf (Villabassa). From Niederdorf, a local bus (Bus #442) will transport you to Lago di Braies between June 20th and September 20th.

Where to Stay

Accommodation Near Lago di Braies

• Luxury: Hotel Lago di Braies
• Midrange: Steinerhof
• Budget: Trenker Luis

Camping Near the Lake

Two camping/RV areas are available near the lake: Camping Olympia and Camping Al Plan. Unfortunately, camping on the lake's grounds is not permitted.

Tips for Visiting Lago di Braies

• Purchase lunch or snacks at the hotel next door or a little restaurant/bar at the lake's entrance.
• The best time for landscape photography is early morning, around 8:30 AM, when the morning sun illuminates the water.
• Large crowds typically start arriving around 10 AM, so consider visiting the lake earlier to avoid the crowd.
• Flying drones is strictly prohibited at the lake since it's private property, with numerous "No Drone" signs posted.

Stay tuned for more useful travel tips from a digital nomad and American expat residing in France - Matthew Karsten. Safe travels and happy adventures!

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BOOKING A TRIP SOON?

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• Ultimate Travel Packing List
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• Tips For Renting A Car Abroad
• How To Save Money Booking Hotels
• Why To Always Get Travel Insurance
• My Best Travel Tips For A Great Trip

Living a picturesque home-and-garden lifestyle while exploring unique travel destinations, Lago Di Braies in the Dolomites offers a seamless blend of serene natural beauty and captivating history.

Statement your plant-lover or minimalist decor dreams by re-imagining Lago Di Braies' charming wooden row-boats as a centerpiece in a modern home-and-garden setting, evoking tranquility and an authentic alpine ambiance.

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