Lake Braies—often called the “pearl of the Dolomites”—lies in northern Italy. Towering mountains and dense forests surround the water. Its surface is so clear that it mirrors the dramatic landscape, which changes with the seasons. In winter, ice and snow cover the lake, and the scene feels enchanted. In summer, visitors hop in boats and admire the vibrant green all around. This stunning place attracts nature lovers, photographers, and anyone seeking peace and natural beauty.
In German, this lake is known as Pragser Wildsee. The name reflects its location in South Tyrol, a bilingual region of Italy where people speak both Italian and German. “Pragser” comes from “Prags,” the nearby town’s German name, and “Wildsee” translates to “wild lake.” Therefore, “Pragser Wildsee” means “Wild Lake of Prags.” South Tyrol once belonged to the Austro-Hungarian Empire, which is why German language and place names remain so common there.
We visited the lake in summer and loved it—so we highly recommend it if you’re planning a Dolomites trip. In this post you’ll find where it is, what to do, when to go, how to get there, and other useful tips based on our experience.
Where Is Lake Braies
It sits in northern Italy, specifically in the Trentino–Alto Adige region, close to the Austrian border.
The lake lies within the Dolomite Alps, a mountain range famous for its striking rock formations and sweeping vistas.
This area is incredibly beautiful. We’ve traveled all over Italy and can say the Dolomites are among the country’s most spectacular places—no doubt about it!
What to Do at Lake Braies
Boat Ride
Enjoy a tranquil boat ride and admire the landscape reflected on the crystal-clear water. You can rent traditional wooden boats—called “barche”—and explore the lake at your own pace.
Private boat rental costs €50 for 45 minutes, and each boat holds up to five people. Now there’s also a shared-boat option at €15 per person. The boats and time are the same; you simply pay for your seat.
We chose the private boat because we wanted to take photos in peace—without strangers in the frame 😜. However, if you want to save, you already know the €15 option works great.
You can book on the official website or buy on site, which is what we did. Just note that card machines sometimes fail due to weak signal. Therefore, either book online with your card or bring cash. You’ll also find other options on the site such as the Boat & Bike Experience and a private photo shoot—those require reservations.
Hikes & Trails
Several trails circle Lake Braies and suit all levels. One of the most popular is the full loop—giro del lago—which treats you to incredible views and plenty of time in nature. The 3.6 km path goes all the way around and lets you admire the water’s changing shades of blue as the light shifts.
We did the giro del lago and highly recommend it—it’s beautiful and quite easy. Still, here are a few tips: use the bathroom first, bring plenty of water, and pack a snack because you won’t find services along the way. The route is straightforward, but wear comfy shoes and clothes. We saw people in flip-flops and sandals… not ideal for a trail, right? 😂
Picnic
How about a snack during the loop? Near the entrance, beside Hotel Lago di Braies, you’ll find places to buy drinks and quick bites. You can also bring your own food and enjoy a picnic by the lake. There are several tables around the water with lovely views—totally worth it! See the photo below.
Heads up: you can’t use the tables near the restaurants to eat food you brought from home, but you can picnic at the lake itself.
We love picnicking in places like this. Sometimes hunger strikes when you’re far from a restaurant; bringing your own food lets you set your own pace. Plus, there’s nothing like lunch with a view in the heart of nature.
Lake Braies Chapel
Don’t miss the small, charming chapel on the lakeshore, dedicated to the “Madonna del Lago.”
Photography
For photographers, Lake Braies feels like paradise. Capture sunrise or sunset when soft light turns the landscape magical. You can also book a private photo session.
Drones are not allowed in the private park area. At the entrance, a map shows where flying is prohibited. See the photo below: the dotted zone marks the private area—restaurants, parking lots, and the hotel. However, we saw plenty of pilots flying outside the dotted line, always away from crowds.
When to Visit Lake Braies
The best time to visit runs from June to September, when warmer weather keeps the trails open. In winter, the lake freezes and becomes a natural ice rink; however, access gets harder due to snow, and the region turns very cold.
How to Get to Lake Braies
By Plane
There are no direct flights from Brazil to airports near the Dolomites. If you’re coming from Brazil, the best-value fares usually arrive in Rome or Milan. Then take another flight to Venice, Verona, or Treviso—or continue by car, train, or bus.
By Car
Driving to Lake Braies is straightforward, and parking costs €6 per day. That said, we hit traffic both getting to the lake and entering the lots. Several parking areas exist—the closer you get to the lake, the higher the price.
We arrived at 11 a.m. and found big crowds—typical for July. So, we recommend getting there very early or after 3 p.m. to avoid the rush.
We also suggest driving so you can combine Lake Braies with other nearby lakes.
If you plan to rent a car, we recommend DiscoverCars, where you can find the best options, compare prices, and read reviews.
Valuable tips for drivers Driving in Italy: Essential Tips for Car Rental, Tolls, Parking, and ZTL Zones and How to Rent a Car in Italy: Complete Guide for Travelers
By Train
Take a train to Dobbiaco, then continue by taxi or bus to the lake.
We recommend Omio to buy train tickets in Italy, since it lists the main operators and lets you compare schedules and fares.
By Bus
In summer, buses run from nearby cities such as Bolzano and Bressanone directly to Lake Braies.
Where to Stay to Visit Lake Braies
When visiting one of the Dolomites’ most iconic postcards, your base can shape the pace and feel of the trip. For example, staying right on the lakeshore gives you the unique experience of waking up to turquoise water, with easy access for early-morning boat rides or hikes—when the area feels quiet.
The village of Villabassa is just minutes away by car and offers great family-run inns and hotels—perfect if you want coziness and proximity. On the other hand, larger towns like Dobbiaco (Toblach) or Brunico (Bruneck) provide more lodging, restaurants, and services, and they work as excellent bases for other Dolomites highlights. So whether you prioritize a postcard setting, a nearby village, or the infrastructure of a larger hub, there’s always a perfect place to make your Lake Braies visit even more special.
We recommend Booking.com for a wide range of stays and helpful user reviews.
Typical Food
Try local South Tyrolean dishes such as knödel (bread dumplings), spätzle (German-style pasta—taste the spinach version!), speck (cured ham), and apple strudel.
Other Useful Tips for Visiting Lake Braies
- Carry some cash, as not every place accepts cards.
- Respect nature and follow park rules.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- In peak season, arrive early or late in the day to avoid crowds.
- Restrooms cost €1 per person. However, you won’t pay if you purchase something at the restaurant—even just a drink. You must show your receipt at the restroom entrance to avoid the fee.
For more Italy travel tips, check out:
Lake Tovel Italy: Complete Travel Guide, How to Get There and What to Do
Dolomites Travel Guide: Best Places to Visit in Italy
Lake Misurina, Dolomites: What to Do, When to Go & How to Visit
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