There aren’t many places that combine breathtaking Alpine drama with gentle accessibility quite like Lake Prags, also known as Braies Lake or Pragser Wildsee. Nestled in the Italian Dolomites, Lago di Braies feels almost unreal, a turquoise mirror cradled by limestone peaks, hemmed in by forests, and imbued with a quiet grandeur that changes with the seasons and the weather.
Visiting the lake at the close of May has a distinct charm.
The mountains still have traces of snow, while wildflowers push through the meadows. The waters are icy and startlingly clear. On our visit, we arrived equipped for every possibility, and it turned out to be a wise decision.
Arrival Prepared: Gear and Essentials
Even if you’re just planning a relaxed stroll, Braies rewards those who come ready for surprises. We brought:
- Rainproof bags and raincoats
- Hiking boots suited for rocky trails
- Packable waterproof jackets
- Hydration packs with filters
- Thermal base layers (the early morning is chilly)
- Trekking poles, especially useful on the stone steps
- Lightweight backpacks and a compact first aid kit
- Headlamps (if planning dawn walks)
- Multi-tool and compass/GPS
- Sun cream and polarised sunglasses
- Energy-rich snacks
Packing smart can make the difference between discomfort and delight.
We have made a guide of all our favourites below:
During our visit, the weather turned suddenly.
One moment, vivid sunlight bounced off the water, the next, we found ourselves in the middle of a hail shower out on the lake. If you’re new to planning such adventures, consider checking out recommendations on seekofel for additional gear tips and route suggestions.
Walking the Shores
Circumnavigating Braies Lake, a gem within the nearby nature park, is consistently ranked as one of the region’s standout hikes. The path hugs much of the shoreline and takes approximately 1.5–2 hours to complete at a moderate pace.
You’ll find that it isn’t a flat stroll: there are stretches with steep, uneven staircases carved into rock and dirt, winding up through the forested sections on the far side. While ascending, you’re rewarded with ever-changing vantage points over the lake, making each step worthwhile.
It’s common to see schools of trout circling in the clear shallows.
Children love to spot them, and if you look attentively from the jetties or the gently arched wooden bridges, you might glimpse their silvery flanks catching the light.
The lakeshore gets busiest around midday, so a morning or late afternoon visit offers a quieter experience. The air fills with birdsong and the distant echo of cowbells from the surrounding pastures.
On the Water: Rowing Your Way
One of Braies Lake’s signature experiences is renting a wooden rowboat, which evokes a sense of nostalgia. These boats, painted deep brown and edged in brass, form a photogenic fleet moored at the historic boathouse.
Boat Rental Details
- 2025 Rental Rate: €40 per hour for a classic rowboat (fits up to 4 people)
- Opening Hours: 9:00–17:00 (weather permitting, May to October)
- Booking: No advance booking; first come, first served
Once out on the water you’re surrounded by silence broken only by your oars.
Even with passing showers, or in our case, a sudden pelting of hail, the experience is unforgettable. You gain a unique perspective from the middle of the lake, appreciating the sheer cliffs and dark forests surrounding Lake Prags.
Photographers in particular will appreciate the shifting light, from aquamarine to steel-grey as the clouds move.
We managed to take some of our favourite images during that rainstorm, the droplets on the lens adding an unexpected, dramatic flair.
Rooms with a View: Hotel Prices for 2025
The Hotel Lago di Braies is not just somewhere to sleep; it’s a South Tyrolean institution.
Steeped in history and facing the water, it’s the epitome of old-world Alpine charm. Staying here puts sunrise and sunset at your doorstep.
- Standard Double Room: €370–€450 per night, including breakfast
- Lake View Suite: €540–€620 per night, including half-board
- Family Suite: €600–€750 per night, breakfast and afternoon tea included
Rates fluctuate depending on the season, with July and August the most in demand.
It’s worth reserving months in advance if you want a room with a balcony overlooking the lake.
In the evenings, guests can relax in wood-panelled lounges or stroll along the empty lakeshore as the crowds disperse. The scent of mountain pine drifts on the cool air, and the stars appear with spectacular clarity.
An Overview of Activities: Hiking, Boating, and More
Braies Lake, or Pragser Wildsee, offers much more than a scenic backdrop. Its surroundings teem with activities that cater to all tastes. From guided hikes, which can be found via services like seekofel, to nature photography excursions, every moment here beckons an adventurous spirit.
Dining Beside the Waters
Braies Lake may feel remote, but you needn’t go hungry.
Several restaurants and cafés provide hearty South Tyrolean fare and lighter options, each with its own unique flavour.
Recommended Eateries:
- Hotel Lago di Braies Restaurant: Classic Tyrolean cuisine, think canederli (dumplings), venison stew, apple strudel. Grand views from the terrace.
- Café Lago di Braies: Friendly, casual spot for fresh pastries and coffee. Offers picnic-packed sandwiches to take along the lakeshore.
- Berghotel Pragser Wildsee Bistro: Modern Alpine fusion, with vegetarian choices and local wines.
Tables fill quickly, so if you want to eat right by the lake, consider having an early lunch or book a table for dinner if available.
Most restaurants close by 19:00, with the hotel restaurant offering the cosiest setting as the day winds down.
Souvenirs and Novel Gifts
Braies Lake has become well known for its special collectors’ “passports”, charming pocket-sized journals that you can buy at the hotel’s gift shop. Visitors add unique stamps at several locations as a memento of their adventure.
- Where to Buy: Gift shop in Hotel Lago di Braies (€8 each)
- Stamps Available:
- At the hotel front desk
- From the boat rental counter
- Occasionally at selected cafés/lake kiosks
These bespoke stamps often feature mountain motifs, regional flowers, or images of the iconic boats. Fans of creative travel keepsakes will relish the opportunity to document each aspect of their visit, especially kids or anyone young at heart.
Practical Tips for Visitors
- Weather Shifts Fast: Pack layers, including waterproofs, even if blue skies greet you in the car park.
- Footwear Matters: Trails and stairs are sometimes muddy and slick, especially after rain.
- Photography: Early mornings bring the best light and fewer people in your shots.
- Wildlife Watching: Look for marmots along the upper paths and the occasional red deer at dusk.
- Swimming: Bracingly cold year-round, but some daring souls wade in from the south shore.
If you’re hoping to capture that iconic shot of the boathouse in the still morning air, arrive as soon as the car parks open.
The surface of the water turns to glass until the light winds rise in early afternoon.
Braies Lake, also known as Lake Prags or Pragser Wildsee, located near a stunning nature park, with its shifting moods and ever-present possibility of surprise, more than earns its reputation as the ‘Pearl of the Dolomites.’ Each visit brings something fresh, whether it’s the drama of a sudden mountain storm, the quiet ripple of trout beneath wooden boats, or the crackle of alpine air at sunrise.
Arrive prepared, with curiosity, and you’ll find memories here that linger long after the last postcard is sent home.
How to get to Braies Lake
Braies Lake, also known as Lago di Braies or Pragser Wildsee, is nestled in the heart of the Dolomites in South Tyrol, Italy. Its accessibility and breathtaking scenery make it a popular destination, but planning your journey is essential, especially during peak months.
By Car: If you’re travelling by car, take the SS49 (Puster Valley road) and follow the signs for Val di Braies (Pragser Tal). The lake is about 20 minutes from Dobbiaco/Toblach and 30 minutes from Brunico/Bruneck. During the high season (typically from early July to mid-September), vehicle access is restricted between 9:30 am and 4:00 pm.
In this period, you must reserve your parking spot online in advance, as parking fills up quickly. The main parking areas are P1, P2, and P3, all within walking distance of the lake.
Parking fees vary depending on the lot and duration, with daily rates ranging from €10 to €38 in 2025.
By Public Transport: Braies Lake is well-connected by public transport. Take a train to either Villabassa/Niederdorf or Dobbiaco/Toblach stations. From there, dedicated shuttle buses (routes 442 and 439) run frequently to the lake during the summer season.
Shuttle tickets must be booked in advance online, as seats are limited and the service is very popular. This is the recommended option during peak periods, as it helps reduce traffic and environmental impact.
By Bicycle: For those seeking an active approach, cycling to Braies Lake is a rewarding experience. There are well-marked bike paths from Dobbiaco/Toblach and Villabassa/Niederdorf, offering scenic views along the way.
Bike racks are available near the lake entrance, but cycling around the lake itself is not permitted to preserve the natural environment.
Important Tips:
- During the busiest months, private vehicles are not allowed to access the lake between 9:30 am and 4:00 pm unless you have a parking reservation or are staying at a hotel in the area.
- Shuttle buses and parking reservations can be made via the official Braies Lake website or local tourism portals.
- Always check current travel advisories and restrictions before your visit, as rules may change based on environmental needs and visitor numbers.
With a bit of planning, reaching Braies Lake is convenient and stress-free, allowing you to fully enjoy one of the Dolomites’ most iconic natural wonders.
What is the best time for arriving at braies lake?
Arrive early morning to avoid crowds and secure parking. Early morning is also recommended for pictures and videos.
ABOUT VELENA & DRAGOS
Meet Velena and Dragos, the couple behind Velena Lifestyle, a travel-loving duo capturing life’s most beautiful moments through content creation, social media, and storytelling. From luxury hotels and boutique stays to culinary gems and outdoor escapes, they explore the world with heart, style, and authenticity. Their YouTube channel is a growing space where you’ll find cinematic travel vlogs, behind-the-scenes adventures, and honest reviews from two creators who blend elegance with everyday charm.
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