Lago Di Braies – Full Information To Visiting

Lago di Braies is a lovely alpine lake within the coronary heart of the Dolomites with picture-postcard views. However there are lots of nice issues to do within the Braies Valley, right here’s methods to see all of them.

Surrounded by blonde shingle seashores and backed by sheer rocky cliffs, Lago di Braies is likely one of the most picturesque lakes within the Dolomites.

The large north wall of Croda del Becco (Seekofel) – one of many giants of the Dolomites – frames the lake which is usually blue-green, generally crystal clear however at all times enchanting.

Lago di Braies is standard and it may be very busy. However there are some nice methods to discover the lake and a number of other lovely spots close by the place few vacationers enterprise.  

This information covers the very best issues to do at Lago di Bries, vital data for visiting, recommendations on the place to remain plus what to do whereas within the space.

MAP – WHERE IS LAKE BRAIES?

Lago di Braies, or The Pragser Wildsee in German, is situated within the Braies Valley within the northeast nook of the Italian Dolomites. Lake Braies is 16 kilometres from Dobbiaco (Tolbach).

The valley and lake are a part of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies nature park, the biggest within the Dolomites.

VISITING LAGO DI BRAIES

So as to keep the ecosystem at Lago di Braies, each bus tickets and parking areas have to be booked prematurely for visits between 10 July and 10 September.

Entry stays unrestricted in any respect different instances and it’s doable to stroll or cycle to the lake all year long with out pre-booking.

We’ve lined all the main points on methods to guide bus tickets and parking areas within the HOW TO VISIT part on the finish of this information.  

WHAT TO DO AT LAGO DI BRAIES

1. RENT A BOAT

The handmade wood boats lining the shore of Lago di Braies are the immediately recognisable picture of this picture-perfect lake.

To completely indulge within the expertise it’s essential to seize an oar, choose an uncomfortable wood bench and row throughout the lake. It’s the right method to absorb the views of this lovely setting.

From Lodge Pragser Wildsee, row to the south finish of the lake the place a beautiful pebble seaside affords top-of-the-line vantage factors of the lake.

BOAT RENTAL 2024 (CLICK TO OPEN)

• June: 9am to five pm
• Could: 10 am to 4:30 pm
• July/August: 8:30 am to six pm
• September/October: 10 am to 4:30 pm

2. PICNIC ON A PEBBLE BEACH

Lago di Braies usually freezes over in November and thaws out by round Could. However even within the peak of summer season, the temperature hardly ever exceeds 14 levels. So except you may have nerves of metal, this isn’t a lake you’ll wish to swim in.

So there’s completely no have to deliver your swimwear. A significantly better possibility is to deliver a picnic and luxuriate in a soothing lunch on one of many lovely blonde pebble seashores.

The realm instantly reverse Lodge Lago di Braies has a beautiful shingle seaside, best for a picnic. In any other case, it’s doable to discover a good secluded spot within the woods simply again from the principle path.

3. STROLL AROUND THE LAKE

Throughout summer season, the solar begins to rise over the mountains at round 9:30 am. It is a good time to keep away from the majority of the crowds and the very best time to finish the very simple stroll across the lake – certainly one of our favorite very simple hikes within the Dolomites.

Partly shaded by towering pine timber, and partly below the glare of the rocky mountains above, the stroll across the lake alternates between skirting the sting of the water and diverting into the woods.

There’s a small waterfall within the northeast edge simply previous a raised wood walkway that’s probably essentially the most scenic vantage level.

It’s a 3.5-kilometre stroll across the lake which ought to take round 1 hour and half-hour, probably longer in case you determine to cease repeatedly to take images. There’s minimal elevation so it’s very simple.

4. HIKE THE RIFUGIO BIELLA (SEEKOFEL HUT) CIRCUIT

An enormous a part of what makes Lago di Braies such a dramatic location is the towering mountain within the background; the imposing face of Croda del Becco (Seekofel).

To understand the variety of the realm, take the difficult hike as much as the highest of this rocky wonderland on the Rifugio Biella (Seekofel Hut) circuit.  

Rifugio Biella is the place to begin for the climb as much as the summit of Croda del Becco, a diversion appropriate for skilled hikers solely.

However the circuit to Rifugio Biella is achievable for anybody with a head for heights and a good degree of health. It’s a protracted and tiring hike, however with loads of breaks, it’s a really rewarding option to expertise Lago di Braies.

RIFUGIO BIELLA CIRCUIT DIRECTIONS (CLICK TO OPEN)

Begin on the Lodge Lago di Braies, then head across the western shore of the lake.

On the shingle seaside on the alternative finish of the lake, flip proper on path 1 (Dolomites high-level route 1) signed to Rifugio Biella. Observe the demanding uphill slog over the free scree and onto the tight zig zags over the rocky backbone above the valley.

After the zigzags the trail splits. Flip proper staying on path 1 and proceed on a relentless climb by way of extra zig zags and, with the assistance of fastened chains, over a wall of rock. Right here within the excessive valley the warmth may be daunting, so deliver solar safety.

Lastly, virtually 3 hours after beginning, it’s a brief downhill stroll to Rifugio Biella.

You may return the way in which you got here, however for a spherical journey take path 28, southeast to Forcella Cocodain.

Bending northeast proceed to observe path 28 till you meet a junction with path 4. On the junction flip left on path 4 and observe it again to re-join path 1 simply above the primary set of zigzags. Then descend to the lake.

The route on path 28 may be tough to search out, however the paths are clearly marked on the Maps.Me App.

Begin – Lodge Lago di Braies | Distance – 16.5 kilometre spherical journey | Time -5 hour, half-hour | Elevation – +/- 950 metres | Problem – Arduous

5. EXPLORE THE BRAIES VALLEY

The Braies Valley (Prags Valley) is a shocking location within the Dolomites, and never only for the lake.

Take a drive by way of the valley and also you’ll discover flower-filled meadows with classic mountain huts in numerous types of decay.

Pull off into one of many many parking bays by the aspect of the highway and discover part of the Braies Valley usually ignored by vacationers.

The most effective space is at Bagni di Braies Vecchia.

Leaving Lago di Braies, flip proper at Segheria following indicators to Rifugio Prato Piazza (Plätzwiese). Drive for a few minutes till you see the deserted lodge and pull off the highway to discover.

Right here, hidden within the lengthy grasses and alpine flowers, there may be sufficient fodder to maintain a photographer content material for hours.

Small mountain huts, hidden within the lengthy grasses with the mountains within the background are a tranquil world, miles away from the close by lake. The realm round Ponticello and as much as the Postmeister Alm mountain cabin has loads of parking and scenic locations to walk round.

6. VISIT PRATO PIAZZA (PLÄTZWIESE)

For Mark and I, the spotlight of visiting Lago di Braies was the excessive alpine plateau of Prato Piazza. Located on the saddle between the Picco di Vallandro and the Croda Rossa d’Ampezzo mountains, Prato Piazza is a panoramic wonderland in a dramatic location.

There are a variety of hikes from Prato Piazza which showcase the distinctive location of the excessive plateau.

The one we advocate is Monte Specie. It takes round 3 hours to finish with an elevation of 330 metres.

HIKE TO MONTE SPECIE FOR TRE CIME VIEWS

Begin from the car parking zone at Rifugio Prato Piazza and observe the quantity path 37 by way of the forest to Rifugio Vallandro (2,040m). North of the rifugio, proceed on path 34, which leads as much as Monte Specie (2,308m).

On the high there’s a viewing platform indicating the mountain ranges you’ll be able to see from the summit. The closest and most spectacular are the towering peaks of Tre Cime (see our information to mountaineering Tre Cime). Return the way in which you got here.

Getting There — You may solely drive to the highest of Prato Piazza early within the morning (earlier than they shut the highway) or if you’re staying within the lodge on the high, Lodge Gaisl.

We’ve got extra data on methods to get to Prato Piazza under.

WHERE TO STAY

Lodging within the Braies Valley can get booked up in a short time so it’s vital to plan forward. If you wish to keep on the lake, the one possibility is Lodge Lago di Braies. It’s an enthralling outdated lodge with loads of historical past but it surely has seen higher days.

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WHEN TO VISIT LAGO DI BRAIES

Lago di Braies is accessible any time of 12 months.

The lake is mostly frozen over from November by way of to Could. With a frosting on the timber and a crisp air descending from Croda del Becco, the lake is a lovely place to go to in winter. It’ll even be a lot quieter.

The shoulder seasons of April to June and September to October are nice instances to go to the lake. With the ever-changing colors of the foliage and lake, you’ll be spoilt for photographic alternatives.

The height vacationer season is mid-July to end-August which is an effective time to keep away from if doable.

Rifugio Biella is open from June to September. Nevertheless, attending to the rifugio includes a excessive altitude stroll so it’s doable snow can be lingering on the mountains effectively into June. At all times examine the climate circumstances earlier than setting off.

Mountain climbing at Prato Piazza is greatest from mid-July as a result of altitude, nevertheless, it’s open all through winter for snowboarding.

HOW TO GET TO LAGO DI BRAIES

Lago di Braies is situated within the northeast nook of the Italian Dolomites. It’s 16 kilometres from Dobbiaco (Tolbach) and 48 kilometres from Cortina d’Ampezzo.

BY CAR

One of the best ways to see the Dolomites, and Lago di Braies, is by automobile. This can let you get to the lake early, to keep away from the crowds and catch the early morning glow. A automobile additionally helps to discover the valley in additional element, together with the close by Bagni di Braies Vecchia.

The closest city to Lago di Braies is Dobbiaco (Tolbach) which is only a 20-minute drive away. The opposite standard location close by is Cortina d’Ampezzo which is round 30 to 40 minutes away.

CAR PARKING AT LAKE BRAIES

There are two automobile parks for Lago di Braies, one on the lake itself and the opposite on the city of Segheria, 5.5 kilometres from the lake.

In case you are visiting between 9:30am and 4pm from 10 July to 10 September, parking areas have to be booked prematurely. Please notice: the parking at PI Lago di Braies is particularly busy, so guide effectively prematurely.  

LAKE BRAIES BY BUS

Buses function to Lago di Braise from Monguelfo and Dobbiaco. In case you are visiting between 10 July and 10 September, bus journeys have to be booked prematurely. All different instances, tickets may be bought on the bus. Choose BUS SHUTTLE from this hyperlink to see the most recent timetable.

HOW TO GET TO PRATO PIAZZA

Prato Piazza is a excessive alpine space 16 kilometres from Lago di Braies.

As a result of single-track highway, and to scale back the variety of automobiles up on the plateau, you’re solely allowed to drive up at sure instances of the day.

PRATO PIAZZA BY CAR

To get to Prato Piazza by automobile, take the toll highway from Ponticello (Brückele) which operates on a site visitors mild managed a method system. Personal automobiles are allowed up earlier than 10 am and down after 4 pm.

Exterior these hours you’ll have to park at Ponticello (Brückele) and take the bus. The one exception is in case you’re staying within the Hohe Gaisl Lodge on the plateau when you’re allowed up at any time. Simply ensure you look ahead to the sunshine to show inexperienced.

PRATO PIAZZA BY BUS

To get to Prato Piazza by public transport, take the 443 shuttle bus. It begins at Monguelfo (Welsberg) with a cease at Brückele-Ponticello earlier than winding its method up a good single monitor highway to Prato Piazza. The bus runs from 8:40am, roughly each 20 minutes.

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