The beauty of Lago Di Braies

Hidden in the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park is the Italian alpine lake Lago di Braies. For years we dreamed of visiting Lago di Braies and now we have finally been able to admire it in real life. Bucket list thingy; check!! Wow, we were really surprised by this special place, surrounded by the green and mountainous environment.

The best time to visit the lake is in the early morning. When you visit the lake on a clear day, when there is little or no wind and when the sun is still behind the mountains, then the lake transforms into a huge mirror and reflects the rugged mountain peaks in the clear water; a very special sight! Early in the morning, the iconic brown boats rest close to the wooden boathouse on the turquoise water. The overall picture is picturesquely beautiful and just like a postcard.

We visited Lago di Braies on a cloudy morning, causing some mountain peaks to disappear behind the clouds. This created mysterious vibes.

Things to do at Lago Di Braies

Walk around the lake

You can walk around the lake. This walk is 3.5 kilometers in total and takes about 1.5 hours to complete. During the walk you have beautiful views of Lago di Braies from different angles. The walk is suitable for both inexperienced and experienced hikers. It is an easy walking path and is flat for the most part. On a number of parts it is a bit steeper and you have to climb a bit.

Unfortunately we do not recommend people with limited walking ability to walk the whole loop around the lake, because the path is sometimes narrow and rocky (on the left side of the lake). Yet a part on the right side, past the hotel and restaurant further along the lake, is more walkable.

If you take the walk to the right, you will pass a beautiful little chapel right at the start.

Row a boat across the lake

A fun way to explore Lago di Braies is by rowing. Rent a boat (maximum 4 people) from the wooden boathouse and row towards the gigantic mountains that surround the lake. And the best part; dogs are allowed on the boat.

Rental times

🚣 From 20.05.22 to 18.06.22 you can rent a boat from 10.00 – 17.00

🚣 From 19.06.22 to 04.09.22 you can rent a boat from 07.00 – 19.00

🚣 From 05.09.22 to 30.10.22 you can rent a boat from 09.00 – 17.00

To be sure, always check here in advance whether other or different opening hours apply

Rental prices

🚣 30 minutes: €25
🚣 1 hour: €35

Note: Prices are from June 2022

Take a dip in the lake

Bring your swimwear, as it is possible to take a fresh dip in the lake. The water is freezing cold, but perfect for cooling down on hot summer days.

Hiking in the area

As mentioned earlier, Lago di Braies is part of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park. So you will find plenty of hiking trails in the area that make it possible to explore the fantastic nature here.

Enjoy the magical alpine lake in peace

Lago di Braies is one of the best known and most impressive places in the Dolomites in Italy. And because it is also easy to get to, the world-famous lake is busy every day (completely understandable because of the beauty of this place). Yet it is certainly possible to enjoy this gem in peace. Early in the morning, before and during sunrise, you share this bizarrely beautiful place with a handful of other tourists, mainly photographers who are ready with their tripod and camera to capture the photogenic lake at its best.

We visited Lago di Braies on a weekday in June, in low season. In June, the sun rises at 5:30 am, early! But believe us, getting up early is well worth it. During the sunrise, wait for the magical golden alpine glow to illuminate the peaks of the mountain.

The first tour buses arrive around 9:00 am. We therefore recommend to be there before 9.00 am to escape the crowds and to get the most out of your visit to Lago di Braies.

How to get to Lago di Braies

Visiting Lago di Braies in the summer months

In the summer months, extra measures are taken to coordinate the crowds towards the lake. From mid-July to mid-September, the last few kilometers between 09:30 and 16:00 can only be reached by public transport, on foot, by bicycle or if you reserve a parking space in advance.

Reserve a parking space

There are 4 parking spaces near Lago di Braies. In the summer months (from mid-July to mid-September) between 9.30 am and 4 pm it is only possible to park in one of the parking spaces with a pre-booked parking space. You can easily reserve a parking space via the official website. If you visit Lago di Braies before 09:30 or after 16:00, you can continue without reservation.

P1: From P1 it is 5.5 km to Lago di Braies. A day ticket for P1 costs €11.
P2: From P2 it is 800 meters to Lago di Braies. A day ticket for P2 costs €18.
P3: From P3 it is only 200 meters to Lago di Braies. A day ticket for P3 costs €18.
P4: From P4 it is only 100 meters to Lago di Braies. A day ticket for P4 costs €20.

Note: Prices are valid for 2022

Reserve shuttle buses

It is possible to reserve a spot in one of the shuttle buses (lines 442 and 439) from parking spaces (P1 + P2) located further away. The shuttle buses only run in the summer months (from mid-July to mid-September) between 8.30 am and 19.30 pm. The departure times and prices for both lines can be found on the official website, ‘bus shuttle’. Dogs are allowed on the buses for a fee and with a muzzle.

Note: Prices and departure times are valid for 2022

Visiting Lago di Braies in low season

Outside the summer months you can visit Lago di Braies by car at any time of the day. Then come early, so that you are assured that you still have a place in one of the 4 parking spaces. It is only a 2-minute walk from the nearest parking lot (P4). It is not necessary to book online and you do not need a day ticket. The photo below shows the parking costs* from P4, outside the summer months.

Note: Prices are from June 2022
* The parking costs for vans are €25