In the heart of the Dolomites, Lago de Braies is must visit! One of the most beautiful and accessible lakes in South Tyrol, a pearl blue alpine lake is waiting for you to explore.
Situated in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park in the Braies Valley is where you'll find the 1.2km jaw dropping pearl lake.
Above the pearl of the dolomites, Croda del Becco towers 2,810m over, in between clouds and trees it is a picture-perfect backdrop to Lago di Braies. This lake is no secret, it is the face of Italy on Instagram, everyone and anyone wants their mini photoshoot here. However time it right and make it more than a photo destination on your road trip and it is worth the effort...
Now I know a lot of people tell you about the crowds, the coach trips and overpriced parking and while that is all true, I'll tell you why Lago di Braies is still one of favourite places to visit.
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Lago di Braies - Need to know
Summary: An easy access pearl blue lake. Elevation: 1,496 meters Parking: €6 Boat rental: 30 min for €25. 60 min for €35. Best time: Before July or after September |
Apart from appreciating the lake there are numerous walks you can take to extend your trip. You can also stay in the hotel on the lakes shore or have lunch at one of the surrounding Refugio.
Visiting Lake Braies
When to visit:
Due to its popularity with visitors there are restrictions are in place to protect the ecosystem of the lake. From 10 July to 10 September you will need to pre-pay/pre-book your transport and parking if you want to visit between 9:30am and 4:00pm. You can find out more on their official website here.
For this reason I recommend visiting late May/early June or leave it until the middle of September, however the long you leave it into the autumn the less water there is in the lake.
Things to do:
The most iconic photos of the lake involve the wooden rowing boats, a very romance and picturesque way to see the lake, however it does come at a price. Rental is available from late May to October with up to four people able to use one boat. You can also have wedding and photoshoots, find out more on their website.
Operating times -
May - June & September - October: 10am - 5pm
July - August: 7am - 7pm
Pricing -
30 minutes = €25
60 minutes = €35
Lago de Braies Hiking Guide
There are three routes you can take around the lake, take a look at the map above for more information but I will break each one down for you.
Circuit Trail:
The best way to appreciate Lago Braies at all angles is to walk the circular route all the way round a very well used 3.6km path, which takes you right past the hotel to the Marinekapplle Chaple and then onto the foot of Croda del Becco. There is not much of a incline at any point but some parts do have tree roots, so watch your footing at times. It takes around an 1 hour to 1 hour and a half, depending on your walking speed and how many picture stops you take. This is the most popular trail so be warned that you won't be alone.
Alta Via 1 Trail:
The trail to the south of the lake is to Croda del Becco and there are two options here; hike to Rifugio Biella, where there is food and accommodation or continue onto the Croda del Becco peak. It takes around 4/5 hours to the peak and 3.5 hours to the Rifugio one way and is 14.6km for a round trip. Neither is an easy hike as you are are using the first stage of the Alta Via 1 trail which spans vast mountain ranges, it is steep hike with exposed sections, scree underfoot and fixed metal railing. This is most definitely for experienced hikers.
Hochalpenhütte Fojedöra Trail:
This is a very unique trail, as you take the path off right from the lake to make your way to Malga Foresta, a lovely little alpine restaurant, which I recommend visiting if you're not doing the whole trail. However if you continue on through the valley you'll ascend to the Utia Fajadora mountain pasture and then continue towards the Hochalpenkopf peak. The views over the Dolomites are worth the steep incline nearer the end!
It is a long hike around 16.9km, taking 7 hours, depending on breaks and is not challenging but due to it's length you need some adventurous spirit.
If you found this useful check out some other guides below and follow me on Instagram @alice.wonders_
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