Perhaps you’ve already seen it a thousand times on Instagram or your Google Chromecast screensaver.
However, there is no substitute for standing at the shore, and witnessing the crisp reflections and still waters of Lago di Braies with your very own eyes.
One of the most popular and photogenic locations in the Dolomites, we created this guide after our own visit to help travellers make the most of their own time here. Whether you’re travelling by car or public transport, we’ve shared the key information on how to get there, tips on where to stay nearby and when you really need to wake up to avoid the crowds, plus essential advice on how to do it all responsibly.
This is our definitive guide to Lago di Braies (also called Pragser Wildsee), the insta-famous lake of the Dolomites.
Best Time to Visit Lago di Braies
Time of Year
Whilst it's theoretically possible to visit Lago di Braies at any time of the year (roads being open of course), we'd recommend at least waiting until the surface has cleared of snow, the lake has thawed out, and some of the glacier water from the mountains above have topped up the water levels.
However, given its vastly increased popularity over the last few years, visiting during the peak summer months of July and August will mean sharing the view with huge numbers of other people. That's why we highly recommend planning your trip for the off-season months of April-June or September-October. The weather will be pleasant, and tourist numbers are much more manageable.
We visited in early June and it was just marvellous; still a little snow on the peaks above, the water level was perfect (it retreats quite significantly come late August/September) and clear skies - all without too many people around!
Time of Day
Even if you're not a morning person, this is one place for which we'd highly recommend getting up early!
And we mean suuuuuuper early.
We intentionally chose a hotel that was close and arrived for 4.30 am - and even then we were sharing the view with about 15 other photographers, which only increased in number as time went on. After we completed our slow amble around Lago di Braies, the numbers of people lakeside and in the car park for 7.30 a.m. were a little more then earlier, but not by a great deal.
If you’re not here specifically for photography, you can probably arrive at about 7 a.m. and still enjoy the lake at its absolute best - just remember that earlier is always better in the peak summer season in the Dolomites to avoid crowds. After about 9 a.m., it gets busy.
Photography tip | Sunrise is hands down the best time of day for landscape photographers, however some of our favourite photos from our time here were actually taken a little later on, at around 7 am, just as the light was beginning to touch the water.
How to get to Lago di Braies
How you choose to get to the lake very much depends upon where you are staying in the Dolomites the night before, and what time you'd like to arrive. There is a surprisingly good bus service from Villabassa (a small town just down the road) , but many people - us included - opt for a car rental for the duration of their time in area.
By the way, the lake is in the South Tyrol region of the Dolomites - see the precise location here on Google Maps.
Car
The Dolomites are made for a road trip, and so we honestly believe that this is the very best way to get around - especially if you're keen to explore areas super early before public transport really gets going and the crowds arrive - places just like Lago di Braies.
We stayed in Monguelfo (Welsberg-Taisten) at the wonderfully named Hotel Hell, and it was an easy 15 minute journey to the lake first thing in the morning, but it's a similar journey time from Dobbiaco (Toblach) or Villabassa (Niederdorf).
Keep reading | Our Dolomites Road Trip Itinerary (published soon!)
Car Parking
There are actually a number of different car park options here, but if you're arriving early, we'd recommend heading straight to the public car park next to the hotel as this is only a couple of minutes walk from the lake. It's free to park here for the first hour, €6 for three hours, or €8 for the entire day. Find it here on Google Maps - note there is also overflow parking a little further from the lake.
If the site gets particularly busy, the authorities may close the road meaning that you have to park up 5 km away and hop on a shuttle bus. If this is the case with your visit, it'll be clearly sign-posted.
Public Transport
If you choose to base yourself in Villabassa (Niederdorf), between 20th June and 20th September there is a regular bus to Lago di Braies with departures every half an hour (9 minutes and 39 minutes past every hour at the time of writing, but do confirm).
The bus takes 20 minutes and costs €3 per person, each way. Do note that weekdays the first departure is not until 8.09 am.
Alternatively, if you’re staying in Monguelfo-Tesido (Welsberg-Taisten) we have read mention of a shuttle bus that goes direct to the lake (Route 439). This must be booked in advance, and there are only limited departures, and returns, each day. The shuttle bus costs €3 per person. We would advise discussing with your accommodation provider how to organise this - and if you do take it, we’d love to hear in the comments so that we can update the post.
How to Visit Lago di Braies Responsibly
Known amongst influencer's as 'Lago di Instagram', it should come as little surprise that this stunning lake suffers from some of the worst rule breaking that we saw (and heard of) in all of the Dolomites.
Let's start with the boathouse.
One of the most popular photos to capture here is either on the boathouse pier, or in one of the boats out on the water. Nobody had mentioned limitations, rules or regulations, so prior to us visiting, we assumed that these were accessible in the early morning.
Nope, no way, absolutely not.
In order to take photos on that incredibly photogenic pier, you either have to wait until it officially opens (that's at 9 am) or pay €150 to access it early for your own private instashoot. Whilst we'd like to believe that every single photo is taken under these two conditions, we've heard countless stories of people breaking into the boathouse or taking boats without permission (our friends even witnessed it with their own two eyes) - all so they can capture an insta-banger.
This is so wrong on so many levels, in addition to actually being illegal too!
Just don't. Seriously.
Another issue we found was the use of drones. There are very clear signs dotted in various spots around the lake stipulating that the use of drones was strictly prohibited. Yet we had to point it out to at least two people during our short hike - who didn't seem to really care that they'd been busted!
As we mentioned in our Beginner’s Guide to Visiting the Dolomites, there are far too many people impacting this beautiful region for short-term gain; please don’t add to their numbers by being a Dolomites dickhead.
Things to do at Lago di Braies
Whether you fancy a swim, a hike, a picnic, a boat ride or simply a jolly good photo, there are plenty of things to keep you occupied at Lago di Braies!
Take a hike around the lake
Distance | 4 km
Time | 1-2 hours
Elevation gain | 50m
Effort | Easy
As with so many places in this world, the most popular view isn't necessarilly the most beautiful! That's why you simply must take the time to walk the two-mile loop around the lake.
Nice and easy, and mostly flat (apart from one section with wooden stairs), it offers up spectacular alpine vistas at every turn.
If you plan on simply walking with no breaks, you can expect to be done in less than hour. However, if like us you stop every couple of minutes to take yet another photo, it could take much longer. And added benefit is that as many people just visit for the photo, by heading off on the trail you can completely escape the crowds. We didn't cross paths with a single other person during our loop around!
Challenge yourself with a trek to Croda del Becco
Distance | 4 km
Time | 1-2 hours
Elevation gain | 50m
Effort | Easy
Definitely only one to consider if you’re a confident mountaineer (or prepared to hire a guide), this trek begins from the south side of Lago di Braies and follows Trail No.1.
Should only be attempted in the summer months. For full details see this link.
Hire a boat
As we've mentioned above, there is a completely legit way to take a spin in one of those rather lovely wooden boats - as long as you're visiting between June and September. The boathouse opens at 9 am and closes at 7.30 pm in summer, with boats costing €25 for one hour rental, or 30 minutes for €15.
Visit the Chapel
We very nearly missed this little wonderfully photogenic chapel at the edge of the lake - proof that it’s so important to take in the view from where you came, rather than simply plodding and looking forward all the time. Built in 1904, and now the formal property of Hotel Lago di Braies, it is typical to the region and open to visitors in the summer months.
Go For a Swim
Unlike most of the lakes in the Dolomites, swimming is actually permitted here. Although given that even in the height of summer, the water never gets beyond 14C, it will take a brave soul to jump into these chilly glacier waters! One for the wild swimmers only perhaps.
Please do check current signage when you visit in case this changes - and let us know in the comments if it does!
Important Thing to Know Before You Visit Lago di Braies
Facilities
There are toilets at the far side of the lake, but if you can hold it in, we’d recommend instead using those located in the hotel or the car park.
We think that the lake is kind of perfect for a picnic (just take your rubbish with you, as there are no public bins) if you plan on being there during the afternoon, however if you’d prefer a more traditional sit-down experience, non-guests area able to visit the restaurant at Hotel Lago di Braies. Opening hours are 12 pm to 5 pm.
The Tiroler Stube cafeteria is open from 10 am to 6 pm. The restaurant is open from 12 pm to 5 pm.
What to Wear / Pack
Although the hiking trail is relatively easy, we’d still recommend doing it in a decent pair of shoes. We were wearing hiking boots (which you should be packing for the Dolomites anyway), but a sturdy trainer would likely suffice.
Additionally, contrary to the twirling skirts at the water’s edge, given the truly ‘outdoor experience’ of visiting Lago di Braies, this is a location much more suited to hiking attire. And that includes a good waterproof as the weather can be changeable, even in the summer.
Best Places to Stay to Visit Lago di Braies
Obviously, if you don’t mind travelling further distances and arriving at Lago di Braies later in the day, you have no real limitations as to where you choose to base yourself. For the purposes of this article however, we are going to focus on accommodation in three areas which are perfectly situated for early risers and photographers: Dobbiaco (Toblach), Villabassa (Niederdorf) and Monguelfo-Tesido (Welsberg-Taisten).
Accommodation in Dobbiaco (Toblach)
Hotel Toblacherhof | This rustic Alpine-style property - with a contemporary touch - offers a wonderful traditional Tyrolean restaurant and a spa. And for the winter, has several cross-country skiing trails starting right in front of the hotel. Doubles at €92 a night make this exceptionally good value! Click here to check availability and find out more.
Hotel Moritz | A beautiful family run hotel in the heart of Dobbiaco, Moritz combines traditional wooden furnishings with modern features and contemporary design. All rooms have great views over the Dolomites, a great breakfast is included as well as on-site wellness centre. Click here to check availability and find out more.
Hotel Simpaty | If you’re looking for a super modern hotel, this is it. Brand new, it’s stylish, has great rooms (many with mountain view) an excellent breakfast and organises a variety of tours for those without their own transport. Doubles from €120 a night. Click here to check availability and find out more.
If you prefer large hotels there are a number in the area, with Park Hotel Bellevue being our top pick.
Villa Glauber - Antelao apartment (Airbnb) | Housing up to seven guests, this three bedroom apartment occupying one floor of a traditional Tyrolean house is ideal for large group or families. Views out over the large garden and surrounding mountains and countryside. Click here to check availability and find out more.
Apartment Dobbiaco (Airbnb) | A modern, clean, light and large one bedroom apartment in the centre of Dobbiaco, this Airbnb has many really excellent reviews. Click here to check availability and find out more.
Accommodation in Villabassa (Niederdorf)
Emma Historic Hotel | An early 19th century hotel with a very interesting history, the Emma Historic Hotel offers large and beautiful Alpine-style rooms, alongside a guest spa and a traditional restaurant with pizzeria. A lovely place to stay! Find out more and check availability here.
Hotel Rose | Located just 100m from the centre of Villabassa, this small family run hotel is all about Tyrolean hospitality with large, clean and tasteful rooms. The on-site restaurant uses produce from the family’s garden. Find out more and check availability here.
Luxury Lodge (Airbnb) | Okay, starting at £253 a night, this apartment is going to waaaay out of most people’s price range, but if you can afford it, absolutely take a look - it’s stunning! Find out more and check availability here.
Haus Cosso (Airbnb) | Close to the village centre, this great value (from £79 per night) three bedroom apartment has all mod-cons as well as a lovely garden and large roof terrace. Find out more and check availability here.
Garni Hofer - Apartment Silena (Airbnb) | A perfectly adequate two bedroom apartment at a good price, it has all you need for a comfortable stay - including a balcony. Note that there are several other apartments in the same building so be sure to check other listings if this is not available. Find out more and check availability here.
Accommodation in Monguelfo-Tesido (Welsberg-Taisten)
Hotel Hell | This is where we stayed, and we were very happy with our choice. Family owned and run, it is super traditional but the rooms have been given a modern update and are lovely and cosy. Click here to check availability and find out more.
Hotel Christof | One of the more contemporary offerings in this part of the Dolomites, Hotel Christof combines scandi-cool with Alpine-lodge luxury, including a great spa area and underground bar. Click here to check availability and find out more.
Two additional well-rated alternatives include Hotel Weisses Lamm and Hotel Dolomiten.
