Why Visit Lake Braies?
Nestled between the Puster Valley and the Casies Valley, Lake Braies is a captivating place located at 1,496 m above sea level in the municipality of Braies, about 97 km from Bolzano. A freshwater mirror with hues ranging from emerald green to deep blue, capable of enchanting anyone who stands before it. The water, which changes color depending on the sky, is framed by the spectacular Dolomites and dense forests.
One of the most photographed spots is definitely the wooden pier, a jetty from which rowboats depart for a pleasant and romantic crossing, rentable exclusively from May to October, when the water level allows navigation and there is no ice on the surface.
Until a few decades ago, boats were the only way to reach the southern shore of the Lake, while today there is a very convenient dirt path that runs along the entire shore and allows you to enjoy the view from every angle.
Thanks to the path, it is possible to explore this beautiful pearl of the Dolomites on foot, before or after enjoying a good meal in the surroundings. The walk is indeed quite easy and accessible to everyone, making it perfect for a day spent with friends or family, fully immersed in nature.
The walk around the lake takes about 90 minutes and offers a unique and sensory experience without risking fines for swimming in the lake: yes, despite the water being very inviting, especially on hot summer days, it is important to remember that Lake Braies is not suitable for swimming..
The Best Time to Visit the Lake and Its Surroundings
This wonderful body of water can offer ever-changing emotions in every season of the year. In summer the clear sky lights up the lake with blue hues while in autumn the shores are less crowded and are painted with the warm colors of foliage. Among the evergreen pines, the orange and red shades of larches emerge, while the lake is wrapped in a pleasant mist.
There are several trails that lead hikers to the Braies Nature Park, and all, from the easiest to the most challenging, can be walked from April to October. During the winter season, the lake offers a fairytale-like scene: the lake freezes completely and its snow-covered shores ideally reflect the beautiful snow-capped peaks. Although many, scared by temperatures dropping below zero, prefer not to visit Lake Braies in winter, enthusiasts of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing can rely on various trails coming from the Casies Valley.
How to Get to Lake Braies
Getting to Lake Braies by car is possible thanks to an efficient and fairly straightforward road network: the state road 49 must be taken towards Bruneck until you reach the exit signposted Braies. It is important to note that the road leading to the lake is accessible only as long as there are free parking spaces, an aspect not to forget when planning your visit.
For those who prefer public transport, you can rely on buses and shuttles departing from the main hub towns: from Monguelfo and from Toblach it is possible to book tickets, indicating the number of travelers and any pets. These options often sell out quickly, so they are not suitable for those who want to visit the lake on a whim.
Alternatively, it is possible to reach Lake Braies by bicycle, an eco-friendly means of transport that is especially preferred by foreign tourists. The Braies Valley is dotted with dedicated trails, some of which end right at the lake: for example, from Farra you can reach Braies in about 45 minutes, following the Puster Valley cycle path which has only 300 meters of elevation gain. For those coming from the Casies Valley, the cycle path can be covered in about half an hour with an elevation gain of only 100 meters.
How to Book Your Excursion to Lake Braies
Since Lake Braies has recently experienced a phenomenon of tourist overcrowding, due to the famous Rai TV series One Step from Heaven which chose it as a set, as well as the fact that it is a decidedly Instagrammabledestination, the South Tyrolean administration had to intervene to protect its ecosystem.
Among the various measures introduced to limit overcrowding is thereservation-only and limited accesspolicy. These measures have been confirmed especially following the pandemic and social distancing requirements.
If you don't want to miss the chance to see Lake Braies and enjoy the beauty of its surroundings, sign up for our organized excursion! You will meet new friends with whom to explore this paradise nestled at the foot of the Dolomites safely and with the support of an expert guide. Don't miss out on the experience and book your spot now!