The Pragser Wildsee lake, renowned for its crystal-clear waters, is known as the ‘Pearl of Alpine lakes’ and is located in the municipality of Braies, in the Three Peaks/3 Zinnen area.
The Braies Lake (in German Pragser Wildsee), surrounded by the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites, is located in the north of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park, at the bottom of the valley of the same name and at the foot of the Croda del Becco rock face (in German Seekofel, 2810 m). Formed a long time ago after a large landslide, it has become famous for the colour of its turquoise waters with slight shades of emerald green.
The natural mountain lake is a popular destination for hikers, cyclists and relaxation enthusiasts who want to spend a nice day on its shores. There are many activities around the lake: hiking, mountain bike tours and magical boat rides.
Starting point of Alpine Path n1 of the Dolomites
Lake Braies is the starting point of the famous Alpine Path n1 of the Dolomites, which leads to the city of Belluno at the foot of the Schiara Group (Belluno Dolomites).
How to get to Lake Braies
By car: take the junction between the villages of Monguelfo and Villabassa. After a few kilometres you come to a fork in the road, the only one, and take the signpost to the lake. You pass the villages of Ferrara (Schmieden) and San Vito (St. Veit) and arrive at the car park. As a landmark is the large hotel-restaurant Hotel Pragser Wildsee.
Traffic regulation is again planned for 2025 in the summer months. More details will be published in spring.
By bus: route 442 runs directly from Dobbiaco/Villabassa to Lake Braies.
On foot or by bike:
From Ferrara on the Viktor Wolf Edler von Glanvell trail. Ideal for a hike with the whole family. The starting point is the entrance to Bagni di Braies. From there, follow nature trail no. 1 to Lake Braies. This tells the life story of the young mountaineer and pioneer from Klagenfurt, who climbed more than 60 peaks, walls and ridges in the Braies Valley.
- Walking time: 1.5 hours (cycling time 45 minutes)
- Length: 3.5 km
- Altitude difference: 270
From the Monguelfo train station, trail no. 2 leads across the meadows to Ferrara. From there, follow trail no. 1 again.
- Walking time: 3 hours
- Length: 12,5 km
- Altitude difference: 400
From the railway station in Villabassa, path no. 1 leads via Lärcha to Ferrara in the Braies Valley. Then follow the Viktor Wolf Edler von Glanvell trail again
- Walking time: 3 hours
- Length: 11 km
- Altitude difference: 215
Where to park
There are 3 pay car parks at Lake Braies. Car park P4 is 100 metres away, P3 300 metres and P2 800 metres from the lake.
Please note: parking possibilities are limited and parking spaces are subject to a charge.
Car park P2 has charging stations for electric cars.
