The emerald Lago di Braies, ringed by the sheer walls of the Croda del Becco in the Val Pusteria, is the most photographed lake in the Dolomites. A flat 3.5 km path circles the shore, traditional wooden rowing boats can be hired from the historic boathouse, and the early morning light before the crowds arrive is magical. In summer, driving into the valley is restricted to protect the site.
Lago di Braies, known in German as the Pragser Wildsee, lies at the head of a side valley off the Val Pusteria in eastern South Tyrol, about 85 kilometres and an hour and twenty minutes by car from Bolzano. Its emerald-green water, framed by the sheer 2,810-metre wall of the Croda del Becco and a historic wooden boathouse, has made it the most photographed lake in the Dolomites. Reaching it without a car is possible by taking the train along the Pusteria line to Villabassa (Niederdorf) and connecting to the seasonal bus 442 up to the lake. Because the site became overwhelmed by visitors, the valley road is now regulated in the high season: in 2026, from roughly July to mid-September, driving up to the lake between about 9:30am and 4pm is restricted, and parking areas require an advance reservation through pragsparking.com, with the closest lots costing from around 12 euro. The simplest way to avoid the restriction is to arrive before 9am or after 4pm, or to use the train and bus. A full day here is best built around an early start: the flat, well-made path that circles the lake runs about 3.5 kilometres and takes an hour or so at a gentle pace, giving constantly changing views of the water and peaks, and the soft light and stillness of early morning, before the day-trippers arrive, are the lake's finest moments. Hiring one of the traditional wooden rowing boats from the boathouse, available from late May to October for around 30 euro per half hour, is a memorable way to be out on the green water. More energetic visitors can continue on the trails into the Fanes-Sennes-Braies nature park for higher views over the lake. The historic Hotel Pragser Wildsee and a couple of kiosks by the shore provide refreshments, and the nearby Val Pusteria villages offer Tyrolean lunches of canederli and speck. The lake is at its best from June to October, once the snow has gone; it can also freeze beautifully in deep winter. Sturdy shoes suit the shore path, and layers are wise as the valley stays cool even in summer.
Location
Lago di Braies / Pragser Wildsee, 39030 Braies (BZ), Italy
46.6947, 12.0853 View on map
Highlights
- Emerald alpine lake beneath the Croda del Becco
- Historic wooden boathouse and rowing boats
- Flat 3.5 km lakeshore loop walk
- Sunrise reflections before the crowds arrive
- Gateway to higher Fanes-Sennes-Braies hikes
Tips for visiting
- Arrive before 9am or after 4pm in summer, when valley driving is restricted
- book parking ahead at pragsparking.com for the regulated season
When to visit
June to October for the open lake and boats, with early morning the most rewarding and least restricted time. The flat lakeshore path is easy, though the valley stays cool, so layers help.
Frequently asked questions
How do visitors reach Lago di Braies?
By car it is about an hour and twenty minutes from Bolzano, though summer valley access is restricted. Alternatively, take the Pusteria train to Villabassa and the seasonal bus 442 up to the lake.
Is there a driving restriction in summer?
Yes. In 2026, from roughly July to mid-September, driving up to the lake between about 9:30am and 4pm is restricted, and parking must be reserved in advance at pragsparking.com.
Can visitors go out on the lake?
Yes. Traditional wooden rowing boats are hired from the historic boathouse from late May to October, costing around 30 euro per half hour.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning, before 9am, gives the calmest water, the softest light and the thinnest crowds, and also sidesteps the daytime driving restriction. June to October is the prime season.