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No trip to the Dolomites is complete without a stop at Lago di Braies, (aka Pragser Wildsee, in German). This lake has become one of the most Instgrammble spots in the Dolomites and for a good reason. The blue/emerald green color of its clear waters and natural scenery is mesmerizing.
Lago di Braies lies at 1,494 meters above sea level. During World War II it was the destination of the transport of concentration camp inmates to Tyrol. The lake lies at the foot of the imposing rock face of the Seekofel and is located within the Fanes- Sennes - Prags nature park, which is the largest in the Dolomites.
In recent years, the lake earn the nickname "Pearl of the Alps" due to its increasing popularity among tourists.
Free.
The best time to arrive is as early as possible, during the weekdays and not weekends and during the low season. If you decide to come during the weekend or high season I would advise arriving at the lake as early as 5 AM!
Best way to get there is by car. In order to maintain the ecosystem at Lago di Braies, By foot entry remains unrestricted at all other times but for cars During the high season (July 10th to September 10th) between 9:30 AM and 4:00 PM, the is closed. This means during the high season, you'll have to book and reserve your parking spot online or book your bus tickets ahead of time.
There are two main parking lots in Lago di Braies, one at the lake itself that costs 6 Euro for 3 hours and after 3 hours it's an extra 0.5 Euro for every half an hour. You could also choose to pay 12 euros for a full day.
If all 3 are full you can park in the town of Segheria which is 5.5 km from the lake but do know that it only opens from 8 AM - 6 PM.
If you'd like to capture that Instagrammable photo at the boathouse while it's empty you'll have to rent the boathouse for photography before 10 AM and it costs 150 Euro for 1.5 hours.
There are a few bathrooms, one near the parking lot, one by the chapel, and one in the hotel.
Do know that the bathrooms don't open until 8 AM.
Swimming in the lake is not allowed.
Drones are not allowed here, even though we see everyone using them - Please respect the rules.
There is a loop hike around the lake is 3.5km which takes about 1.5 hours, it's definitely worth doing so you can appreciate the different points of view on the lake.
Don't miss this cute chapel on the west side of the lake. It was built in 1904 and was used during World War II by a German SS commander who chose it as a meeting place for a prisoner exchange.
One of the popular activities here is renting a boat.