Exploring Lago Di Braies Guide

Exploring Lago di Braies Guide

Trekking around the Lago di Braies loop trail takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours.

The lake is always visible from the trail so your time may be longer if you're a nature photography enthusiast.

NOTE: The loop trail is easy to hike with minimal ascent. The first leg is smooth enough for a stroller, but you cannot complete the entire loop with one. COPYRIGHT © 2018. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. If arriving by car, you can park practically by the entrance to the lake. The P1 parking lot is near the front of Hotel Lake Braies on the northern shore of the lake.

The cost is €5 to park.

NOTE: If you do not want to pay for parking, you can park for free in the hamlet of St. Vito / San Vito, which is situated less than 2 miles ( 3 km) from Lago di Braies. The walk from the village center will take you approximately 45 minutes. Most of this walk is uphill. COPYRIGHT © 2018. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. A map located outside the hotel is worth reviewing to get a better sense for the hike around Lago di Braies.

We recommend beginning your hiking adventure by venturing to the right once you're on the northern bank.

Follow the Seeweg / Giro del Lago signposts. Photo opp: Several points on the trail along the western side of the lake allow you to wander to the shore. Find a boulder to sit on and watch any boats rowing about.

Eventually, the trail will wind to the east placing you at the foot of Seekofel mountain. This is near the half-way point. Towards the shore stretches a beach. If you’re feeling like a dip in the lake, this is as good a place as any, but note the water will be quite chilly — 57°F (14°C) at its warmest. Continuing on, you’ll come across one of many boulder- riddled gullies running from the mountain summits.

The trail soon turns toward the north leading you along the eastern shore of Lago di Braies. This stretch of the hike ascends nicely offering the most awe-inspiring views in our opinion.

NOTE: Due to the incline, this portion of the hike is a bit more difficult and may not be suitable for some.

Photo opp: From several points along the eastern bank, you can admire the dome-like mountain of Monte Nero that anchors the lake on the west.

Soon, the path swoops down to where Lago di Braies squeezes into a marshy sliver at its northernmost point.

Rounding this point, the trail carries you back to the beachfront by the hotel. Photo opp: As you walk back towards the hotel, you will encounter the famous boathouse of Lago di Braies. The view from here is perhaps the most photographed scene of the lake.

ADDITIONAL TIPS & CONSIDERATIONS:

Avoid Crowds - We recommend arriving early and departing early. During the summer, we suggest arriving by 6 AM. In the off-season, you can arrive a bit later between 7-8 AM. Visit Chapel Lago di Braies – This storybook chapel gracing the western shoreline was built in 1904. It was designed by Otto Schmid, the same architect responsible for the hotel.

Rent a Boat – From late spring through early fall, the boathouse rents out boats from 10 AM to 5 PM. You can select from a 1/2 hour to a full hour. The cost is €18 and €30 respectively. If you want to rent a boat for a private photo shoot you can do so from 7:30 to 9.00 AM for €150.

Sip & Dine Amid Emerald Glory – The Hotel Lake Braies offers a splendid terrace to enjoy a cup of coffee, a meal, a glass of delectable South Tyrolean wine or a sweet South Tyrolean original called Hugo. The Tiroler Stube cafeteria is open from 10 AM to 6 PM. The restaurant is open from 12 PM to 5 PM.

Summer or Winter? – How about spring or fall instead. The colors you encounter during the months of spring and fall make the lake dazzle even more in our opinion. If you want to avoid seeing Lago di Braies as a sheet of ice be sure to visit before late November or after April. Dress appropriately – The hike around Lago di Braies is not treacherous, but we recommend wearing proper hiking or walking footwear. Don’t forget to check the forecast prior to visiting so you can determine if you need rain gear or a jacket.

Throw a Picnic – At the midway point around the lake loop you will find picnic tables and bathrooms. Take advantage of both if you need a rest. The remainder of the hike is a bit more difficult.

Explore More of Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park – Several trails veer of the lake loop allowing you to trek further into the park where Lago di Braies is located. Many of these trails are considerably more difficult so plan accordingly. The lake is also the starting point of the Dolomites’ famous Alta Via no. 1 (Alpine Path no. 1), which leads you through the mountains to as far as Belluno in the Veneto region of Italy.

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