Lake Braies – Dolomites – Italy | Complete Guide

Lake Braies, located in the Trentino-Alto Adige region, is one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy—and in the world. Nestled in the municipality of Braies, in the province of Bolzano, it lies within the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park and attracts thousands of visitors every year.

We visited Lake Braies in November 2022, and it was truly a dream come true!

Its turquoise-blue waters, surrounded by pine trees and towering mountains, are an irresistible invitation to slow down and soak in the scenery.

Whether you're into hiking, nature, or just snapping gorgeous photos, this is a place that will capture your heart.

What to Do at Lake Braies

Before we get into the details, I should mention that during our trip to the Dolomites, we experienced the first snowfall of the season—just one day before visiting the lake. It made everything even more magical!

1. Walk Around the Lake

The trail surrounding the lake is about 3.5 km (2.2 miles) and is very easygoing. It takes around 1 hour to complete, but the scenery is so breathtaking that you'll probably stop every five minutes to take pictures.

2. Rent a Rowboat

Nothing is more iconic than renting a wooden boat at Lake Braies. For around €25 (30 minutes), you can feel like you’re in a romantic movie. The best time for this activity is between May and October, when the lake isn’t frozen.

Opening hours: mid-June to October, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Price: €50 for 45 minutes

3. Dreamy Picnic with a View

Bring a blanket and some snacks, then pick a peaceful spot for a picture-perfect picnic. Just be sure to leave no trace and take your trash with you!

4. Take Endless Photos

You don’t need to be a professional to take stunning photos here. The light, scenery, and colors do all the work for you.

How to Get to Lake Braies

I highly recommend renting a car to explore the Dolomites and get to Lake Braies. But if that’s not an option, there are public transport alternatives too.

By Car

Getting to Lake Braies by car is very convenient.

Here are some example routes from nearby cities. If your starting point isn’t listed, just click one of the links below and change the origin in Google Maps.

Venice to Lake Braies – 3 hrs | link to route

Bolzano to Lake Braies – 1h 32min | link to route

Innsbruck to Lake Braies – 2hrs | link to route

Dobbiaco to Lake Braies – 20min | link to route

Parking is paid and charged by the time you stay. We stayed for about 3 hours and paid €8. During high season, car access is restricted between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., so plan to arrive early! (More info click here)

If you're driving, don’t forget your International Driving Permit (IDP) .And if you’re traveling during winter, request a winter kit for your rental car

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We rented our car through RentCars, which lets you compare rates from various rental companies. Highly recommended!

Read also:
Car Rental in Europe: Everything You Need to Know

By Public Transport

This is a better option if you’re staying relatively close to the lake. If you're in a city further away, it might be worth considering a guided tour.

Here are some sample routes:

Cortina d’Ampezzo to Lake Braies: Take line 445 (from Via dei Marangoi) to Dobbiaco (Autostazione), then line 442 (Pragser Wildsee) directly to the lake.

• Approx. time: 1h 40min
• Cost: €10

Dobbiaco to Lake Braies: Take line 442 (Pragser Wildsee) from Dobbiaco station.

• Approx. time: 40min
• Cost: €5

San Candido to Lake Braies: Take line 402 to Dobbiaco, then line 442 to the lake.

• Approx. time: 50min
• Cost: €6.50

For updated timetables and route info: https://www.suedtirolmobil.info/en/#/

*Note: Public transport schedules vary depending on the season.

Unlimited Internet: Essential for Your Trip

Our best travel companion is Google Maps. Whether it’s finding directions, checking bus schedules, or looking up restaurants, having internet access is a game-changer! We used it throughout our visit to Lago di Braies and it saved us so much time.

That’s why I highly recommend getting a SIM card with unlimited data before your trip. It’ll allow you to navigate in real-time and post your amazing photos without worry.

Buy here with discount Use coupon: STVR

(Don’t forget to enter your travel dates!)

Best Time to Visit

Lake Braies is stunning year-round, but each season offers a different experience:

• Spring (April to June): The lake takes on a clear, crystal tone, and wildflowers start to bloom.
• Summer (July and August): Peak season. Expect crowds, but it’s the best time for boating and swimming (if you’re brave!). Tip: Arrive early to avoid the busiest hours (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
• Autumn (September to October): The golden leaves turn the landscape into a fairytale.
• Winter (November to March): The lake freezes, creating a peaceful winter wonderland—ideal for snow lovers.

Where to Eat and Stay Near Lago di Braies

The best base to explore Lago di Braies is Cortina d’Ampezzo, a charming town with great tourist infrastructure and access to other Dolomite attractions. Other nearby options: Dobbiaco and San Candido, which offer good value and are close to the lake.

We stayed in Dobbiaco, which was a great balance of price and location.

If you'd prefer to stay right by the lake, there are a few hotels and guesthouses, but they tend to be more expensive and should be booked in advance—especially in high season.

Accommodation at the lake:

• Hotel Lago di Braies – Located right on the lakefront.

Local restaurants serve traditional Alpine dishes like polenta, speck, and homemade pasta. But note: many places reduce hours or close during the winter, so always check ahead. For more dining options, Dobbiaco and Cortina d’Ampezzo offer a wider range of restaurants that stay open year-round.

Where to eat:

• Rifugio Lago di Braies – Ideal for a quick meal with a view.

Extra Tips

• Wear comfortable clothes and dress appropriately for the season.
• If possible, avoid weekends during peak season to enjoy the lake more peacefully.
• Respect local rules and help preserve this beautiful natural spot.

Other Places to Visit in the Dolomites:

Lake Molveno

Church of San Giovanni

Lago di Braies has it all: natural beauty, peaceful vibes, and the chance to create unforgettable memories. If you haven’t added it to your travel bucket list yet, this is your sign!

Have you been to Lago di Braies or dream of visiting someday? Drop a comment and share your tips with us!