Lake Braies — Pragser Wildsee in German — is one of those places that has travelled around the world. It is called the pearl of the Dolomites for its emerald-green reflections, which shift in tone with the light and the season, and for the setting that frames them: the historic wooden jetty, the traditional rowing boats and the mass of Croda del Becco mirroring itself in the water. That same mountain feeds one of the local legends, according to which a door to an underground kingdom opens at its foot.
A comfortable loop trail of around four kilometres circles the entire lake, taking just over an hour and offering constantly fresh views across footbridges and gravel paths. In the warm season, traditional wooden rowing boats can be hired at the jetty for a gentle row on the calm water. The lake is also the starting point for longer hikes into the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park. It is a very popular destination and access is regulated in high season, so it is worth checking in advance and, if possible, arriving first thing in the morning.
Frequently asked questions
Can you hire rowing boats at Lake Braies?
Yes, in the warm season traditional wooden rowing boats are available for hire at the historic jetty on the lake, for a gentle row on the calm water beneath the Croda del Becco.
How long is the walk around Lake Braies?
The loop trail is about four kilometres long and takes just over an hour. It is suitable for everyone, with some sections on footbridges and gravel.