Ah, Lago di Braies! A magical realm where reality intertwines with dreams, nestled in the heart of South Tyrol. Here, I embarked on an odyssey that seemed straight out of a fairy tale, where puffy clouds waltzed away by the wind and revealing majestic peaks, unveiling mountains of unimaginable beauty. It was a day of exuberance, the first in what felt like half a century, where silence reigned supreme in the high altitudes, only broken by the gentle murmur of the lake cradled by the amphitheatre of stone.
The path edging the lake beckoned us for a hike, but we chose a different adventure. We threw ourselves into a boat, blending with leisurely rowers, each careful not to ripple the water’s glassy calm. For 50 euros, we rented a rowboat, and as we waited for our turn, a few playful raindrops hurried to greet us.
Finding the right words to describe such a place isn’t easy, so I’ll let the clouds dance, the boats carve their paths, and the daring peaks bathe in the turquoise waters.
So, where is this hidden gem? Lago di Braies is in South Tyrol, nestled in the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park. Some distances for the curious: Dobbiaco/Tolbach – 16 km, Cortina d’Ampezzo – 46 km, Bolzano – 101 km, Innsbruck (Austria) – 134 km, and Munich (Germany) – 289 km. Or you can fly to Venice, then drive 205 km to reach this lakeside wonder.
Parking is straightforward, with four paid parking areas nearby: P1 is about 6 km away with a 20-minute bus ride, P2 is a mere 800 m walk, P3 offers a 5-minute stroll, and P4 is the closest but also the priciest at 15 euros for 3 hours. Parking payment? Both cash and card work.
When’s the best time to visit? That depends on your interests. May to November is great for lake lovers, June to October for hikers, and late October for photographers seeking the best colours.
How much time do you need? If it’s just for a boat ride, a few snaps, and a lakeside snack, two hours should suffice. Add another 1.5 to 2 hours if you fancy a leisurely walk around the lake. And remember, Lago di Braies is your gateway to the Dolomites’ hiking trails.
Boat ride costs? Share with others for 15 euros per person or pay 50 euros for a private hire. They operate from late May to November, with reduced hours outside summer.
Thanks for joining me on this Italian adventure. Follow us on social media for more insights, you can find the links all around the website 😉
