Hike to Lago Di Braies (Sunrise and Loop Hike), Dolomites, Italy

Lago di Braies is, without a doubt, one of the most photographed locations in the Dolomites; a classic for sunrise, to catch the first light hitting the mountains and their reflections in the lake, followed by a hike around the lake.

Also called Pragser Wildsee or Lake Prags, the Lago di Braies is one of the Dolomite’s wonders, with its idyllic scenery of a beautiful alpine lake nestled between towering mountains.

Located at about 1,500m, it is also one of the longest and deepest lakes in the Dolomites and by far one of the most scenic. It’s so picture-perfect that it almost looks like a movie set at any time.

But, other than the main Viewpoint of Lake Braies, there is a relatively short loop hike around the lake that is more than worth a visit by itself.

The loop trail around the lake provides some fantastic views of the surrounding landscape.

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Overview of the Lago di Braies Loop Hike & Map

The walk to the viewpoint t is a short 5-minute walk from the P3/4 area. The loop around the lake is also an easy, well-maintained hiking trail that could be completed in a little over an hour, depending on pace.

It’s possible to visit Lago directly Braies/Pragser Wildsee year round, though the hiking trail around the lake may be closed or partially closed in winter, depending on snow/ice conditions.

Here is the map of the loop Hike around Lake Braies:

How to get to Lago di Braies and Parking

In a way, Lago di Baies is a bit tucked away from other major locations in the Dolomites. It’s at the end of a dead-end road, so this also means you have to drive there as it is not on the way to or from any other place.

• Driving Directions: The main access point is via the Brennero Motorway A22, then take the exit Bressanone – Val Pusteria. Continue on road SS49-E66 toward Braies/Pragser Tal Valley. Then turn onto road 47, which takes you to the Pragser Wildsee Lake. Distance from motorway exit Bressanone – Val Pusteria: approx. 60 km. You can also get to us via Lienz in East Tyrol (A), by crossing the Austrian-Italian border on the national road (B100-E66). Travel from Southern Germany via the Felbertauernstraße road.
• Parking: The closest parking areas are P4 and P3, and neither of them is cheap—they cost about 20 euros. You pay for the location, essentially. P2 is much cheaper, less than 10 Euros, but it is also smaller and farther away from the lake—about 800 meters, so not that far. It takes an additional 10-15 minutes to reach the lake by foot from there.
• Public Transport: Bus 442 leaves from Toblach/Dobbiaco, Niederdorf/Villabassa. The Südtirol Pass is valid on the bus. You can also purchase tickets on the bus, but at the moment, they only appear to accept cash.

The Hotel next to Lago di Braies, from the Parking area P4.

The Lago di Braies Loop Hiking Trail

The loop trail starts right by the hotel at the lake’s main and most famous viewpoint, the stilt house, and the boats. In that sense, you could also say the trailhead is the main highlight of this hike.

You’ll first notice the boats sitting on the lake and, as you turn the corner, the stilt house and probably a crowd of people. The stilt house is a boat rental shop, and only customers can access the jetty.

The main viewpoint, next to the Stilt house.

The main viewpoint is obviously right behind the stilt house, partly along the footpath and partly on the side of the hill behind it.

It will likely be crowded at any time of the day, with people either standing on the footpath or the side of the hill right behind it. It’s worth spending some time here enjoying the view regardless of the crowds; it is a beautiful environment.

To continue the hike from the main viewpoint, the most common direction of travel is clockwise. You can just continue on the trail from the main viewpoint around the lake.

After a flat section, the trail trail will gain some elevation on the rocky side of a mountain. Here, the path will be fenced. Still, it is an easy enough walk here too

The views also open up to the other side of the lake, and both the or as well as the main viewpoint come into view.

The footpath continues right behind the corner from the jetty.

The trail then descends again to the shores of the lake. If you do it in the early morning, you may also be able to see the still, mirror-like waters on that side. It’s quite amazing seeing such a large lake almost completely still.

On the shore, you’ll also have to cross a scree section, but nothing challenging. Then you’ll come onto a pebble beach, which is pretty much located on the far side of the lake.

From there, the trail closes the loop via a footpath in the woods and reconnects to the Hotel and Parking area. If you start the hike at sunrise, you’ll find a. much more lively environment, with bars and cafes now open – just in time for a coffee!

It’s a good idea to visit the main viewpoint once again since. I found the light to be much better than at sunset – and you are already there anyway!

Lago di Braies Photos and Photography Tips

OK, let’s start with sunrise (and some irony). It’s going to be crowded at sunrise. When I arrived an hour earlier, there were already a few dozen other hiker photographers around, and at least a couple of drones were already flying.

So if you want to shoot sunrise, I’d recommend being there at least a week earlier before your planned shooting. Remember you can’t camp, so a chair will have to do :).

Okay, jokes aside, it’s going to be busy. And that’s fair—it’s a renowned spot, one of those iconic locations everyone tries to include in a trip to the Dolomites.

To be honest, more than sunrise itself, unless there is an epic, colorful sunset, it’s better to wait a little later in the morning, when the light starts making its way through the mountains and onto the lake.

That moment for me was when I had just completed the loop hike around Lago di Braies after sunrise.

First light at sunrise on Pragser Wildsee

More or less the same scene after the loop hike around the lake, a little over an hour later.

But even then, at sunrise, people will move around a lot looking for different compositions, at least they did when I was there. So I found it kind of pointless to be out way early anyway or to hang on to a spot as if you were hanging off a cliff for dear life.

Furthermore, the trail around Lake Braies provides additional viewpoints of the lake and surrounding mountains. Of course, it’s not like The “Insta” spot, but it’s a stunning landscape and environment overall.

Where to stay

If you are in a van, you can spend the night in P4. There is a dedicated camper/van area. It’s not cheap; you pay for the location, of course. I stayed there in my van, too. I had just arrived at midnight after a long six-hour drive, and it was worth it as I was looking to have as much sleep as possible.

You can also park further down the road, a few kilometers before the lake, and either walk there or drive to P4 later, paying the standard parking fee, or take the 10-15-minute stroll from there.

In terms of more conventional accommodations, you can, of course, stay at the hotel by the lake. There also are more guesthouses and hotels further down Pragsertal.

Otherwise, the closest town is Dobbiaco, which offers plenty more accommodations.

Additional Resources

• Pragser Wildsee Official Website
• Here’s the main page on Hiking in Italy for more hikes and scenic spots in Italy.