Today we are going to hike around Lake Braies, the "Pearl of the Dolomites". Starting from the Lake Braies tavern we hike around the lake clockwise. Right from the beginning we are impressed by the incredibly beautiful emerald green colours of its waters. We soon get to a pier with boat rental. For those who like paddling, this might be a very special experience! However, we decide to continue our hike at the lakeside on a well maintained promenade.

The trail gets narrower and rooty until we arrive at the narrowest end of the lake from where we enjoy a great view of the entire length of it. On this section there are also many nice places to rest. From here, the trail veers away from the trail but we can still see its green water shimmering trough the trees. Arrived at a picnic place with benches and tables, the most exciting part of our hiking tour begins: the trail gets narrower and leads us high above the lake, at the foot of a vertical rock wall, offering an impressive perspective of the lake.

At the southern end of the lake the trail descends back to its shores and we reach a beautiful beach with toilet, one of several beaches at the south shore of Lake Braies. After the last beach the trail gets wider again. From the west shore we see the steep trail at the opposite side we have just climbed… really impressive! Finally, passing several more picnic and rest places, we arrive at our starting point, the Hotel Pragser Wildsee.

Please note: Lake Braies in the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park is part of the World Heritage site of the Dolomites. Please help to protect the natural beauty of it! Take your waste with you and treat nature with respect. The trail can also be gone by less experienced hikers.
Between July 10th and September 10th 2024 between 9:30 am and 4:00 pm the Braies valley can only be reached by public transportation, on foot, by bicycle or on presentation of a parking space reservation or a valid transit permit. A shuttle service with mandatory advance booking has been set up.

Author: BS