Exploring The Dolomites | Lago di Braies
- Aug 1, 2023
- 7 min read
Visiting Lago di Braies is one of the must-sees if you are headed to the Dolomites. Everybody feels this way, which is why it's one of the most popular destination for worldwide travelers. Even still, it isn't far fetched to want to get the most out of your trip here which typically means avoiding the masses the best you can.
What is also important to know is what surrounds Lago di Braies. While it is probably the main attraction of that area, nearby are some other Dolomiti beauties that shouldn't be neglected. Your time at the actual lake may be limited as the surrounding hike is a shorter one, a boat rental only lasts 30 minutes, and you can't swim in it. You could also lose track of time here. It's easy to sit and stare to admire the natural beauty and there are several food and drink spots right next to it for your convenience.
If you want to spend your time knowing the best way to explore Lago di Braies specifically or to learn what else is near your trip there, I am here to help. We stayed for 3 days at the only hotel located on the lake, Hotel Lago di Braies. So, we were able to learn quite a bit about the lake itself and the most convenient, but best, things to do near there. To start, let's talk all Lago di Braies details.
If you have not read my post, 'The Dolomites, Italy | What to know before you go', I recommend doing so prior to make sure you can get the most out of this guide.
Getting There
Getting to Lago di Braies is relatively straight forward, so let's start with what I like to know, parking. Understandably so, there are many parts of the Dolomites that limit the use of vehicles within certain cities or parks. Basically, you just can't drive your car to the tip of a mountain or the shore of the sea. You have to leave car somewhere and I have learned by now that Italy likes you to pay your dues for driving as close as they'll let you.
That being said, when you put an address in your GPS during your time in the Dolomites, it's more practical to put the parking location you'll be going to, rather than the actual name of the place. This will give you an accurate estimation on driving and walking time, along with parking costs and additional transportation arrangements.
Lago di Braies is one of the few attractions in the Dolomites that allows to almost park right on it. 200m from the entrance to the lake is a large, gated lot on your right. You can reserve a spot online beforehand or try to get one the day of. I believe it is slightly more expensive if you buy them online prior, but you guarantee yourself a close spot and they give you a voucher worth 20 Euros to spend in the nearby shops and restaurants. If you're going during a busy season, would utilize the voucher, or just want to be safe...just go ahead and buy the spot.
During the months of July-September, this road is blocked off to help maintain traffic. If you do not have an online reservation for parking, you will not be allowed through.
If those spots are fully booked, located about 700m further is P2, or better visualized as Kiosk Parking. Here you will find a surprisingly tasty, little takeaway restaurant and a paid parking lot. You'll grab a ticket when you get there and pay on exit. This applies to the previous parking lot as well: If you are purchasing a ticket same-day at the machine, they sometimes do not accept card payment. I suggest having cash, just in case.
There is one more parking lot option that is technically considered 'the closest' but it is reserved for guests of Hotel Lago di Braies and those who purchase a day-stay from them.
Along your route, you'll find some free spots along the way. You may already see some cars pulled over or just notice the obvious cleared away dirt patches that are perfectly crafted for vehicles. But of course, you'll be walking a bit to get to the lake.
Prior to parking, the drive is as simple as following your directions. Mind the speed limit, as in most of Italy, there are speed cameras that monitor the area. The road names are longer here as they have an Italian and German name, so if that is confusing, pay attention to the road number instead. This area has plenty of signs to let you know that you are headed in the right direction and you should go into this drive with confidence.
Quick Tip: Toblach and Prags love them a roundabout. Make sure you know the rules.
What to do
There are a few different activities that you can do while exploring Lago di Braies.
Renting A Boat
By now, you've seen the gorgeous handmade wooden boats all over Lago di Braies pictures. Mine included. Rightfully so, you may be wondering if you should do it or not. Here's what you should know:
It's obviously a paid rental. You will learn that Italy, as well as most places, fluctuate their prices for different seasons. We paid 50 Euros for 30 minutes during the month of June. You can have up to 5 people in the boat, so you can either less for a shared boat or the total amount for a private rental. It includes two magnets as well.
You can't go on the dock without renting a boat. It's true.
Yes, they're always busy. Unless you go first thing in the morning, you can expect to approach the boathouse and be told to wait. We waited 30 minutes at 10:30 AM. You can hang out on the dock prior to getting on your boat.
My Opinion:
Renting a boat was absolutely worth it to us, and yes, we questioned paying to do it. The justification to pay for the boat was that we were IN THE DOLOMITES and it's a once in a lifetime experience. After going on the boat, there were no regrets. Experiencing the lake from the water, on a handmade wooden row boat, was absolutely worth the expense.
Hike around the lake
Hiking around the lake is about a 2-mile hike and can take about 1.5-2 hours to complete. It's pretty straight forward to walk, but here is some detailed information from All Trails.
Shop, Eat, and Drink
There are a few places to grab a bite, drink, or check out souvenirs that surround the lake. A more popular spot to eat is Emma's Bistro.
How to Avoid the Crowds
As one of the most popular destinations of the Dolomites, you can guarantee that you won't be the only one here. You can do your best to avoid the crowds, though. Being we stayed at the only hotel located on the lake, we were able to watch traffic come in and out every day. If you want to get pictures without an abundance of tourists in it, here's my advice.
Yes, mornings are better. Going anywhere as early as possible will always give you a leg up. You won't be alone, but you will be with people who are there for the same reason as you. Fortunately, these people are typically courteous about making sure you get your shot, as much as they get theirs. Photographers can pay for a private morning dock session, so you may see some photoshoots but if you go prior to the boat rental opening, before 7AM, you'll get the beautiful shots of the empty boats all lined up.
Go on a private boat. Because the lake is so large, if you rent a boat and go take pictures while on it, you won't really see anybody in your shot.
Evenings are actually the best. We were shocked to see evenings were far less crowded than mornings. This is because the hikers, families, and just everyday tourists were actually leaving from spending their day here. Once the boats are tied back to the dock for the night, around 7PM, you will end up with a definite empty dock. Plus, with the sun less bright as the evening sets in, the mountains actually show up more colorful.
Don't always go for the most popular picture. The boathouse is where the majority of people will want their pictures of the lake, but some of our favorite pictures were taken in different areas. Walk around and explore areas that are less crowded. The lake is beautiful from every angle.
Where to stay
Staying near Lago di Braies is not only convenient for your visit to the lake, but also for the surrounding places that deserve some time, as well. While I will highly recommend where we stayed, I will also highlight other considerations.
Hotel Lago di Braies. The only hotel located on the lake, the benefits of staying here are exceptional. While having a 24/7 view of the lake and already being parked/situated as close as possible, you can also enjoy their daily breakfast buffet and nightly three-course meals.
Hotel Trenker. A 2 minute drive to the P3 parking lot at Lago di Braies. This hotel has reasonably priced rooms, an indoor pool with a panoramic view, and breakfast/parking included.
Hotel Turmchalet. This hotel caught our eye while we were traveling to Prato Piazza. Conveniently located between that route and the road to Lago di Braies, this hotel has a rooftop wellness center, newly renovated rooms, and includes breakfast/parking.
Alpin Panorama Hotel Hubertus. Located a bit further from the lake (27 min drive), but still conveniently located to surrounding Dolomites attractions. This hotel is an architectural dream with a "sky pool", free-floating spa, and all of the amenities you could want from a 4-star hotel.
What else to do
I'd like to think Lago is Braies is not the only stop on your Dolomites itinerary, for good reason. But, making the most out of your trip here means you need to use your time wisely. While staying here, you should consider a few surrounding plans.
Don't neglect the several other attractions of the Dolomites (which I have additional posts about), but I recommend booking an alternate hotel for those so you are more conveniently located.
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