Exactly How to Visit Lago di Braies in 2026 (Photos & Helpful Tips)

Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites, but visiting it requires planning. In this guide, you’ll learn the best time to go, how parking and access restrictions work in 2026, how to avoid the worst crowds, and whether Lago di Braies is actually worth visiting.

This crystal-clear aquamarine lake, with its dramatic mountainous backdrop, easy walking trail, and rowboats, has long attracted visitors. It has recently become even more popular because it is the filming location for the Italian TV show Un Passo dal Cielo.

If you’re like us, you’ve probably seen countless photos of Lago di Braies and dreamed of seeing it in person. We visited during the busy summer season, when access restrictions were in place, and still had a fantastic experience. With the right planning, you can too.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to visit Lago di Braies and help you decide whether it’s worth it for your trip.

#1 Thing to Know about a Visit During the Olympic Games (February 6 – 22, 2026): Expect increased visitation. It is advised that you pre-book a parking space in advance. Learn more on the official website.

The Essentials

WHERE | 1 hour drive from Cortina d’Ampezzo; 2 hour drive from Val Gardena

PEAK SEASON RESTRICTIONS | From July 10 through September 10, between the hours of 9:30 am and 4 pm, you must make a vehicle reservation in advance or ride the public bus

TOP THINGS TO DO | Photograph the lake and rowboats, walk the trail around the lake (allow 1.5 to 2 hours), rent a rowboat

HOW MUCH TIME | Half of a day

BEST TIME TO VISIT | Very early morning or late in the day, to avoid the crowds

VISITING SUMMER 2026 | Expect larger-than-usual crowds this summer because the Dolomites will see increased visitors following the Winter Olympics

February 2026 Update: Updated parking rules, summer access restrictions, pricing, and Olympic games travel considerations.

Where is Lago di Braies?

Lago di Braies is located in the Italian Dolomites, within the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park. Here are driving distances and times from nearby destinations:

Cortina d’Ampezzo: 46 km, 1 hour
Selva di Val Gardena: 84 km, 2 hours
Selva di Cadore: 74 km, 1.5 hours
Venice: 205 km, 3 hours

How Do You Get to Lago di Braies?

The easiest way to get to Lago di Braies is to drive here. Just be aware that there are vehicle restrictions from July 10 through September 10 to reduce the amount of traffic and visitors to Pragser Tal Valley during the busy summer season. We cover this in more detail later in this guide (or skip ahead now).

Lago di Braies

Parking at Lago di Braies

There are several parking lots for Lago di Braies.

P3 is a large parking lot near Lago di Braies. From here, it is about a 4-to-5-minute walk to the lake (this is where we parked). There is a fee to park here (approximately €12).

There is a closer lot (P4) but it is my understanding that this lot is for those staying in the Lago di Braies hotel. However, it is possible to purchase a ticket to park here, but it is quite expensive (about €40).

Tickets to park in P3 and P4 can be purchased in advance through the official website.

P2 is located about 800 meters from Lago di Braies. From here it is about a 10-minute walk to the lake. It costs approximately €7 to park here.

P1 is located 5.5 km from Lago di Braies. From this lot, ride bus 439 to Lago di Braies (about 20 minutes, possible from July 10 through September 10).

You can also get to Lago di Braies using public transportation.

Bus 442 connects Lago di Braies with Toblach/Dobbiaco. Here is the timetable.

During the period of vehicle restrictions (July 10 through September 10), there is also a bus that runs from Welsberg/Monguelfo (bus 439) to Lago di Braies. Learn more here (under the Frequently Asked Section).

Lago di Braies parking lot

Parking Regulations at Lago di Braies

If you plan to visit Lago di Braies in the summer, this is the most important thing to know before you go.

Due to the increased popularity of the lake, there are now parking regulations for the summer months.

In 2026, from July 10 through September 10, between 9:30 am and 4 pm, you cannot drive through the Pragser Tal Valley and park at Lago di Braies. During this time, you will have to park 5 km from the lake and use public transportation to get to the lake. You are also allowed to bike or walk through the valley to get to Lago di Braies.

You are permitted to drive to Lago di Braies between 9:30 am and 4:00 pm if you make a reservation in advance. Double check the times and learn more here.

We visited Lago di Braies on July 10, the first day of the regulations. We arrived at Pragser Tal Valley at 8:30 am so we were permitted to drive and park at the lake. Later in the day, as we exited the Pragser Tal Valley around noon, officials were stopping vehicle traffic to the lake.

So, you are permitted to drive to Lago di Braies before 9:30 am and after 4:00 pm. Or, make a vehicle reservation in advance or plan on using public transportation to get to Lago di Braies.

Setting Your Expectations

Lago di Braies is one of the most popular destinations in the Dolomites. Crowd control measures have been put into place during the busy summer months, in order to limit the number of people who visit this lake.

Talking to the staff at rowboat rental office, the busiest times to visit Lago di Braies is between 10 and 3 pm. During this time, do not expect a quiet, tranquil experience. Rowboats may be sold out and the trail that circles the lake will be quite busy.

The summer of 2026 is expected to be busier than usual. With the Dolomites hosting the Winter Olympics, increased interest in the region may lead to higher visitor numbers, including at Lago di Braies.

We visited Lago di Braies on July 10, arriving at 8:30 am. The parking lots were filling fast but the lake still felt relatively empty. We had no issue renting a rowboat and during our visit, rowboats were available all morning, until we left around noon. However, I have heard other reports of rowboats selling out by mid-morning.

PRO TRAVEL TIP: If you plan to visit Lago di Braies, I recommend that you get here as early as possible, not only to have at least an hour or two when it is less busy, but to also avoid the 9 am cutoff time to drive to the lake (summer months only).

Best Things to Do at Lago di Braies

#1 Photograph the Rowboats

If you arrive early in the morning (9 am or earlier) you can photograph the lines of rowboats lined up at the dock. These photos below were taken at 9 am.

#2 Rent a Rowboat and Explore the Lake

Rowboats can be rented for 45 minutes at the boat dock (this cannot be done online in advance). Midday in the summer, waits for a rowboat can be up to an hour and a half.

Rental Season: Late April through early November
Operating Hours: 8 am to 7 pm during the summer, reduced hours during the other months
Price: €55 for 45 minutes for a private rowboat; €20 per person for a shared rowboat for 45 minutes, max 5 people

We spent an hour on the lake, each taking a turn rowing the boat. It’s harder than it looks, if you haven’t done something like this before. We were all very good at just rowing in circles, despite trying our best to make a straight path. We travel with a GPS device (for hiking) and Tim had it logging our route on the lake…it’s a very funny path of circles and zig-zagging lines, since we all had a hard time rowing in a straight line.

#3 Sunrise Boat Experience

During the summer months, you can reserve a rowboat for a sunrise photo session on the lake. This can be booked online in advance. Learn more here.

#4 Visit the Chapel on the Lake

Sitting next to Lago di Braies is Cappella “Lago di Braies.” This small church is another popular photography spot at the lake.

#5 Walk the Path around Lago di Braies

Distance: 3.7 km (2.3 miles) loop
Difficulty: Easy
Total Ascent: 100 meters (330 feet)
Length of Time: 1.5 to 2 hours

One of the best things to do at Lago di Braies is to walk the path that circles the lake. Since it is a loop, it can be done in either direction. I don’t think one way is necessarily better than the other. We hiked the trail in a clockwise direction.

Here are photos taken from the trail:

Looking back towards the boathouse from the far end of the lake.

Trail along the far end of the lake.

#6 Hike One of the Trails That Starts at Lago di Braies

In addition to the easy path that circles the lake, several other longer, more challenging trails start at the lake and head high into the mountains.

The Alta Via hiking trail starts at Lago di Braies and ends 120 km later at Belluno. This is done as a mult-day trek.

Croda del Becco (Seekofel) is the mountain that forms the backdrop of Lago di Braies. The trail to the top of Croda del Becco starts on the far side of the lake (from the boat dock). It is a 15 km out-and-back strenuous hike that takes 6 to 8 hours.

The Hochalpenkopf Peak Trail is another challenging hike that starts at the lakes and climbs high into the mountains. This 17-km loop is a challenging hike that takes 8 hours.

#7 Photograph the Lake and Boathouse

Behind the boathouse is a hill. Look for the bench that sits on this hill. From this spot, I took this photo of the lake.

Lago di Braies boathouse

How Much Time Do You Need at Lago di Braies?

If you want to rent a rowboat and walk the loop trail, we recommend spending 3 hours at Lago di Braies. This is about how much time we spent here.

We rented a rowboat first and spent about 45 minutes paddling in circles around the lake. Then we walked the trail around the lake. We left the lake right before lunch. From Lago di Braies, we drove to Lago di Dobbiaco and had lunch here (just for a change in scenery and to see more of the Dolomites).

Viewpoint along the loop trail around Lago di Braies.

Is Lago di Braies Right for You?

Lago di Braies is ideal if you’re comfortable with early mornings, shared viewpoints, and advance planning. If you’re looking for solitude or a quiet alpine escape, nearby lakes may be a better fit.

More Things to Do in the Area

Lago di Dobbiaco is another beautiful lake to visit. From Lago di Braies, it is a 25-minute drive. And it bit farther away is lovely Lago di Misurina (40 minutes from Lago di Braies).

If Lago di Braies feels too busy, nearby lakes like Lago di Dobbiaco or Lago di Misurina offer beautiful scenery with fewer access restrictions.

From Rifugio Auronzo (1 hour drive from Lago di Braies) you can hike the Tre Cime di Lavaredo loop or hike to the Cadini di Misurina viewpoint. Like Lago di Braies, there is limited parking at Rifugio Auronzo and midday you could have trouble getting a parking space. But it is possible to get to Rifugio Auronzo using public transportation or reserve a parking space in advance.

We have a wealth of information about the Dolomites in our Dolomites Travel Guide, including things to do, where to stay, detailed guides to the top hiking trails, and important things to know, especially for those planning their first visit.

See all of our articles on the Dolomites

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to visit Lago di Braies?

There is no entrance fee to visit Lago di Braies. However, you will have to pay a parking fee (the fee depends on the lot and the time of year you visit) and if you plan to rent a rowboat, that is an additional cost (€50 for 45 minutes).

Is Lago di Braies worth it?

Lago di Braies is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites and it is worth the visit. Just be aware of the restrictions for driving to Lago di Braies in the summer months. If you are a photographer or traveling as a family, this lake is well worth it. It’s also perfect for those who want to do an easy, short hike in the Dolomites, without hiking one of the longer, more challenging trails that head higher into the mountains.

Can I fly a drone at Lago di Braies?

No, drones are not allowed at Lago di Braies.

Can I swim at Lago di Braies?

No, swimming is not allowed at Lago di Braies.

Lago di Braies from the trail that loops around the lake.

If you have any questions about how to visit Lago di Braies, let us know in the comment section below.

Plan Your Trip to Italy

We have TONS more information about Italy in our Italy Travel Guide, including Rome, Florence, Venice, Tuscany, the Dolomites, the Amalfi Coast, the Cinque Terre, Sicily, and Puglia.

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How to visit Lago di Braies, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites, Italy.