Tucked In Italy's Pristine Dolomites Is A Beloved Lake With Alpine Charm And No Hiking Necessary To Reach It

Carving a dramatic path across Northern Italy are the towering, craggy ridges of the Dolomites, where mountain cliffs, lush meadows, and unmatched views await. Many visitors spend days backpacking through this beautiful alpine wilderness, staying overnight in mountain lodges and hiking up the winding trails, earning panoramic vistas as a reward. Understandably, not everyone wants to break a sweat to simply enjoy the serenity of this awe-inspiring paradise. That is where Lago di Braies comes in.

Situated in the Italian province of South Tyrol, not far from the Austrian border, this glassy pool is considered one of Italy's most pristine lakes. It's officially known by two names: Lago di Braies in Italian and Pragser Wildsee in German (spoken in nearby Austria). Stretching across the picturesque valleys of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, the lake's emerald waters are fringed by the spiny ridge of Seekofel peak, which is reflected on the lake's surface when the weather is nice. A wooden jetty hovers over the calm water with rowboats tethered to it, enticing travelers to enjoy a scenic paddle against the backdrop of the Dolomites' breathtaking alpine landscape.

Lago di Braies is the traditional starting point of the Alta Via 1, a challenging but scenic hiking trail through World War I history. And while the eager explorers among us can certainly embark on a whirlwind trek through the mountains that surround Lago di Braies, the good news is there's absolutely no hiking involved if you just want to spend the day relaxing on the tranquil lakeshore. 

The best months to enjoy the idyllic vistas of Lago di Braies are between May and November, while the mountaineers itching for a hike should aim to head there between June and October. A visit during the winter months offers glimpses of a snowy wonderland, with the lake completely frozen over. Getting to Lago di Braies itself is fairly simple. The closest major city is Venice, about a three-hour drive away. Bolzano, an underrated sunny Italian city in South Tyrol, is even closer, at just 90 minutes away by car. However, if you're planning to drive there, be aware that roads to Lago di Braies are restricted between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. in the peak summer months, meaning that you'll need to arrive either in the early morning or late afternoon unless you're staying at the Lake Braies Hotel or have booked a parking spot.

If you'd rather not drive, then make your way by train or bus to Dobbiaco, a charming alpine town tucked in the foothills east of Lago di Braies. The local bus #442 regularly shuttles visitors from Dobbiaco right to the lake's main parking zone, which takes about 30 minutes. From there, the mesmerizing lakeshores are just a short walk away. You'll emerge from the shade of pine trees to a fairytale scene of aquamarine water and dramatic, rocky slopes.

An easy loop trail circling the lake's perimeter offers a leisurely stroll through serene alpine woodland with no hiking boots necessary. While swimming in the lake is prohibited, you can find a cozy spot on the sandy shore to sit and relax. If you get hungry, stop at the nearby café for pastries, goulash, or an Aperol spritz, all while enjoying the unparalleled Dolomites scenery.