On the way from Seeboden (A) to Misurina (I) we made an inspiring stop at Lago di Braies. Lake Braies it is 133 km from Seeboden to be reached in 2 hours by car via B100 and E66 road which mainly follows the Drau (or Drava) river valley and 36 km from Misurina to be reached in 45 minutes via SS49 / SS51 / SP49.
The interesting thing was that I didn't realize when we crossed from Austria into Italy. In the area bordering the border all the names were bilingual, German and Italian, but there wasn't even a kiosk to ask for our ID and vaccination certificate.
Lake Braies in Italian or Pragser Wildsee in German is located in Dolomites at an average altitude of 1495 mdm. It is a beautiful lake stretched over 31 hectares and at the same time squeezed between seeded crests with various shades of color depending on the light that beats on them and in the mirror of the water. It reaches a maximum depth of 36 meters. The lake was formed by the natural collapse of the mountain that dammed the water of the stream here. The highest peak overlooking the lake is Seekofel / Bea Beak's Cross, 2810 mdm. Braies Lake area is part of Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park and has the status of monument of nature.
(click on objectives for extended version)
Difficulty: easy
Duration / distance: 1,5 - 2 hours / 5 km
Bookmark: unmarked
Water sources: on the right bank
Minimum altitude: 1490 meters, downstream, close to the loop closure
Maximum altitude: 1620 meters above sea level, on the right bank, just after point 3 on the map
Level difference: +100 m / -100 m
Observations: circuit around the lake
Our route aims to go around the lake and measures 4 km, which can be covered in 1 - 1.5 hours depending on how much you stop to admire the scenery. Distances and times to/from the parking lot are included in the technical box.
Right at the mouth of the lake, where our route starts, a mega hotel is built. We set off at walking pace. The path is laid out in places with parapets, it is generally wide and easy to walk. We pass by Maria Chapel.
Maria Chapel
the gro grotto
hotel
starting point
On the left bank in the direction of the flow of the creek, as we walked, the path is very smooth and goes through a wooded area following the lake shore close to its bank offering many natural panoramic windows to the lake. We admire the boats that are slowly walking on the lake, the farthest ones are small, in the closer ones we distinguish their passengers.
We encounter mountain popcorn and butterflies of all kinds. Woodpeckers can be heard in the trees, and anglers can catch trout and other species of fish. At the opposite end of the parking lot we cross several dry streams of runoff grog that spills into the lake, probably active when it rains or snow melts. We traveled 30 minutes.
the upstream gully
stone castles and lake
other angle
lake colors
In the after noon colors the lake looks gorgeous offering di-diffused shades on the shore. On the right side of the lake, the path goes up and down gently, with steps and handrails where needed for easy access for any tourist. This part is more rocky, the path is practically dug into the rock of the mountain. Here is also the highest point with a good view. Towards the end of the loop, the trail meanders a little into a side valley that feeds the lake, and the last part of the trail is on a concrete cliff right next to the water without a parapet. We cross the wooden bridge at the mouth of the lake. We traveled 45 minutes from the upstream end of the lake. We are back in the parking lot, after a superb 1.5 hour leisurely walk around Braies Lake. Another look around. From near the lake several hiking trails start to Seekofel or Rossalm or Hochalpenkopf.
minimum altitude point
landscape
upstream end and Seekofel
belvedere point
Lago di Braies and the kingdom of the mountains
Lake Braies
Lake Braies
I liked this place the most. I would come back anytime to savor every step on the lakeshore and, why not, to climb up to the top and admire it from the top. I recommend to visit Lake Braies, you will be super delighted.
You can also visit the area
Falzarego yes Lagazuoi
All the best!
Steps:
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