Pragser Wildsee — Attraction in Pustertal - Val Pusteria

Lago di Braies (“Pragser Wildsee” in German), also known as Lake Braies is a famous and beautiful lake in the Dolomites in Northern Italy. I have been to this amazing place, and to make things easier for you, I’ve collected a lot of information which can help you when you try to get there. I've no wonder why Lago di Braies has become so popular. The picturesque mountain backdrop is absolutely gorgeous, and the reflections of the mountain in the lake is magical to witness. The most common way to go here is by car, but it’s also possible with public transport or guided tours. The nearest railway station is Niederdorf (Villabassa) and between the 20th of June until 20th September, there’s a bus connection from the train station to Lake Braies. Look out for bus number 442, and make sure to be on time since the departures are quite infrequent. If you come here by car, there’s a parking space just next to the hotel for 8 Euro per day. If you want to stay as close as possible to the lake, the Hotel Lago di Braies is your best choice, as it’s located right next to Lago di Braies. Go here in the early morning at sunrise. Then you’ll have most of the lake all to yourself and there’s more likely to be reflections from the mountains as well. It’s truly a magical time of the day to visit a place like this. Other than that, bring some snacks and good walking shoes + refillable water bottle with a filter. Rent a boat and this makes for a great experience and gives you a different point of view. It’s quite expensive but well worth the money. Lago di Braies is often referred to as the most beautiful lake in the South Tyrol. It’s located in the Valley di Braies and this is located at a height of 1469 meters above sea level. It’s the largest natural lake in the Dolomites and the maximum depth of Lago di Braies is 36 meters. The walk around the lake is about 4 kilometers and takes about 2 hours depending on how fast you walk. The maximum surface temperature recorded was 14 degrees Celsius, so no matter if you come here during winter or summer, it will be cold in the water. In the majority of the wintertime, the water surface will be covered by ice and snow. The lake is also a part of the UNESCO heritage list. I hope this information will help you somehow. So keep remember this Google Maps local guide's...

Lago di Braies, also known as Pragser Wildsee, is a beautiful lake in the Dolomites of Italy. It is surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pine trees, and the water is a clear blue-green color. The lake is a popular tourist destination, and there are a number of things to do in the area, including hiking, biking, and boating.

Here is a review of Lago di Braies:

Pros:

The scenery is absolutely stunning. The lake is surrounded by some of the most beautiful mountains in the world, and the water is a clear blue-green color that is simply mesmerizing.

There are a number of things to do in the area, including hiking, biking, and boating. There are also a number of restaurants and hotels in the area, so you can easily stay overnight and explore the area.

The lake is relatively easy to get to. It is located about an hour from the town of Bolzano, and there is a large parking lot near the lake.

Cons:

The lake can get crowded, especially in the summer months. If you want to avoid the crowds, try to visit early in the morning or later in the evening.

The water in the lake is quite cold, even in the summer. If you want to go for a swim, be prepared for a chilly dip.

Overall:

Lago di Braies is a beautiful lake in the Dolomites of Italy. It is a popular tourist destination, but it is still possible to find peace and quiet, especially if you visit early in the morning or later in the evening. If you are looking for a stunning natural setting to relax and enjoy the outdoors, Lago di Braies is a great option.

Tips for visiting Lago di Braies:

Go early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds.

Rent a boat and explore the lake at your own pace.

Hike around the lake and enjoy the stunning views.

Visit the nearby town of Prags for some delicious food and drinks.

Stay overnight in the area and explore the surrounding mountains.

I...

Stage 1 of the Dolomites Alta Via route, from Lago di Braies to Rifugio Biella, is an impressive and rewarding experience for any hiking enthusiast. Here's my assessment:

Route: The trail covers 13 km, which is quite manageable for most hikers with some experience. The duration of 6 hours allows one to enjoy the trail without rushing, which is a benefit considering the stunning views on offer throughout the route.

Difficulty: Rated as moderate difficulty, this trail is accessible to hikers who have some experience and are in good physical shape. There may be some more demanding stretches, but overall, the difficulty is fairly balanced.

Scenery: Lago di Braies is a true spectacle to behold. The natural beauty of the lake and its surroundings takes your breath away and truly touches the emotions. It's hard not to stop and take photographs or simply absorb the tranquility of the setting.

Facilities: The bars available along the way are a great advantage. Not only do they offer a chance to take a breather and enjoy a beer or meal, but they also provide an opportunity to do so while overlooking the beauty of the lake. It's an experience that not many trails can offer.

Hiking Shop: The hiking shop is a nice touch, especially if you forget something. Make sure to check all your gear before you set off, as, like you rightly point out, once you start the trail, there won't be many opportunities to purchase supplies.

Overall, Stage 1 of the Dolomites Alta Via route, from Lago di Braies to Rifugio Biella, is a well-balanced hiking experience, offering challenge, natural beauty, and excellent facilities. With its beautiful lake, manageable trail, and bars with views, it's definitely a route worth exploring for any nature lover. I give it 4.5...