The stunning high plateau at more than 2,000 m a.s.l. is a real natural jewel and a popular excurcsion destination
Image gallery: Prato Piazza
On the saddle between Mt. Picco di Vallandro and the 3,146 m high Croda Rossa d'Ampezzo, the wide Prato Piazza (Plätzwiese) is located. It is part of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park and provides a fascinating landscape, ideal for those seeking a natural scenery that has a relaxing impact. The area was able to preserve these precious characteristics. Particularly fascinating is the panoramic view on the surrounding mountains, such as the 3,221 m high Monte Cristallo, the Three Peaks of Lavaredo and the mighty Tofane Group, a mountain massif in the Dolomites.
Close to the Vallandro Hut, the "Sperrwerk Plätzwiese" rises, also known as "Forte Prato Piazza", a ruin of an Austro-Hungarian fortress. It was built to protect the access to the Valle di Landro - and therefore to the Val Pusteria valley - during WWI together with the Landro Fortress. In winter, the high plateau can be explored with snowshoes, the sledge and mountaineering skis. In summer, it is starting point for the hike on Mt. Picco di Vallandro, and destination for tours such as the hike from Carbonin to the Prato Piazza and the MTB tour from Dobbiaco to the Prato Piazza.
In order to protect nature on the high plateau and in the valley - frequently overloaded by the huge volume of visitors -, a traffic concept has been introduced, which includes also Braies and Lake Braies. It changes depending on the season, all year round, however, there's a driving ban for private busses, caravans and campers. In turn, the Prato Piazza boasts excellent bus connections.
Contact info
- Prato Piazza / Plätzwiese (2,000 m a.s.l.) - 39030 - Braies / Prags
- +39 0474 748660
- info@pragsertal.info
Opening times
* Late autumn (November 10 to December 24, 2025):
There are no traffic restrictions for driving up to the Prato Piazza in late autumn until Christmas. The Prato Piazza car park can be reached at any time - a parking fee applies.
* Winter (December 25, 2025, to April 6, 2026):
In winter, access to the Prato Piazza by private car is only possible before 10 am and after 3 pm. The access road is subject to a toll, and parking is limited to a maximum of 100 vehicles. If the car park is full, you may be denied access.
Alternatively, you can take bus 443 from Monguelfo to the Ponticello car park. From December 25, 2025, there is also a private shuttle bus service from Ponticello to the Prato Piazza.
Admission
parking fee at Ponticello (per day):
€ 6.00 cars (up to 9 places)
€ 12.00 camper
€ 20.00 busses
€ 4.00 less than 2 hours parking
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shuttle service Ponticello - Prato Piazza:
€ 5.50 per person (from 10 years)
€ 5.50 dogs
free for children under 10 years
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ascent with own vehicle:
€ 10.00 cars (up to 9 places)
€ 30.00 vehicles (10-20 places)
€ 8.00 motorcycles
€ 7.00 people with disabilities (with card)
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ascent with own vehicle - after 3 pm:
€ 7.00 cars (up to 9 places)
€ 20.00 vehicles (10-20 places)
€ 6.00 motorcycles
€ 5.00 people with disabilities (with card)
More information
The private shuttle bus runs up to the Prato Piazza approximately every 30 minutes from 9.35 am to 4.35 pm, and back down approximately every 30 minutes from 10.05 am to 5.05 pm (journey time: 15 minutes).
Access is prohibited year-round for private coaches (20 seats or more) and camper vans. The road may only be used with winter tyres or snow chains!
