Braies

The high-altitude pasture of Prato Piazza and the emerald-green Lake Braies make a holiday here a true nature experience

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Video : Braies
At the valley entrance near Braies di Fuori you will find lonely hamlets and the chapel at the Plung Farms at the turn-off to Bagni di Braies Vecchia.
Foto: BS, © Peer
In Bagni di Braies Vecchia, a historic spa village, the first bathhouse dates back to 1490: According to legend, the spring even cured an injured deer.
Foto: BS, © Peer
The hike from Ponticello in Braies Vecchia to the Cavallo or Rossalm Hut, located at 2,164 m a.s.l. in the Braies Dolomites, requires more than 2 hours.
Foto: AT, © Peer
Ferrara di Braies di Dentro, on the other hand, is the main village of the municipality: From here, the road leads up to the Prato Piazza (Plätzwiese).
Foto: AT, © Peer
This high plateau against the backdrop of Mt. Croda Rossa in the Braies Dolomites impresses with its alpine meadows and hiking paths.
Foto: AT, © Peer
On the southern edge of the Prato Piazza is also the Vallandro Hut, a refuge in the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park offering refreshments.
Foto: AT, © Peer
The last of the districts of Braies is enthroned at the end of the valley: San Vito with its little church along the road that leads to Lake Braies.
Foto: BS, © Peer
The colours of the water, the Braies Dolomites and the famous wooden boats make the famous mountain lake an unforgettable highlight.
Foto: AT, © Peer
The building at the beginning of the circular path belongs to the historic rowing boat rental which opens from mid-June to the end of September.
Foto: AT, © Peer
The “beach”… on the right riverbank you reach a picnic area and then, by crossing a scree, the climbing garden with routes up to the grade 7b.
Foto: AT, © Peer
A beautiful winter walk takes you from Ponticello to the Prato Piazza: Beneath the rockfaces of Mt. Picco di Vallandro there’s a small skiing area.
Foto: AT, © Peer
The cross-country ski trails in Braies, such as the Braies Vecchia track and the Ferrara track, are connected to the ones of the Upper Val Pusteria.
Foto: AT, © Peer
At the parking space in Ponticello or Brückele starts the ski tour to Mt. Giovo Grande (2,480 m a.s.l.m), a scenic marvellous experience.
Foto: BS, © Peer
Wonderful also in winter, here seen from high above: In this period you don’t need a permission to reach Lake Braies at the end of the valley.
Foto: MF, © Peer
During the cold months, this lake at 1,500 m a.s.l. freezes, but take care: The layer of ice is not thick enough and not safe for people to walk on it!
Foto: Cara-Foto, © Adobe Stock
View on Mt. Croda del Becco and on the mighty Croda Rossa: The first one towers above the lake, the second one, however, above the Prato Piazza.
Foto: AT, © Peer
In winter, you may explore the high plateau by foot or with the cross-country skis: The Prato Piazza or Plätzwiese cross-country ski track is 5 km long.
Foto: AT, © Peer
video : Cycling tip: Valdaora to Lake Braies
video : Lake Braies

Close to Braies:
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The Valle di Braies valley is known for its impressive landscapes. Its most famous sites include the emerald-green Lake Braies at the head of the valley and the vast high-altitude pasture of the Prato Piazza. Every year, they attract countless visitors who explore the nature of the Braies Dolomites on the numerous hiking trails and cross-country ski tracks.

Both destinations are located in the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park. To protect this unique landscape despite the high number of visitors, traffic to the area is regulated during the high season. The entrance to the valley is located between the villages of Monguelfo and Villabassa. From there, the road leads past the farms of Braies di Fuori and the historic spa of Bagni di Braies Vecchia, or Altprags, to Braies di Dentro.

In the hamlet of Ferrara, the road branches off towards the Prato Piazza. Further into the valley lies San Vito, with its charming church. From here, it is just a short walk or a leisurely cycle ride to the stunning Lake Braies. Exploring the valley on foot or by bicycle is a great option. Alternatively, a bus service connects the villages and the main attractions.

Even away from the most popular trails, Braies has plenty to offer active visitors. This includes natural climbing areas around Lake Braies and horse riding excursions that start from San Vito. In the alpine meadows, huts such as the Fojedöra and Brusada Mountain Huts are welcoming places for a stop - they can be reached on a hike from the valley or the lake. The huts on the Prato Piazza, however, are more easily accessible, set against the impressive backdrop of Mt. Croda Rossa.

In winter, the Braies Valley focuses on gentle activities, with panoramic cross-country ski tracks on the Prato Piazza and winter hiking trails around Lake Braies. The two ski lifts in Braies Vecchia are part of the 3 Zinnen Dolomites Ski Resort near San Candido, which is a 20-minute drive away.

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