An underpass marks the transition from the Upper Val Pusteria into the Valle di Braies. Right at the entrance to the valley, you can see the farms of Porcara (Schweinberg) scattered across the mountain slopes. Further on, the houses of the small village line the road. At the hamlet of Segheria (Säge), the valley divides: If you drive or hike straight on into the valley towards Braies di Dentro, you will reach the turn-off for the Prato Piazza and the end of the valley with Lake Braies.

To the left, however, the road leads to Braies Vecchia, a historic health resort in South Tyrol, which flourished around the turn of the 20th century. At that time, famous personalities were frequent visitors, coming to alleviate autonomic nervous system disorders and circulatory problems at the Hirschbrunnen - the Deer Fountain - or the Augenquelle - the Eye Spring.

A spa was mentioned as early as 1490: The 9-degree Celsius spring is proven to contain calcium, sulphate, and magnesium. After the World Wars, however, the facility, set amidst meadows, fell into increasing disrepair. Today, Braies Vecchia (Altprags) is a popular starting point for the hike to the Putzalm Hut in the Braies Dolomites, at the transition between Braies and Villabassa.

There is also plenty to discover in winter: a snowshoe tour up the Monte Specie mountain, cross-country skiing on the Prato Piazza high-altitude trail, or a walk along the snow-covered Lake Braies. Braies Vecchia even has its own small skiing area with three pistes and a restaurant where you can warm up with a hot drink. It is part of the 3 Zinnen Dolomites Ski Resort.