Lake Braies is part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. The popular circular walk around this magical mountain lake is a nature experience for young and old alike, as the entire trail is safely constructed and well signposted. In places, the route runs directly along the lakeshore, whilst in others it winds its way slightly higher up the wooded slopes. Around the lake there are inviting spots to sit and have a picnic, as well as sunny grassy areas for splashing about in the lake.
Reachability
From the A22 Brenner motorway (Brixen-Nord/Pustertal exit), follow the Pustertal state road to Welsberg. After passing the bypass, turn right into the Pragser Valley and follow the signs to Pragser Wildsee. At the end of the valley, we park in public car park 3 at the Hotel Pragser Wildsee (3 reserved spaces for people with disabilities). Due to the high volume of visitors, a road closure has been introduced; we therefore ask hikers to check with Prags Parking Braies in advance.
Description
Starting from the historic Hotel Pragser Wildsee, we begin our circular walk along the left bank of the lake: right at the start, in summer, there is a rental service for nostalgic wooden rowing boats (not accessible). From here, the wide footpath leads us along the lakeshore over two small hills (>10%) to the nearby narrow end of the lake, which we cross via a small wooden bridge. After a welcoming bench with a view of the lake, the now narrower footpath continues to a beautiful viewpoint with several groups of tables and benches. This is where the short accessible section for wheelchair users ends. The paved path now leads uphill through a steeper section of woodland. Here, the path narrows slightly, hugging the imposing rock faces and climbing high above the lake, before winding its way back down to the lake in a few hairpin bends. Once at the bottom, the route continues along the lake shore, passing several small beaches. Finally, we reach the largest rest area with comfortable tables and benches and a toilet (not wheelchair accessible). Our walk now takes us back along a wide forest track through sparse coniferous woodland to our starting point.
Families:
The circular walk is ideal for families: the route is easy for children to manage and offers plenty to discover. The first section of the path on the right-hand side of the lake (forest track) to the southern shore is suitable for pushchairs, whereas the second section on the left-hand side of the lake is too steep and has too many steps.
Accessibility:
From the Hotel Pragser Wildsee, only a few hundred metres of the footpath on both sides are wheelchair accessible: on the left side of the lake, the first section of the path up to a lovely viewpoint overlooking the lake is accessible with assistance. On the right side of the lake, too, the first section of the path up to a small beach behind the church is easily accessible. After that, the path becomes too steep.
