Braies
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Latest page update: 24 May 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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Where to Stay
Where to Stay in Braies
Braies offers a small but high-quality selection of established hotels, centred around its famous Lago di Braies, one of the most photographed lakes in the Dolomites. The area provides direct access to scenic walking trails and mountain routes, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Hotel Lago di Braies, positioned directly on the lake’s shore, is the most iconic place to stay, offering historic charm, traditional alpine interiors, and unparalleled views across the water (€€€). Hotel Trenker, located just below the lake, provides comfortable modern rooms, a wellness area with sauna and whirlpool, and a restaurant serving regional specialities (€€€). Hotel Erika, set in the village of Ferrara di Braies, features spacious rooms, excellent cuisine, and a family-run atmosphere praised for its friendly service (€€).
Hotel Lago di Braies, positioned directly on the lake’s shore, is the most iconic place to stay, offering historic charm, traditional alpine interiors, and unparalleled views across the water (€€€). Hotel Trenker, located just below the lake, provides comfortable modern rooms, a wellness area with sauna and whirlpool, and a restaurant serving regional specialities (€€€). Hotel Erika, set in the village of Ferrara di Braies, features spacious rooms, excellent cuisine, and a family-run atmosphere praised for its friendly service (€€).
Where is
Where is Braies?
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The village of Braies is situated within the Province of South Tyrol, at an elevation of 1,496 metres above sea level. It's located 97 kilometres north east of Bolzano, the provincial capital of South Tyrol, and has a population of around 650 inhabitants.
The main sight is Lake Braies while nearby places of interest include Lake Dobbiaco, San Candido and Brunico. |
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Comune di Braes
Gemeinde Prags
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Province: Bolzano
Region: Trentino Alto Adige South Tyrol Population: 697 (in 2024 - source) Size: 89 km² Elevation: 1,496 metres Close by: Lake Braies, Lake Dobbiaco, San Candido, Brunico Recommended accommodation: Hotel Erika |
What People Ask About Braies, Trentino-Alto Adige
Is Braies worth visiting?
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Discover
Discover Braies
Braies is a mountain village in Trentino-Alto Adige/South Tyrol, located within the Val di Braies in the eastern Dolomites. Set at the entrance to the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Natural Park, it lies among dense forests and alpine pastures surrounded by high limestone peaks. The settlement is small and traditional, with wooden chalets and farmhouses scattered across the valley floor.
The area is best known for Lake Braies, one of the most photographed lakes in the Dolomites, with clear emerald water and reflections of the surrounding mountains, including the Croda del Becco. Walking paths circle the lake and lead into the park’s wider trail network, connecting to routes towards Prato Piazza and Sennes. Braies also features the Church of San Vito, a historic landmark in the upper valley. Road access links it conveniently with Dobbiaco, Villabassa, and the Alta Pusteria region.
The area is best known for Lake Braies, one of the most photographed lakes in the Dolomites, with clear emerald water and reflections of the surrounding mountains, including the Croda del Becco. Walking paths circle the lake and lead into the park’s wider trail network, connecting to routes towards Prato Piazza and Sennes. Braies also features the Church of San Vito, a historic landmark in the upper valley. Road access links it conveniently with Dobbiaco, Villabassa, and the Alta Pusteria region.
Things to Do
Things to Do in Braies
- Centro Storico di Braies is a small mountain village where quiet lanes wind among wooden chalets and traditional Tyrolean houses. Sloping roofs, carved balconies, and colourful flower boxes give the buildings a picturesque charm. The village sits in a green valley surrounded by forests and towering Dolomite peaks. Its atmosphere is peaceful, offering a tranquil escape into alpine life.
- Chiesa Parrocchiale di San Vito stands as Braies’ parish church, with a modest exterior and an inviting interior. Inside are wooden altars, religious paintings, and elegant decorations typical of South Tyrolean craftsmanship. The church remains central to local religious life and community gatherings. It’s a peaceful place to visit during a stroll through the village.
- Piazzetta di Braies serves as the village’s small social hub, edged with traditional buildings and local shops. Locals gather here for conversations, markets, and festive events. Benches and flower planters bring colour and warmth to the space. The square reflects the gentle pace of daily life in the mountains.
- Lago di Braies is the crown jewel of the area, known for its turquoise waters surrounded by dramatic limestone peaks. Wooden boats glide across the lake’s mirror-like surface, creating a scene of extraordinary beauty. Walking trails circle the shore, offering stunning views at every turn. The lake is popular year-round for both peaceful walks and photography.
- Guided alpine excursions from Braies include hikes through the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, exploring forests, alpine meadows, and panoramic ridges. Local guides share knowledge about the region’s flora, fauna, and geological wonders. Routes vary from gentle walks to more demanding treks. It’s an unforgettable way to discover Braies’ natural splendour.
Tours and Activities
Braies Tours and Activities
Photo Gallery
Braies Photo Gallery
Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol Top 10 - My Recommended Destinations
1. Lake Braies
2. Trento
3. Bolzano
4. Val Gardena
5. Riva del Garda
6. Lake Tenno
7. Bressanone
8. Rovereto
9. Glorenza
10. San Candido
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
1. Lake Braies
2. Trento
3. Bolzano
4. Val Gardena
5. Riva del Garda
6. Lake Tenno
7. Bressanone
8. Rovereto
9. Glorenza
10. San Candido
👉 Explore the Top 10 Places to Visit in Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol
How to Get to [Place Name]
How to Get to Braies
By Rail: Braies does not have its own railway station. The nearest station is in Villabassa, about 10 kilometres away, on the Fortezza–San Candido line. From Villabassa, regional trains connect to Bolzano in around 2 hours and to Fortezza in about 40 minutes, where high-speed services run to Verona, Innsbruck, and beyond. From the station, travel to Braies is possible by car, taxi, or local bus services that operate regularly during the summer months.
By Road: The village is located in the Val di Braies, in the northern Dolomites. From Dobbiaco, the distance is about 12 kilometres, taking roughly 20 minutes by car. From Brunico, the journey is approximately 30 kilometres and takes about 35 minutes. From Bolzano, the distance is around 110 kilometres, with a driving time of about 1 hour and 50 minutes via the A22 motorway and SS49. Parking is available near the lake and at the entrance to the nature park.
Nearest International Airports:
By Road: The village is located in the Val di Braies, in the northern Dolomites. From Dobbiaco, the distance is about 12 kilometres, taking roughly 20 minutes by car. From Brunico, the journey is approximately 30 kilometres and takes about 35 minutes. From Bolzano, the distance is around 110 kilometres, with a driving time of about 1 hour and 50 minutes via the A22 motorway and SS49. Parking is available near the lake and at the entrance to the nature park.
Nearest International Airports:
- Bolzano Airport: Located about 110 kilometres from Braies, with a driving time of around 1 hour and 50 minutes. It offers regional and seasonal European flights.
- Innsbruck Airport: Approximately 125 kilometres away, the journey takes about 2 hours. It serves a range of European destinations and is convenient for travellers arriving from northern Europe.
- Venice Marco Polo Airport: Roughly 190 kilometres from Braies, with a driving time of about 3 hours. It is a major international hub with extensive European and intercontinental connections.
Private Transfers
Braies Private Transfers
A private transfer provides a comfortable way to reach Braies, a scenic area in the Dolomites known for its famous alpine lake, or to continue your journey to other destinations in South Tyrol and northern Italy. You’ll be collected from your chosen location and taken directly to your destination by a professional driver, without the need to organise public transport or navigate mountain roads.
From Braies, transfers can connect you with Bolzano Airport, with longer routes also available to Venice Marco Polo Airport, Innsbruck Airport, and Verona Villafranca Airport. They are equally convenient for shorter trips to nearby towns such as Dobbiaco, San Candido, and Villabassa, or for travelling further across South Tyrol and the Dolomites.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
From Braies, transfers can connect you with Bolzano Airport, with longer routes also available to Venice Marco Polo Airport, Innsbruck Airport, and Verona Villafranca Airport. They are equally convenient for shorter trips to nearby towns such as Dobbiaco, San Candido, and Villabassa, or for travelling further across South Tyrol and the Dolomites.
To request a quote or check availability for a private transfer, just fill out the short form below and we’ll get back to you with all the details.
