Easy hikes and walks around Naturpark Fanes-Sennes-Prags - Parco Naturale Fanes-Sennes-Braies

beautiful, but the parking lot is extremely expensive

wonderful, but the parking lot is extremely expensive

Lake Braies, also known as the "Pearl of the Dolomite Lakes" (Italian: Lago di Braies), is a stunning mountain lake in South Tyrol, Italy, nestled within the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park. It is located in the Pragser Valley (Alta Pusteria) in the Dolomites. The lake is located at approximately 1,494 to 1,496 meters above sea level. It is famous for its crystal-clear, emerald-green to turquoise-blue water. The color is created by the reflection of light off the finest limestone particles from the Dolomite rocks. It is framed by imposing mountain peaks, particularly the mighty Seekofel massif (2,810 m), which rises majestically on the southern shore. The lake was formed naturally by a mudslide or landslide that blocked the river's course, thus forming a natural dam.

The hotel at Lake Braies, officially known as the Hotel Lago di Braies, is a historic Art Nouveau building located in an exclusive and idyllic location directly on the lake's shore. It lies in the heart of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park and has been owned by the same family for generations. The hotel opened in 1899, commissioned by tourist Eduard Hellenstainer. In April 1945, the hotel was the scene of a historic event: high-ranking SS hostages were housed here after their liberation. Documents relating to this incident are collected in the hotel's contemporary history archive.

The lake is located at an altitude of 1,117 meters south of Toblach. It was formed in the past by several rockfalls that formed its natural basin. The water is crystal-clear and is fed primarily by the Rienza River. With a surface area of approximately 14 hectares, it is relatively small and shallow. The maximum depth is only 3.5 meters. The lake is a popular destination throughout the year and offers a wide range of recreational opportunities.

Perspective frames the mountains.

A beautiful boardwalk leads through the Tiblacher See nature reserve. Several guides explain the natural surroundings, such as the fish and birds that live there and the different types of snakes (don't worry, they're all very shy, and if you see one, you're in luck).

Lake Braies (Italian: Lago di Braies) lies at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters in the Prags Valley, a side valley of the Puster Valley. It is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the region and is often called the "Pearl of the Dolomites" due to its clear, emerald green to turquoise-blue shimmering water. Surrounded by steep rock faces and dense forests, the lake offers an impressive natural backdrop and is one of the most photographed motifs in South Tyrol. It is approximately 1.2 kilometers long, up to 36 meters deep, and can be circumnavigated on foot in about an hour on a scenic circular path. Excursions in traditional wooden rowboats are particularly popular in summer, lending the lake a romantic character. In addition to its scenic beauty, the lake also has historical significance, as it was the scene of a liberation of concentration camp prisoners during World War II. An information panel about this is located at the entrance to the Chapel of St. Mary.