Pure dolomite rock, the clearest water and a legendary history

Gigantic rockfalls at the end of the Braies Valley are responsible for the creation of this incredible postcard motif: by shifting the narrowest point, the water could no longer drain away and built up. Today, the area is surrounded by dense forests, lush alpine meadows and, above all, the striking rock faces of the Dolomites. Even the way to the lake through the manageable and unspoilt Braies Valley is part of the adventure if you come by bike or on foot, for example. You can discover the area around the lake in different ways - whether on leisurely hikes or challenging mountain tours. Water lovers can go on a romantic boat trip and daredevils can dive into the cold water. If the lake freezes over sufficiently in winter, it is ideal for ice skating.

Massive, high, impressive - it dominates the backdrop of Lake Braies.

According to Ladin legend, the gateway to the subterranean parts of the Fanes kingdom was located under the Seekofel - in Ladin "Sas dla Porta". You can get there from the Seekofel via the Dolomites high trail no. 1. Once you reach the summit, hikers are rewarded with a tremendous panorama: of the Rieserferner Group and the mighty three-thousand-metre peaks of the Zillertal Alps, the world-famous Three Peaks, the Lavarella and the Marmolada as well as the Puez and Peitlerkofel to the west. If you look steeply down, you can see the Braies lake. If you have enough stamina, you should definitely plan to climb the 2,810 m high peak when you visit Braies.

With an area of 26,000 hectares, it is the third largest nature park in South Tyrol. The Prato Piazza, the Hohe Gaisl and Lake Braies in the Braies Valley are just some of the scenic highlights, along with the Armentara meadows and the Zehner in Val Badia. Rugged peaks, sheer rock faces, expansive alpine pastures and panoramic plateaus characterize the karstic landscape, which differs greatly from one another both morphologically and aesthetically. Since 2009, the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Dolomites, the highest possible distinction for natural assets. As residents and visitors, we are therefore obliged to take a responsible approach to the protection and sustainable development of the protected area.

The Dürrenstein, the Hohe Gaisl, the Monte Cristallo and the Tofane: if you want to see these Dolomite peaks up close, you have to go to the Prato Piazza - a high alpine pasture at 2,000 m above sea level. Depending on the time of year, you can take a leisurely stroll across the panoramic plateau, climb the surrounding mountain peaks or explore the Prato Piazza on a bike tour. Not only can you see the Three Peaks at a certain point, but you can also enjoy the beauty of the landscape from time to time. In winter, several winter hiking trails lead to the top. For cross-country skiing enthusiasts, a high-altitude trail is groomed through the untouched nature: cross-country skiing up there is just as enjoyable. Once you reach the UNESCO World Heritage panoramic terrace with its unique view of the Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park, you will realize the uniqueness of this special place on earth. Please note that access to Prato Piazza is regulated.