How to visit Lago di Braies without the stress: travel tips
Planning a trip to the Dolomites? Here's what to know before visiting Lago di Braies — and how to enjoy the experience without food stress, guilt or overwhelm.
There’s a reason Lago di Braies (aka Pragser Wildsee) is all over Instagram, it’s one of the most photographed lakes in the Italian Dolomites. But without a bit of planning, it can feel less magical and more hectic. Behind the picture-perfect scenes are crowds, parking confusion that can make or break your experience.
I visited Lago di Braies during a Northern Italy trip and wanted to share a few tips that helped me enjoy the day, minus the stress. If you're someone who loves movement, a good meal, and flexibility over perfection, this one's for you.
1. Go early (yes, really early)
The lake gets busy quickly, especially between July and September. We arrived just before 8am and it made all the difference. The water was still, the crowds hadn’t arrived, and we were able to hire a rowing boat without a long queue.
If you’re coming in peak season, try to get there before 8:30am
Sunrise (if you're nearby) would be stunning and quiet
The carpark fills quickly, and you’ll enjoy the walk a lot more without weaving through crowds
2. Know the parking situation ahead of time
This part might surprise you, during the busy season (usually mid-July to early September), private cars are restricted between 9:30am and 4pm.
Here’s what you need to know:
Pre-book your parking at one of the main car parks (P1, P2 or P3), parking is only around €6 for 3 hours, with small hourly fees after that at lots like P3 and P4
If you arrive during restricted hours without a reservation, cars are turned back. You’ll need to park farther away and either walk, bike or take a shuttle from the nearby villages
If you’re staying in the Braies Valley, your accommodation might offer a permit or shuttle access
3. Hiring a wooden rowing boat is 100% worth it
These classic boats are what you’ve seen in those famous Instagram shots — and yes, they’re just as magical in real life.
The boats are made of wood, with cross-seat oars
You can’t pre-book, and can hire them for 30 or 60 minutes (expect around €25–€50 depending on private/shared options and duration)
It’s peaceful, calming and gives you a whole new perspective of the lake
Just be prepared, it’s upper-body work! We had a few laughs with our inability to get the boat moving in the direction we wanted it to go! But, still absolutely worth it!
4. The loop walk is gentle and beautiful
The full walk around the lake is around 3.6km and takes about an hour if you take it slow. It’s more of a scenic stroll than a hike, with a few uneven sections and stairs.
Runners or sneakers are fine
Walk clockwise for better light in the morning (I didn’t know this beforehand!)
There are benches and stop spots for breaks, photos or a quiet moment
This is movement for your mind, not just your body. If you usually equate travel with being “off track,” this is your reminder: you don’t have to earn your food with steps.
5. Surprisingly great food options on-site
After walking the lake loop, we stopped at the lakeside hotel restaurant, and honestly it was a good pick!
They offered a buffet-style meal where you choose your protein and two sides
It felt balanced, satisfying and perfect for refuelling
You can sit inside or out, with a view of the lake and mountains
If you're someone who worries about food options while travelling, this was a great example of finding flexibility, not perfection.
Final tips for a balanced Dolomites day:
Bring water – there aren’t refill stations around the loop
Reception is patchy, so download maps or info in advance
Want more travel inspo? Check out my 16 days in the Canadian Rockies
You don’t need to “start over” after travel.
This day reminded me why flexible nutrition works so well, even on the other side of the world.
Movement, food and adventure can exist without the all-or-nothing mindset.
If you want help building more freedom into your food routine, start with my 6- or 8-week meal plans or Build My Diet assessment.
Curious about more simple nutrition tips? Join me at Flex Food Life and join my Facebook group community for real, practical advice that fits into your lifestyle!
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