The lake was formed by a landslide from the Sennes massif blocking the Braies stream.
During the final days of WWII, the site was the destination for a prisoner transfer of 141 prominent concentration camp inmates from across Europe.
The peak overlooking the lake, the Seekofel (Croda del Becco), is known in Ladin legend as the 'Gate to the Underworld'.
Lake Braies reached significant international popularity after serving as the primary filming location for the Italian television series 'Un passo dal cielo'.
The lake water remains near freezing year-round, typically hovering around 10-12 degrees Celsius even in mid-summer.
Lake Braies is an alpine lake situated at 1,496 meters above sea level within the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park in the South Tyrol region of Italy. The lake is fed by underground springs and glacial melt, characterized by its distinctive emerald-green color. A 3.6-kilometer circuit trail encircles the lake, passing through dense pine forests and rocky terrain. The southern end features a secluded pebble beach beneath the steep, vertical walls of the Seekofel mountain. Historically, the lake served as a notable site during the final days of World War II, when prisoners from various nations were liberated there. Boating remains the primary recreational activity, with traditional wooden rowboats available for rental at the historic boat dock. The shoreline hosts a historic hotel originally constructed in 1899, which retains its late-19th-century alpine architecture. Access to the Braies Valley is regulated during peak summer months to manage vehicle traffic.
The wooden boat house dock at the northern shore provides the iconic framing of the water and the Seekofel peak.
Reserve your parking permit online well in advance if visiting between June and September to ensure entry into the valley.
The circuit trail includes a steep, narrow section on the eastern shore; ensure you wear sturdy hiking boots rather than sandals.
Arrive early in the morning to capture the lake's surface when it is most calm and clear of boat-generated ripples.
Attempting to drive your own vehicle to the lake during peak July and August days without a pre-booked parking reservation, as local access roads are frequently closed to unauthorized traffic.
Road access to the lake is subject to strict traffic restrictions and mandatory pre-booking for parking vehicles during summer months.
Stay on marked trails to protect the fragile alpine vegetation; swimming is generally discouraged due to the extreme water temperatures.
