How To Get to Lago di Braies (Lake Braies)
- SelfGuidedDolomites Office
- Oct 14
- 5 min read
Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) is one of the Dolomites’ most photographed lakes — turquoise water, wooden boats, and sheer limestone walls. It’s also the official northern trailhead of the Alta Via 1, making it the first step for most hikers exploring this legendary route.
Before lacing up your boots, here’s exactly how to get to Lago di Braies — by car or public transport — from Milan, Bolzano, Cortina d’Ampezzo and Venice.
0 Table of Content
1 Two available Options to get to Lago di Braies
1.1 🚗 Getting to Lago di Braies by Car
Driving is the most convenient way to reach Lago di Braies, especially if you’re starting your Alta Via 1 hike early in the morning.
Directions & Route
Located in the Braies Valley (Val di Braies / Prags) in South Tyrol.
Follow SS49 (Puster Valley road), then turn toward Pragser Tal / Lago di Braies — it’s well signposted.
Several parking lots (P2–P4) are available within walking distance of the lake.
Parking Rules
From mid-July to early September, the access road is restricted between 9 AM and 4 PM. You must book parking in advance on the official Prags website.If not booked, park lower in the valley and take the shuttle bus (runs every 15–20 min).
Pro Tip from our Dolomites Hiking Experts: Arrive before 8 AM for easy parking, fewer crowds, and perfect morning light.
1.2 🚆 Getting to Lago di Braies by Public Transport
If you’re traveling without a car, Lago di Braies is reachable by train + local bus combinations.
The final section is always with Bus 442, running between Dobbiaco / Toblach, Villabassa / Niederdorf, and Lago di Braies.
Key Transport Tips
Check live schedules on Südtirol Mobil.
Closest train stations: Villabassa-Braies / Niederdorf-Prags and Dobbiaco / Toblach.
Summer offers frequent services; winter schedules may be limited.
Combine your trip with a night in Dobbiaco or Villabassa for a relaxed start.
2 Most common routes:
2.1 To Lago di Braies from Milan
By Car
Distance: ~370 km | Time: 4 h
Route: Milan → Verona → Trento → Bolzano → Bressanone → Val Pusteria → Braies Valley → Lago di Braies
Scenic highway drive through Northern Italy and South Tyrol.
By Public Transport
Train from Milano Centrale to Bolzano or Bressanone.
Continue by regional train to Villabassa or Dobbiaco.
Connect via Bus 442 to Lago di Braies.
🕓 Total travel time: 5 – 7 hours (depending on connections). Book on Trenitalia or Trainline.
💡 Tip: Stay overnight in Villabassa or Dobbiaco if starting the Alta Via 1 the next morning.
2.2 To Lago di Braies from Bolzano
By Car
Distance: 100 km | Time: ~1 h 15 min
Route: Bolzano → Bressanone → Val Pusteria → Villabassa → Lago di Braies
A pleasant drive along the scenic Puster Valley.
By Public Transport
Train from Bolzano to Villabassa or Dobbiaco (1 change in Fortezza / Franzensfeste).
Bus 442 from either station to Lago di Braies.
Travel time: 3 – 4 hours.
2.3 To Lago di Braies from Cortina
By Car
Distance: 48 km | Time: ~45 min
Route: Cortina → Dobbiaco → Braies Valley → Lago di Braies.
The drive passes through Tre Cime Natural Park, with incredible views.
By Public Transport
SAD Bus 445: Cortina → Dobbiaco (~50 min).
Bus 442: Dobbiaco → Lago di Braies (~30 min).
Total travel time: 1.5 – 2 hours.
Check Südtirol Mobil for updated bus schedules.
2.4 To Lago di Braies from Venice
Venice is one of the most common entry points for hikers flying into northern Italy — and a great starting place to reach the Alta Via 1 trailhead at Lago di Braies.
By Car
Distance: ~200 km | Time: 3.5 – 4 hours.
Route: Venice → A27 highway toward Belluno → Cortina d’Ampezzo → Dobbiaco → Lago di Braies.
This route offers beautiful mountain views after leaving the plains near Belluno.
Arrive early or book accommodation in Dobbiaco if starting the Alta Via 1 the next morning.
By Public Transport
Train from Venice Santa Lucia or Mestre → Calalzo di Cadore (2.5 – 3 hours).
SAD Bus 30/445 from Calalzo → Cortina d’Ampezzo (~1 hour).
SAD Bus 445 from Cortina → Dobbiaco (~50 min).
Bus 442 from Dobbiaco → Lago di Braies (~30 min).
🕓 Total travel time: 6 – 7 hours.
💡 Tip: If connections are tight, consider spending a night in Cortina d’Ampezzo or Dobbiaco before heading to the lake.
3 Start Hiking the AV1 from Lago di Braies
Lago di Braies marks the beginning of the Alta Via 1, heading toward Rifugio Biella (Seekofelhütte). Most hikers start early in the morning to make the ascent comfortably and enjoy a quiet moment by the lake before crowds arrive.
Quick Tips
Arrive the day before your hike.
Book nearby accommodation in Dobbiaco, Villabassa, or at Hotel Lago di Braies.
Check parking or shuttle restrictions in summer.
Don’t forget to take your classic wooden boat photo before you start walking!
4 Summary Table
Departure | By Car | By Public Transport |
Milan | 4 h via Verona & Bolzano | 5 – 7 h (train + bus 442) |
Bolzano | 1 h 15 min via Bressanone | 3 – 4 h (train + bus 442) |
Cortina | 45 min via Dobbiaco | 1.5 – 2 h (bus 445 + 442) |
Venice | 3.5 – 4 h via Cortina | 6 – 7 h (train + bus 445 + 442) |
5 Final Thoughts
Getting to Lago di Braies, the Alta Via 1 trailhead, is straightforward — whether you drive from Milan, Bolzano, Cortina or Venice. Plan ahead for parking reservations or public transport schedules, especially in high season.
Once you arrive, take time to enjoy this magical turquoise lake before starting your Dolomites adventure — every photo looks like a postcard, and every step marks the beginning of an unforgettable journey on the Alta Via 1.
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