A step away from the sky reflected in the waters of Lake Braies, we explore one of the most famous routes in the Dolomites
Today we are “one step away from paradise” immersed in the landscapes that accompany the criminal life of the well-known TV drama. The drama is actually split between the valleys of San Candido, Tre Cime Park and the magnificent Lake Braies. Apart from its TV fame, Lake Braies is one of the most famous glacial lakes in the Dolomites thanks to the white bottom that reflects wonderful colors in the water and the rocky group that surrounds it.
How to get
In Alto Adige on the SS49 between Monguelfo and Villabassa you can divert to the SP47 for Braies and Prato Piazza. After passing the towns of Ferrara and San Vito, where the valley tends to narrow, follow the signs for the lake to the paid parking lot. It should be noted that you can travel along SP47 only if you buy the parking ticket in advance on the special website. During peak summer periods, it is recommended to reach the lake by buses departing from Villabassa or Dobbiaco, reserving seats on the same web portal. Among other valid alternatives we can choose to rent bikes or walk along the cycle/pedestrian path that reaches the lake from the city of Ferrara.
The Ring of Lake Braies
From the car park or bus terminal (1450 m), follow the road south to the large hotel in Braies. Take it to the left to reach the lake shore. You can see a log cabin on the water with a landing stage: it is the famous home of the commander of the Forest Police in the well-known fiction. With your back to the house go past the hotel to take the road that runs along the western shore of the lake. We pass a small chapel on the right and with slight uphills after half an hour we reach a white beach. Here we take the detour that enters Val Foresta to have lunch at Malga Foresta (1590 m). It takes about 45 minutes of walking in total, including the return journey, between the lake shore and the mountain hut. The structure is open for refreshments only from late June to mid-October (Tel. +39 349 5926512).
After leaving the valley, continue on main path 1 to reach the south end of the lake just below its rocky wall Croda da Becco. This mountain with a rounded shape, which enhances the charm of its lake, is jokingly called “el cul de ra Badessa” in reference to Abbey of Ennenberg-Marebbe. The path continues in a wilder way on the east bank where it is necessary to face a short but steep climb below its cliffs Great Apostle and his Tower of the Lord. Let’s skip the detour to Biella refuge on Alta Via Numero Uno and we pass very beautiful panoramic points overlooking the blue waters of the lake before reaching the shores again and ending the route passing the log cabin with a landing stage (1 hour).
