For me, this is actually the most beautiful lake in the world, but I don’t want to exaggerate too much. So let’s stay with the most beautiful of the Alps.
Probably you are asking yourself why I’m that fascinating? I don’t know myself actually. It has a very special atmosphere. When arriving at this lake in the early morning it is still freezing cold the air is humid and white, misty clouds hang deep over the glassy surface of the lake and it is quiet, very quiet. When observing the surrounding more in detail you will be able to catch a glimpse through the clouds of the stunning scenery around the lake, the big, mighty Dolomites with its bizarre pointy peaks as well as the deep green spruce forests at its foot.
I guess now you want to know which lake I am raving about? It is Lake Prags or Lago di Braies in South Tyrol, a turquoise blue mountain lake tucked within the Dolomites which are UNESCO world heritage.
See yourself: the most beautiful lake of the Alps
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In the early morning, we were just sitting on a bench at one end of the lake, starring at this stunning panorama. The clouds slowly started to pass by and the misty atmosphere dissolved more and more by every disappearing cloud. Almost sad that the clouds were gone already, I was surprised by another natural spectacle: the reflexion of the Dolomites in the glassy surface of the lake. Almost like in a mirror you could see all the little details of this mighty mountains. This spectacle can only be seen before the sun starts showing its face. Don’t miss to experience this moment of the most beautiful lake of the Alps!
But this was still not what makes this lake so amazing. After the mystic misty phase and the mirror reflection, the lake will start showing his face in daylight and that means turquoise blue water at its best! Especially in summer Lake Prags shows all different shades of light blue and green. There is a legend about it the colour: It was believed that once upon a time wild people were searching for gold and gemstones in the mountains. The local herdsmen were jealous about the goods of the wild and tried to steal the gold and gems. They didn’t succeed because the wild people were hiding their treasure in the underground sources which run into the lake and gave the turquoise blue colour to Lago di Braies.
Lake Prags is located at 1496 meters of altitude and covers a surface area of 31 ha.
When is the best time to visit?
Unfortunately, this lake is very very famous for tourists and is a real Instagram hype lately. That is why it is very important to visit in the early morning, the best time is before 9 a.m. Yes I know that sounds too early but I promise you will enjoy it so much more than during the day when it is full of people. Just grab some breakfast to go, a blanket and find yourself and your beloved a spot to enjoy your Muesli to go while having the best view of South Tyrol. After first people start arriving between 9 and 10 you can have a freshly brewed coffee and a very delicious home-made cake at the terrace of Hotel Lago di Braies, the only hotel directly at the most beautiful lake of the Alps.
What can I do at the lake?
When visiting Lago di Braies it is mandatory to rent a wooden boat at probably the most famous boat rental on Instagram. From June to September you can rent a boat for half an hour (10 Euros) or an hour (20 Euros) between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. In August the boat rental even starts at 8 a.m. The boats are hand-crafted and made out of wood in order not to harm the beautiful nature.
After a romantic boat tour, you can walk once around the lake which takes more or less an hour and partly gives you the feeling as if you were in Canada.
But be aware that many people beginning from 9 a.m. will have the same idea. Instead, it is also possible to do some hikes starting from the lake. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time to do a longer hike, but I think it must be amazing having the view from the surrounding mountains at the lake.
Where to stay?
There is only one hotel directly at the lake, which is called Hotel Lago di Braies. The location looks truly epic and it must be a great feeling to wake up, step on your balcony and have the lake just right in front of you.
Prices are ok from my point of view but you have to book well ahead because it is fully booked whole year round. Check availability and rates here.
Can I swim in the most beautiful lake of the Alps?
It is allowed to swim in the lake. Although keep in mind that it is a mountain lake at the altitude of 1500 meters and the water is freezing cold. On hot summer days it is possible to do some strokes in the water though.
How to get there?
Lake Prags, the most beautiful lake of the Alps, is located in the Prags Dolomites in South Tyrol, Italy and belongs to the municipality of the town Prags and the easiest way to get there is by car.
The address is:
Pragser Wildsee / Lago di Braies
39030 Prags, Bozen
Are you also fascinated by this lake? Then you should definitely read my post about the best lakes and waterfalls in South Tyrol.
Find some more impressions of the lake in the following pictures!
well described – thanks for the tip 😉
the landscape reflection in the lake looks awesome.
keep on going!
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