The stunning high plateau at more than 2,000 m a.s.l. is a real natural jewel and a popular excurcsion destination
Image gallery: Prato Piazza
On the saddle between Mt. Picco di Vallandro and the 3,146 m high Croda Rossa d'Ampezzo, the wide Prato Piazza (Plätzwiese) is located. It is part of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park and provides a fascinating landscape, ideal for those seeking a natural scenery that has a relaxing impact. The area was able to preserve these precious characteristics. Particularly fascinating is the panoramic view on the surrounding mountains, such as the 3,221 m high Monte Cristallo, the Three Peaks of Lavaredo and the mighty Tofane Group, a mountain massif in the Dolomites.
Close to the Vallandro Hut, the "Sperrwerk Plätzwiese" rises, also known as "Forte Prato Piazza", a ruin of an Austro-Hungarian fortress. It was built to protect the access to the Valle di Landro - and therefore to the Val Pusteria valley - during WWI together with the Landro Fortress. In winter, the high plateau can be explored with snowshoes, the sledge and mountaineering skis. In summer, it is starting point for the hike on Mt. Picco di Vallandro, and destination for tours such as the hike from Carbonin to the Prato Piazza and the MTB tour from Dobbiaco to the Prato Piazza.
In order to protect nature on the high plateau and in the valley - frequently overloaded by the huge volume of visitors -, a traffic concept has been introduced, which includes also Braies and Lake Braies. It changes depending on the season, all year round, however, there's a driving ban for private busses, caravans and campers. In turn, the Prato Piazza boasts excellent bus connections.
Contact info
- Prato Piazza / Plätzwiese (2,000 m a.s.l.) - 39030 - Braies / Prags
- +39 0474 748660
- info@pragsertal.info
Opening times
* Late autumn (November 4 to December 24, 2024):
The Prato Piazza (Plätzwiese) is freely accessible in late autumn. You can drive your car to the car park up there at any time, and access is free of charge. There are no traffic restrictions in the Braies Valley during this period, and you don't need an online reservation.
* Winter (December 25, 2024, to March 30, 2025):**
In winter, access to the Prato Piazza with your own car is only permitted before 10 am and after 3 pm. Access is subject to a fee, and the number of parking spaces at the Prato Piazza is limited to a maximum of 100 vehicles. If the car park is full, you may be denied access. Alternatively, you can park in Ponticello (Brückele) and use the 443 bus or a paid shuttle service to the high plateau.
Admission
ascent with own vehicle:
€ 10.00 cars (up to 9 places)
€ 8.00 motorcycles
€ 7.00 people with disabilities (with card)
ascent with own vehicle - after 3 pm:
€ 7.00 cars (up to 9 places)
€ 6.00 motorcycles
€ 5.00 people with disabilities (with card)
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parking fee at Ponticello (per day):
€ 6.00 cars (up to 9 places)
€ 12.00 camper
€ 20.00 busses
€ 4.00 less than 2 hours parking
More information
The bus line 443 (towards the Prato Piazza) can be used with the guest cards.
