The high alpine pasture of Prato Piazza and the emerald green Lake Braies make a holiday in the Braies Valley a true nature experience
The Valle di Braies doesn't really need any explanations, at most an overview: Unforgettable natural spots like Lake Braies at the head of the valley and Prato Piazza high above the valley are known far beyond the borders and attract countless visitors every year. They enjoy the unique beauty of the Braies Dolomites and the hiking paths and cross-country ski tracks in between to the fullest. The lake and the high alpine pasture are located in the heart of the Fanes-Senes-Braies Nature Park: In order to preserve the intact nature here even despite the streams of visitors, a traffic concept is developed every year.
The valley entrance is between Monguelfo and Villabassa in the Val Pusteria, then the road takes you first past the farms of Braies di Fuori (Outer Braies) with the historic spa town of Braies Vecchia (Old Braies) to Braies di Dentro (Inner Braies) where the road leads up to the high plateau of Prato Piazza. The route continues to San Vito with its enchanting little church at the end of the valley, from where it is just a walk or short bike ride to Lake Braies. If possible, it is recommended to experience the entire valley on foot or by bike in the fresh air - alternatively, a bus line runs from one village to the other and to the natural highlights.
Being active is also possible in other ways in Braies, e.g. in the natural climbing gardens around the lake or on a horseback ride starting in San Vito. Above the villages, alpine huts are scattered in the mountain meadows, such as that of Fojedöra and Brusada, all of them accessible within a hike from the valley and the lake. The rest stops of Prato Piazza, in front of the impressive backdrop of Mt. Croda Rossa d'Ampezzo, can be reached more quickly. In winter, the Braies Valley prefers gentle tourism with beautiful cross-country ski tracks on the Prato Piazza and winter hiking trails around Lake Braies. The two ski lifts of Braies Vecchia are part of the 3 Zinnen Dolomites Ski Resort around Dobbiaco and San Candido, reachable in approximately 20 minutes by car.
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