Landed in paradise…that´s my first thought when I saw Lago di Braies (or Lake Prags, Prägser See in German, Lago di Braies in Italian), for the very first time.Of course it depends on your own preference of paradise,but for a mountain lover like me–this place is close to it.The stillness, the calmness of the lake, the mirror reflections of the emerald-blue waters, the astounding presence of the rock face of the Seekofel mountain, (in Italian the Croda del Becco,Ladin Sass dla Porta 2,810m) which is located within the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park in the Dolomites.Only nature can do this effect and leave an impression like this to me.

I was excited to explore the lake surroundings but a bit concerned about the crowds. Lago di Braies is definitely a big tourist magnet here in the Dolomites and thousands of people visited this place even on low seasons .That´s why during summer months, they are imposing traffic control and tourist limitations.

Anyway, this time, we decided to take a leisure walk around the lake.One of the advantage of walking, running or hiking is that you find your own pace. There´s no rush,no time restrictions, except when you are running a marathon or a race.So for me, hiking is my own solitary escape.Sure it can be expensive to reach famous destinations like the Dolomites and those high end cable cars that takes you to the peak in minutes, plus considering the weather factor–but why do people really go through such lengths as exploring in the wilderness?

Last two months ago, I ran a half marathon, I trained myself to do it . I thought hardly what´s keeping me from not doing it.Why not? What are my excuses?I have been a runner now for almost 6 years but I am not really fan of doing races.Then the moment i decided to go for it, my body, my soul, and my heart went through with it.It was a teamwork within myself. I remember the late afternoon runs after work, the exhausting long weekend runs, the strength training, it was also a mental discipline that I built in my system for almost 3 months.I really find time to make time for running in my daily schedule, no excuses.

I wanted to share my running stories while I´m writing this post about Lago di Braies because I saw someone there doing a circuit run.I was really green eyed with jealousy , watching her run like crazy , enjoying the beautiful scenery. I bet it was a good run.I know that the only bad runs are those I did not make.I haven´t packed my running shoes when we visit this lake because the planning was a bit chaotic.We took a bus from Dobbiaco and it was almost an hour drive going up to the mountains. Not to mention the number of tourists who booked the same bus so i thought we can´t afford to make a mistake here.But still, we managed to complete the loop, without the run.

This lake is tucked so hidden up in a mountain,shrouded with mystery, beauty and charm.If you visit South Tyrol, Trentino region and the Natural Park of the Dolomites, not vsiiting this lake is totally waste of your trip.I have seen many beautiful lakes, all are almost at par to the beauty of this place.But when you are in the Dolomites–Lago di Braies is the queen of it.Surrounded by majestic rock mountains, the bluish-green-turkis 77 acres of waters and plunges up to the depth of 36 meters (118 feet).No doubt, it is one of the gems in the Dolomites.

Once we reached the other side going back to where the Hotel and restaurants are, we are greeted with herds of cows, showcasing their huge bells and crowds of tourists ,flocking around it like they´ve never seen a cow in their whole life—-!

The cows are now part of the whole Instagram-mania of this place! I wonder why they are in the banks of the lake where there are no evident grass to graze there.

Like most of the natural parks we´ve visited, Lago di Braies hold as well a mystical legends and myths. They said that Lago di Braies is the gateway to the magical Kingdom of Fanes, which are believed to be the early inhabitants of the Dolomites and that there are 10 tonnes of Gold lying at its bottom.During World War II, it was the destination of the transport of concentration camp inmates to Tyrol from Dachau in Bavaria.

It took us about 2 hours to complete the whole loop around the lake.We saw its beauty from different angles and what a day it was.The hike enough was really interesting,mostly flat starting from the left side with many panoramic vistas. Then comes the stair steps that requires a bit of fitness especially if you are not a walker or a hiker.There are small waterfalls on the walls of the mountain and the backdrop below of the lake is really distracting.

True, this lake is a natural wonder but this lake has serious problem of overtourism.The parking reservation fee alone is 38Euros and during the time of our visit that´s not even summer, the crowds is undeniably thick.While waiting for us bus ride going back to Dobbiaco, we are really alarmed at the long lines of cars, motorbikes and buses all waiting to have a parking slot before entering the lakes vicinity.The lines in the bathrooms were crazy .It was really disturbing because even the expensive cost of food inside the hotel & cafes are totally over the top.

But in the end,I still think that it is worthy to have a glimpse at this place …but maybe better with less crowds.

More of my Spring Dolomites Adventures Here;

Surviving the Coffin Lifts in Sassolungo

Seceda, the majestic Ridgeline in the Dolomites

Alpine Garden in the Dolomites

Thank you for keeping up .Until then, Tschüß!