Lake Braies - the jewel of the Dolomites

A pearl of the Dolomite lakes

Lago di Braies / Pragser Wildsee is one of the most beautiful lakes in Italy. Located at an altitude of about 1,500 m above sea level in the picturesque Alta Pusteria / Hochpustertal, the mountain lake captivates with its turquoise-green colour and the imposing Seekofel massif (2,810 m) that surrounds it.

Lake Braies is an attraction for recreation seekers, nature lovers and hikers, in both summer and winter. The lake, with an average depth of 17 m, measures 36 m at its lowest point. Even though Braies lake is listed amongst the bathing lakes of South Tyrol, only a few hardy people dare to jump into the cool waters.

Origins
Lake Braies in Italy originated when gigantic rock towers plunged down and laid the valley at its narrowest point. From the water that collected behind it, Lake Braies, a so-called damming lake, which has no visible outflow. The water flows underground at the lowest point and then only much further down in the valley returns to the surface. However, if you believe the legend, the lake was created when savages once mined for gold here. The shepherds who lived here were jealous and tried to steal these treasures. They were unsuccessful, because the savages opened underground springs and sunk all the wealth in the resulting lake.