Cappella "Lago di Braies"
1 / 10

Lago di Braies Chapel

4.7
·260 reviews·, Italy

A fairytale-like alpine lake in the Dolomites, famous for its emerald waters, iconic chapel, and surrounding dramatic peaks.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Cappella "Lago di Braies"

Lago di Braies Chapel

Best Time

Early mornings

Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A fairytale-like alpine lake in the Dolomites, famous for its emerald waters, iconic chapel, and surrounding dramatic peaks.

4.7
(260 reviews)

"The view is breathtaking and not many people when I visited (early September) make sure arrive bit early so you don’t need to pay parking."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Arrive Before 10 AM

Beat the crowds and see the boats tied up for a more magical experience.

🚗 Secure Parking Early

Arrive early to guarantee a parking spot and potentially avoid fees.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Chapel

The Iconic Chapel

Lakeshore

A charming, small chapel nestled by the emerald waters, offering a fairytale-like scene.

Emerald Waters

Emerald Waters

Lago di Braies

The stunning turquoise and emerald hues of the lake, reflecting the surrounding dramatic peaks.

Wooden Rowboats

Wooden Rowboats

Lakeshore rental

Glide across the serene lake in a traditional wooden rowboat for an unforgettable experience.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds: Arrive Early!

To experience the magic of Lago di Braies Chapel without the throngs, aim to arrive before 10 AM. This is when the iconic wooden boats are still tied up, creating a more serene atmosphere and better photo opportunities. TikTok

Parking and Access

Parking can be a challenge, especially during peak season. Consider arriving early to secure a spot and potentially avoid parking fees. Reddit

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Serene atmosphere, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light on peaks
Crowd
Medium
When
Autumn
Why
Magical colors, crisp air
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

nothing compares to the dolomites 🥹 #dolomitesitaly #alpedisiusi #forestis #lagodibraies #italianalps #dolomites #italytravel
@lauraleealley
130.1K likes • 898.6K views

🎯 Arrive Before 10 AM

Beat the crowds and see the boats tied up for a more magical experience. TikTok

🚗 Secure Parking Early

Arrive early to guarantee a parking spot and potentially avoid fees. Reddit

Lago di Braies 🇮🇹 #dolomites #lagodibraies #italy #sunrise
@natyexplora
118.5K likes • 1.1M views
The tour around Lago di Braies / Lake Braies is a hiking pleasure for young and old alike and requires no special conditions. It can be done either clockwise or anti-clockwise, as described below. From the Lake Braies hotel, follow a wide path along the lakeshore, past the small chapel to the turn-off to Grünwaldtal. The way so far is also suitable for pushchairs. Once at the southern shore of the...
italy_tripavdisors
65 likes • 3.1K views

🛶 Book Boat Rides

Rent a private wooden boat for a unique perspective; book in advance! TikTok

🥾 Easy Lakeside Hike

The path around the lake is suitable for all ages, offering beautiful views. Instagram

✨ Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee), the “Pearl of the Dolomites” ✨ Tucked away in South Tyrol, this emerald lake is surrounded by towering pines, dramatic peaks, and timeless alpine charm. The little chapel on the shore makes it feel like a scene from a fairytale. 🚤🌲⛰️ Whether you’re rowing across its crystal-clear waters or just soaking in the mountain silence, this place feels like stepping int...
driveandlisten
0 likes • 100 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Arrive Before 10 AM

Beat the crowds and see the boats tied up for a more magical experience. TikTok

🚗 Secure Parking Early

Arrive early to guarantee a parking spot and potentially avoid fees. Reddit

🛶 Book Boat Rides

Rent a private wooden boat for a unique perspective; book in advance! TikTok

🥾 Easy Lakeside Hike

The path around the lake is suitable for all ages, offering beautiful views. Instagram

📸 Capture the Magic

The best light for photos is from morning until about 2 hours before sunset. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.7
(260 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking views and the magical atmosphere of Lago di Braies, especially the picturesque chapel. Many highlight the stunning emerald waters and the opportunity for serene boat rides. Some note that arriving early is essential to avoid crowds and secure parking.

"The view is breathtaking and not many people when I visited (early September) make sure arrive bit early so you don’t need to pay parking"

Elenore

"Beautiful small church"

Tuan Pham

"This Chapel, together with the hotel and the boat renting wooden house, is one the few building you will find at the lake, and integrates very well with the wildlife landscape."

Carlo Scocco

What People Like

Breathtaking views
Emerald waters
Charming chapel

What People Dislike

Crowds during peak times
Parking challenges

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Lago di Braies is located in the South Tyrol region of Italy. The most common way to reach it is by car, with parking available near the lake. Public transport options are limited, but buses do run to the area during certain times of the year. TikTok

Yes, there is parking available, but it can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Arriving early is highly recommended to secure a spot and potentially avoid parking fees. Reddit

Yes, Lago di Braies is beautiful in winter, often frozen and covered in snow, offering a different kind of magical experience. The chapel remains a picturesque sight. Instagram+1

While there isn't a direct public transport route, you can take a train from Venice to Bolzano and then a bus to Lago di Braies. Renting a car offers more flexibility for exploring the Dolomites. Reddit

During peak summer months, access to the lake road might be restricted to private vehicles during certain hours. It's advisable to check local regulations before your visit. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is no specific ticket required to visit the chapel or walk around the lake. However, parking fees may apply, and boat rentals have their own costs. TikTok

Lago di Braies is generally accessible year-round. The surrounding natural beauty is always on display, though amenities like boat rentals and the bistro have specific operating hours. TikTok

Renting a private wooden boat typically costs around €55 and is highly recommended for the experience. It's wise to book this in advance. TikTok

The chapel itself is a place of worship and generally does not have an entrance fee for visitors to admire from the outside or step inside respectfully. Instagram+1

Parking fees are usually in effect, especially during the busy season. Arriving early can sometimes help secure a spot before fees are strictly enforced or to get a better rate. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The best time for photography is from morning until about two hours before sunset, when the water glows its brightest turquoise. Sunrise also offers a magical, less crowded experience. TikTok+1

The small chapel by the shore, the iconic wooden rowboats on the emerald water, and the reflections of the surrounding peaks are prime photography subjects. Instagram+1

Drone usage is often restricted in natural parks and protected areas to preserve the tranquility and wildlife. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain scenery and lake. A polarizing filter can enhance the colors of the water and sky. TikTok

Photographing the boats when they are still tied up in the early morning offers a unique, serene composition. Later in the day, seeing them out on the water provides a different dynamic. TikTok

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake, rent a rowboat, take photos, and visit the charming chapel. In summer, there's a small bistro and a petting zoo for kids. Instagram+1

The path around the lake is generally wide and flat, making it an easy hike suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Instagram

Swimming is generally discouraged and often prohibited to preserve the lake's pristine condition and for safety reasons. TikTok

Dogs are typically allowed on leash around Lago di Braies, allowing them to enjoy the beautiful scenery with their owners. TikTok

There's a small bistro near the chapel for refreshments, and during summer, a petting zoo and a Kugelbahn (ball track) for children. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Lago di Braies offers a wonderful experience for families. The easy, flat path around the lake is perfect for little legs, and the option to rent a rowboat can be a fun adventure. Instagram In the summer season, there's a small bistro for snacks and a petting zoo, which kids usually love. Instagram The overall atmosphere is very welcoming for families looking to enjoy nature.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

This is a photographer's paradise! The iconic chapel, the emerald waters, and the dramatic mountain backdrop provide endless opportunities for stunning shots. Instagram+1 Aim for early mornings or late afternoons for the best light. TikTok+1 Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the water's colors and a wide-angle lens to capture the grandeur of the landscape. TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers

The gentle walk around Lago di Braies is a highlight for nature lovers. The well-maintained path allows for an immersive experience with the stunning alpine scenery. Instagram For those seeking more challenging hikes, the surrounding Dolomites offer numerous trails with breathtaking views, often starting from or passing near the lake. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Enchanting Chapel of Lago di Braies

The small chapel, officially known as the Church of St. John Nepomuk, is a picturesque focal point at Lago di Braies. Built in 1904, its simple yet elegant architecture blends seamlessly with the natural alpine landscape. It's a popular spot for photographers and visitors seeking a moment of tranquility. The chapel's presence adds a touch of fairytale charm to the already stunning scenery, making it an iconic element of the lake's appeal. Instagram+2

Many visitors find the chapel to be a serene and beautiful addition to the lake's natural splendor. Its proximity to the shore and the surrounding mountains creates a postcard-perfect setting. Whether you're admiring it from the water or walking along the shore, the chapel is an integral part of the Lago di Braies experience. Instagram+1

Experiencing the Lake: Boats and Walks

One of the most sought-after experiences at Lago di Braies is renting one of the traditional wooden rowboats. These charming vessels offer a unique perspective of the lake and its dramatic surroundings. While the rental fee can be around €55, many visitors find it to be a worthwhile splurge for the unforgettable memories and photos. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak season. TikTok

For those who prefer to stay on land, the easy walking path that encircles the lake is a delight. This trail is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, allowing everyone to soak in the breathtaking views. The walk provides continuous vistas of the emerald waters, the imposing Croda del Becco peak, and the charming chapel. Instagram+1

During the summer months, families can also enjoy a small bistro for refreshments and a petting zoo, adding to the family-friendly atmosphere. Instagram

Best Times and Seasons to Visit

To truly appreciate the serene beauty of Lago di Braies, timing is key. Arriving early in the morning, ideally before 10 AM, is crucial for experiencing the lake with fewer crowds. This is when the iconic wooden boats are still tied up, creating a more peaceful and photogenic scene. Sunrise also offers a magical, less crowded experience, perfect for photographers. TikTok+2

While summer offers lush greenery and vibrant waters, autumn transforms the landscape into a spectacle of color, making it a magical time to visit with crisp air and fewer tourists. TikTok Winter presents a completely different, yet equally enchanting, vista with the lake often frozen and covered in snow, creating a serene winter wonderland. Instagram+1 The best light for photography is generally from morning until about two hours before sunset, when the water's turquoise hues are at their most brilliant. TikTok

You may also like