Lago di Braies at a glance
Lago di Braies, known in German as the Pragser Wildsee, is a turquoise lake below steep rock walls in the Prags valley in South Tyrol. Looking at the lake is free, and a path leads around it. What needs planning is the road: in summer 2026 a time-limited access rule applied, and parking is paid and limited.
This page covers the 2026 summer rule, the combined ticket, bus 442, the car parks and the lake path. At the end you will find two day trips from Venice that include the lake, and a note on how they differ. For the neighbouring rock towers, see Tre Cime di Lavaredo.
Our picks: day trips that name Lake Braies
Our take: both options are day trips from Venice. The minivan trip for up to 8 guests includes the Lake Braies entry fees, while the other listing names only the air-conditioned vehicle as inclusion.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide and Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Dolomites day from Venice by air-conditioned vehicle
- Air-conditioned vehicle
A day trip from Venice that names Lake Braies and Tre Cime in the listing. The only inclusion listed is the air-conditioned vehicle.
Check availability →
Dolomites day trip from Venice by minivan
- Driver-guide
- Minivan, max 8 guests
- Lake Braies entry fees
A day trip from Venice, not a start in South Tyrol. A snowmobile ride to Monte Piana, offered only in winter, costs €30 on the day.
Check availability →Lago di Braies day trips
Two day trips from Venice that include the lake, one in a minivan for up to 8 guests, with live prices and availability.
Access rules in summer 2026
What applied between 1 July and 15 September.
In summer 2026 the road into the valley followed a time-limited rule from 1 July to 15 September, between 9:00 and 16:00. In those hours you could reach the lake on a public bus, on foot, by bike, or with an online reservation or a passage permit. The municipality published the permit details on 10 June 2026.
Since 16 September 2026 no such seasonal valley rule has applied. Arriving early does not guarantee you a space in a car park, so do not rely on it. Rules for the next summer can differ, so check the municipality's notice before you travel. Our season guide shows how the lake fits into the seasons.
Combined ticket
Passage, parking and a voucher, but not an entry ticket.
The combined ticket costs 44 EUR. It covers the passage, a guaranteed parking space and a 22 EUR voucher. The voucher applies only when you book in advance, not when you book on the same day. It is not an entry ticket: looking at the lake is free, and the ticket pays for the access and the parking space. We do not give general prices for all car parks.
Bus 442 to Lago di Braies
The public way in.
Bus 442 runs from Toblach via Niederdorf to the lake. During the summer rule an online reservation was needed. Since 16 September the Mobilcard or the Guest Pass is valid on the line, and no reservation is needed. The Guest Pass comes only from taking part accommodation and is part of the room price. For the card and its limits, see how to get to South Tyrol.
Line 442 is one of the lines that fell outside the Mobilcard during 1 July to 15 September 2026, so look at the current conditions for any later date.
Parking at the lake
Three car parks at different distances.
The nearest car park, P4, is about 100 m from the lake. P3 is about 300 m away and P2 about 800 m. All three charge a fee, and we list no tariffs, so check the current price at the car park. Because arriving early guarantees no space, the combined ticket is the only way listed to secure one.
Around the lake
Path, rules and access.
The path around the lake was open when this page was last updated, but conditions can change, so look at the current notices at the lake. One side has steps, so the path is not fully suitable for wheelchairs. Private boats and stand-up paddleboards are not allowed. The visitor information asks guests not to swim, and you should follow the signs on the shore.
Bring a jacket, since the lake lies below tall cliffs. If you want a second stop on the same day, the Tre Cime page explains the toll road and its rules.
Two day trips from Venice that include the lake
They look similar but list different things.
Minivan trip for up to 8 guests
This trip starts at Piazzale Roma in Venice and runs in a Mercedes minivan for a maximum of 8 guests. It includes a driver-guide, the entry fees at the lake and Wi-Fi on board. Food and drink are extra. In winter a snowmobile ride with a local driver is optional and costs 30 EUR on the day.
Trip with an air-conditioned vehicle
The trip with the air-conditioned vehicle also visits the lake and the Tre Cime. Its listing names only an air-conditioned vehicle as included and gives no meeting point, so ask the provider about the start, meals and any fees before you book. We say nothing more about it than the listing does.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a reservation for Lago di Braies?
In summer 2026 the access rule applied from 1 July to 15 September between 9:00 and 16:00, and in those hours you needed to come by bus, on foot, by bike or with an online reservation or permit. Since 16 September no such rule has applied. Check the notice for the next season.
Is there an entry fee for the lake?
Looking at the lake is free. The combined ticket for 44 EUR covers passage and a parking space, and it is not an entry ticket.
Can I swim or take a boat on the lake?
Private boats and stand-up paddleboards are not allowed. The visitor information asks guests not to swim, so follow the signs at the shore.
How do I get to the lake without a car?
Bus 442 runs from Toblach via Niederdorf. Since 16 September the Mobilcard or Guest Pass is valid on it. See our getting there page for the details of the card.