Find A Villa In South Tyrol & Explore This Stunning Alpine Lake

If you're looking to vacation in Italy and to go hiking and take in stunning mountain views, then you could choose no better holiday destination than South Tyrol. Browse our vacation rentals in South Tyrol and come explore this northern region of Italy with its backdrop of towering snow-capped peaks in the Alps, idyllic rolling green valleys full of wildflowers, cute little Alpine villages with traditional cabins and chalets, excellent ski resorts, wonderful hiking routes, and impossibly beautiful landscapes. Among all of the natural gems that one can discover if they have found a villa in South Tyrol and are taking the time to thoroughly investigate the area, one of the most breathtaking and astounding sights has to be Pragser Wildsee.

Pragser Wildsee, also known as Lake Prags and Lake Braies, is often called the, “Pearl of the Alps,” and is a lake in the Prags Dolomites in South Tyrol. Due to the emerald green/blue colour of the lake and the surrounding beauty of the trees, mountains, and little beaches that frame the lake, it has become a major tourist attraction for those who wish to immerse themselves in nature and hike in an incredibly scenic destination. There are paths leading all around the banks of the lake that can be readily tackled by any hiker, no matter their level of skill or experience, and the loop takes just 90 minutes in total.

On the west bank the path is largely flat and wide, while the east back is steeper and narrower, with some staircases but the route is very doable overall. During the winter this path may be partially closed, particularly the east path, as there is frequent risk of avalanche in the area but as the surface of the lake is usually frozen over at this time of the year, it may be possible to take sections of the route over the ice. As a general rule, we would recommend undertaking the walk as a whole in spring, summer, or autumn as the conditions are more favourable and the trek is more pleasant without having to slog through snow, brave the ice, or fear avalanches, even if it remains fully open. Spring, with its wildflowers, and autumn, with its golden hues, and the milder weather of both seasons probably make the most enjoyable times of the year to do this hike.

However, those looking for a bit of adventure or who find themselves unperturbed by sweating under the hot summer sun, can readily take on the route in winter and summer, provided that it remains open. Just be sure to come prepared for the weather conditions of the season when you visit and heed any notices or signs with warnings and current information when you arrive. Furthermore, if you want to come and just enjoy the views, you can easily drive to the area and stop at vantage points to take it in and snap some commemorative photos. Those looking to use public transport to get to the lake can take bus route 442 from Dobbiaco/Villabassa. Browse our villas in South Tyrol and plan your visit to this impeccable beauty today!

If you are interested in seeing the scenery of the stunning Pragser Wildsee and want to follow the loop around the banks but are also looking for a bit more of a hike, you can hike to the lake itself before doing the trail around it. There are two different options. The first is the Viktor Wolf Edler von Glanvell route from the Segheria parking lot in Schmieden in the Pragser Tal Valley, which leads to the lake, is 4.8km long, and takes around 90 minutes. Open also in winter, this trail has information panels along the route on the pioneering Alpine climber and developer of the local Braies Dolomites for whom it is named. An easy trail, it is suitable for families and the elderly. The other option, meanwhile, runs from Villabassa to the lake and starts at the train station in Villabassa, following path 1 past farms and on to Schmieden and the Pragser Tal Valley, before merging with the Wolf Edler von Glanvell trail. Also open in winter and also suitable for families and the elderly, this route is 11km long and takes approximately three hours.

So, if you want to take in the most beautiful scenery you will ever see and are looking for more family-friendly or approachable hiking options, browse our vacation rentals in South Tyrol and come visit the stunning Pragser Wildsee in Italy!