Visiting Lago di Braies, Italy: Pearl of the Dolomites

Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee in German) is an alpine lake in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park. More specifically, Lago di Braies is located in Braies Valley (Valle di Braies in Italian, Pragser Tal in German), a side valley of Upper Puster Valley in South Tyrol, Italy.

Braies Lake lies at the foot of the north face of Croda del Becco (Seekofel in German, Sass dla Porta in Ladin), a towering massif (2,810m), which creates the jaw-dropping, picture-perfect backdrop of Lago di Braies. There’s a reason it’s called the Peal of the Dolomites. And like any declared “pearls,” Lago di Braies is not a secret. 

To enjoy this iconic Dolomites lake in person, it’s best to set expectations right here and right now. First, you won’t be alone…not at 5 am and not at 5 pm. Second, like any place that has gained popularity on Instagram, people come here for the “photo.” And, contrary to what photos will have you believe, Lago di Braies isn’t a tranquil destination, where you can contemplate the meaning of life, whilst bathing in the soft morning light.

The good news is that you can visit Lake Braies (with all the people), and then continue exploring the vicinity, knowing that you’ll leave them all behind. From Lago di Braies, you can hike to Lake Hochalpensee (2254 m) and Hochalpenkopf (2542 m). You can also tackle the demanding summit hikes to Seekofel (2810 m), Herrnstein (2447 m), and Grosser Rosskopf (2559 m). Enjoy the lake by all means. But, let Lago di Braies be the starting point for an exciting crowd-free adventure.

In this complete guide to visiting Lago di Braies, we’ll outline everything you need to know about when to visit, what to see and do (e.g. renting a boat), where to hike, where to eat, and how to get here (by car and by transit).

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Lago di Braies Dolomites Map

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Where is Lago di Braies

Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee in German) is located in Valle di Braies (Pragser Tal) Valley in the Braies (Prags) Dolomites. Braies Valley is a side valley of Val Pusteria (Pustertal) in South Tyrol in Northeastern Italy.

Lake Prags is one of the main attractions of the Alta Pusteria Dolomites region.

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How to Get to Lago di Braies

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Car

The easiest way to get to Lake Braies is by car. There are several car parks located 200-400 meters away from the lake.

Here are the driving distances and times to Lake Braies from nearby towns and cities:

• San Candido, Val Pusteria: 21 km, 23 minutes
• Dobbiaco, Val Pusteria: 16 km, 18 minutes
• Cortina d’Ampezzo: 46 km, 50 minutes
• Bolzano: 101 km, 1:30 hours
• Ortisei, Val Gardena: 91 km, 1:30 hours
• Venice: 200 km, 3 hours

When planning your trip, please note that there are vehicle restrictions in Braies Valley from July 10th through September 10th to reduce the amount of traffic in the area during peak summer season. Below, we’ll explain how to plan ahead and avoid these restrictions.

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Driving Regulations in Pragser Tal Valley

Between July 10th and September 10th, driving access to Lago di Braies is restricted between 9:30 am and 4 pm.

That means that you can still drive to Lago di Braies before 9:30 am, or after 4 pm.

During the day, Lake Braies can only be reached by public transportation, on foot, by bicycle, or on presentation of an online reservation, or a valid transit permit.

If you’re planning on visiting Lake Prags between 9:30 am and 4 pm (July 10 – September 10), pre-book your parking.

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How to Pre-Book Parking at Lago di Braies

Because different car parks are managed by different parties, there are a few different ways to book parking.

Parking Area P4. This is the car park managed by Hotel Lago di Braies. It’s the closest parking area to the lake. You can book a day-stay ticket on pragsparking.com for 38 EUR. This includes passage to the car park (anytime of day), a reserved parking spot, and a 15 EUR voucher, which you can redeem at Emma’s Bistro, or the Panorama Restaurant & Chalet. Note: campers can’t park here.

Parking Area P3. This is the second closest car park to Lago di Braies, located only 500 meters from the lake. You can pre-book P3 on parking.speckstube-eggerhof.it. It’s only 7 EUR to park here the whole day.

Parking Area P2. This car park is located only 800 meters from the lake. You can book P2 on prags.bz. The parking ticket costs 40 EUR and includes a transit permit, parking space, shuttle (if necessary), and a 20 EUR voucher for selected restaurants (if the ticket is booked in advance).

Parking Area P1 (formerly “Parking Area Säge/Segheria”). This car park is located 5.5 km from Lago di Braies. There are shuttles that run approximately every 30 minutes (between 9:30 am and 4 pm except during lunch) to Lake Braies. You can book P1 on prags.bz.

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Parking at Lake Braies

During low season (before July 10th, or after September 10th), there are no driving restrictions in Pragser Tal Valley. You can drive all the way to the car parks near Lago di Braies.

Each Lago di Braies parking lot operates a little differently.

Update | The names and numbering of the Lake Braies car parks have recently changed. For example, the P1 Car Park used to be called Säge/Segheria Car Park. Just a heads up in case you come across any discrepancies.

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P4 Car Park

Exact Location: Google Maps

The P4 car park is the largest and closest parking lot to Lago di Braies, located only 200 meters away from the lakeshore. This is a gated, pay-on-exit parking lot.

Parking Fee | The first 15 minutes of your visit are free. The pricing varies depending on arrival time and type of vehicle. During our last visit, the parking fee was 6 EUR for 3 hours, when arriving between 7 am and 5 pm. After the first 3 hours, there’s an additional fee of 80 cents for every 30 minutes. The maximum daily rate is 12 EUR. I’m sure this higher now.

Payment | Pay for your parking at the “Kasse/Cassa” after your visit. The parking machine accepts cash and debit cards (bankomat). If you need to pay with a credit card, you can pay inside Hotel Lago di Braies. Lost tickets are subject to a fee of 50 EUR.

High-Season Pre-Booking | Starting in July, you can pre-book parking in P4 on pragsparking.com.

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P3 Car Park

Exact Location: Google Maps

This car park is located only 500 meters to the lakeshore. This is the best parking option near Lake Braies, because it’s close to the lake, but more affordable. If you’re planning on doing a longer hike (over 3 hours), park here.

Parking Fee | It only costs 7 EUR to park here all day.

Payment | This car park is managed privately. Someone will personally collect the parking fee in cash only.

High-Season Pre-Booking | You can pre-book this car park on parking.speckstube-eggerhof.it.

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P2 Car Park

Exact Location: Google Maps

The pay-and-display P2 parking lot is quite small. It’s located 800 meters away from Lake Prags. There’s a small kiosk here, where you can buy drinks and snacks, as well as a toilette.

Parking Fee | 6 EUR for cars, 2 EUR for motorbikes, 12 EUR for buses, and 9 EUR for campers.

Payment | The ticket machine is next to the Kiosk. You can pay using coins or with a card. Bring EUR coins in case the machine doesn’t accept your card.

High-Season Pre-Booking | prags.bz

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P1 Car Park

Exact Location: Google Maps

The P1 (Säge/Segheria) Car Park is located 5.5 km from the lake. Only park here if you don’t have another option during high season.

You have to pay for parking as well as the shuttle to the lake.

High-Season Pre-Booking | prags.bz

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Public Transit 

If you want to visit Lago di Braies without a car, it’s best to first head to the village of Dobbiaco (Toblach in German) by train, or bus.

Use the journey planner on the suedtirolmobil.info to find your connection.

For example, from Cortina d’Ampezzo, take Bus 445 to the Dobbiaco Bus Station (40 minutes) and then transfer to Bus 442 to Lago di Braies (30 minutes).

Important: If you’re planning on taking a bus to Lago di Braies between July 10 – September 10, advance online-booking and prepayment are required. You can pre-book transit on prags.bz.

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Bus Line 442: Dobbiaco (Toblach) – Villabassa (Niederdorf) – Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) 

There is a regular bus line to Lago di Braies from Dobbiaco (Toblach) and Villabassa (Niederdorf), which are two towns in Val Pusteria.

Bus line 442 runs all-year-round. Between late June and late September, there are additional connections. 

It takes about 30 minutes to reach Lake Braies from Dobbiaco. 

If you’re visiting between July 10th and September 10th, online reservation and pre-payment are essential. You can book your bus ticket on prags.bz.

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Seasonal Bus Line 439: Monguelfo (Welsberg) to Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee)

Between July 10th and September 10th, there is a seasonal tourist shuttle from Monguelfo (Welsberg) to Lago di Braies. The bus ride takes 20 minutes.

You must make a reservation and pay for your ticket online ahead of time. You can book your bus ticket to Lago di Braies on prags.bz.

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When to Visit Lake Braies

Summer Season: Early June until late October

The best time to visit Lago di Braies is in Summer and Fall. You can walk around the lake, hike to various peaks in the Braies/Prags Dolomites, rent a rowboat, and enjoy the glistening greens and blues of the crystal-clear lake waters. 

If you visit Lago di Braies in late October, the water level of the lake will be low. However, the lake is ringed with golden larches.

We recommend visiting Lago di Braies in late June, early July, or anytime between mid-September and late October, to avoid heavy crowds and driving restrictions.

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Winter Season: November – April

You can also visit Lago di Braies in winter, however, there’s less you can do.

Between December and March, the lake freezes over and is covered in snow. Temperatures are frigid and cold (below 0 C°). Ice skating is possible at your own risk.

The lake begins to thaw in late April, or May.

To monitor conditions, you can check out the Braies webcam.

Learn More: Best Time to Visit the Dolomites

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Lago di Braies Boat Rental 

Many people fall in love with Lake Braies before ever visiting.

They long to walk down the iconic steps of the jetty and take a romantic ride in a wooden rowboat across Lake Braies’ shimmering waters.

It’s possible to rent a wooden boat between Late May and Early November.

Note: Only 5 people are allowed in a single boat. Dogs are only allowed on private boats.

It’s not possible to book a boat in advance, unless you’re interested in a 7 am photoshoot (more info below). 

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Operating Times 

May 20 – June 16, 2023 | 10 am – 4:30 am (Mondays – Fridays), 9 am – 4:30 pm (Saturdays-Sundays)

June 17 – September 29, 2023 | 8 am – 6 pm

September 30 – November 5, 2023 | 10 am – 4:30 pm

Weddings, Advertising, or Personal Photoshoots | You can rent the stilt house and 2 boats outside of opening hours for 400 EUR. The shoot time is 1:30 hours. For 200 EUR, you can share the stilt house in the morning with another shooting group. To make a photoshoot reservation, contact La Palafitta using the contact form on la-palafitta.com/reservation.

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Boat Rental Pricing

Please consult la-palafitta.com for current pricing.

45 minutes (Private Boat Experience) – 5 people max. | 50 EUR

45 minutes (Shared Boat Experience) – 5 people max. | 15 EUR per person

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Lago di Braies Hiking Trails

Lago di Braies is the starting point of many trails, including the long-distance Alta Via 1 hiking trail. This 120 km hiking trail continues south across multiple ranges, ultimately ending at the La Pissa bus stop near Belluno.

The most popular hike at Lake Braies is the Lago di Braies Circuit Trail. Our favorite hike is the spectacular circuit trail to Hochalpenkopf.

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Lago di Braies Circuit Trail

The most popular thing to do at Lake Braies is to walk around the entire lake. 

The circuit path is mostly flat, though there are some stairways on the east bank of the lake.

You can hike in either direction, though most people will hike counter-clockwise, heading west (right) first.

Shortly after passing the stone Hotel Lago di Braies, you’ll pass by the Capella Lago di Braies/Kapelle Pragser Wildsee chapel.

Continue to the southern shore, where there’s an opportunity to detour to Val di Foresta/Grünwaldtal Valley (more on that later).

The Lake Braies loop trail hugs the eastern bank, with more steps, and ends at the jetty, where the wooden boats are rented.

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Trail Stats

Trailhead | Hotel Lago di Braies

Distance | 3.6 km circuit 

Time Needed | 1 – 1:30 hours 

Elevation Gain/Loss | 50 meters

Difficulty | Easy 

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Hochalpenkopf Peak Hike

From Hotel Lago di Braies, follow the circuit trail around the lake counter-clockwise. When you get to the southern end of Lake Braies, follow signs to Malga Foresta/Grünwaldalm. Trail 19 leads west through Val di Foresta/Grünwaldtal valley.

Pass Malga Foresta and continue hiking to the head of the valley.

The trail eventually ascends to the remote Ütia Fojadora mountain pasture. From here, the trail continues to Hochalpenkopf Peak. You’ll cross high-elevation meadows and see the most spectacular views of Seekofel and the Prags Dolomites.

This circuit hike ends with a steep, but manageable descent, back to Pragser Wildsee.

The trail isn’t technically difficult, but it’s long and requires stamina. Try to get an early start, to avoid the midday sun in the valley.

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Trail Stats

Trailhead | Hotel Lago di Braies

Distance | 16.9 km circuit

Time Needed | 6:30 hours

Elevation Gain/Loss | 1202 meters

Difficulty | Moderately Difficult 

Trail Guide: Hochalpenkopf Circuit Hike

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Croda del Becco / Seekofel Peak Hike 

Croda del Becco (2818 m) is the magnificent mountain which forms the backdrop of Lago di Braies in the Braies Dolomites.

It takes about 4 hours to reach the summit from Lake Braies.

Following trail 1 (also the Alta Via 1), pass the Capella Lago di Braies/Kapelle Pragser Wildsee chapel and hike around the lake to the southern shore. The path steepens and climbs up scree, strewn with dwarf pine and bilberry shrubs.

As you ascend, views open up to Val di Foresta/Grünwaldtal valley to the west.

The path twists up to the junction with trail 4. Continue on trail 1.

There’s a protected passage, secured with cables, which helps you up a steep barrier.

At the next junction, turn right, entering the Forno/Ofen (“oven”). The path leads along the foot of Monte Muro to Forcella Soro Forno (2388), the saddle which marks the start of the Croda del Becco summit hike (1 hour one-way). The ascent is aided with fixed cables.

After climbing the peak, return to Forcella Soro Forno along the same trail and detour to Rifugio Biella, located on a high plateau, before starting the return journey to Lake Prags.

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Trail Stats

Trailhead | Hotel Lago di Braies

Distance | 14.6 km out-and-back 

Time Needed | 7:45 hours 

Elevation Gain/Loss | 1380 meters

Difficulty | Difficult 

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Val di Foresta / Grünwaldtal Valley

Val di Foresta is the stunning alpine valley which runs between the Sennes Group and the Hochalpe mountain range.

We walked through this valley when we hiked to Hochalpenkopf.

However, you can also venture to Val Foresta for a shorter walk.

If you’re planning on hiking the loop around Pragser Wildsee, we recommend detouring to Malga Foresta/Grünwaldalm for lunch. From the southwestern end of the lake, follow trail 19 west.

The trail sign states 30 minutes to Grünwald Alm (Malga Grünwald).

It takes 45 minutes to hike from Hotel Lago di Braies to Malga Foresta (2.4 km).

After detouring to the hut, return to Lake Braies and continue following the circuit trail around the lake.

It’s possible to extend this hike all the way to the Hochalmsee Le De Fojedöra lakes.

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Lake Braies Legends and Mythology

Local legend tells us that once upon a time savages successfully mined for gold and gemstones in the Braies mountains.

Fueled by jealousy, the local herdsmen attempted to steal their amassed treasure. They failed to loot the riches because the miners cleverly opened up an underground spring which created a magnificent lake. Here, in the newly created Lake Braies, they sunk their treasure trove. 

Another Ladin legend declares that Sass dla Porta (Seekofel) is the gateway to the underground Fanes kingdom. Every 100 years on a full moon, the Queen of Fanes and her daughter Princess Dolasilla leave their underground abode beneath Sass dla Porta via a hidden doorway.

In the night, they row across Lake Prags, hoping that they’ll hear the silver trumpets proclaiming the dawning of the promised time and the rebirth of their kingdom. Alas, the trumpets never sound and they row in vain (source: Shorter Walks in the Dolomites).

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Lake Braies Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most common questions we receive about Lake Braies.

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Can You Swim in Lago di Braies?

Swimming is not allowed in Lago di Braies, because the lake is located within the protected UNESCO World Heritage Site of Fanes-Sennes-Braies Nature Park.

Both the Associazione turistica Valle di Braies/Tourismusverein Pragser Tal and the South Tyrolean Tourist Board have confirmed that it’s not allowed to swim in Lake Braies.

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Is Lago di Braies Worth it?

We think visiting Lago di Braies is worth it so long as you combine your visit with a hike to Val di Foresta, Hochalpenkopf, or Croda del Becco.

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How Much Does It Cost to Visit Lago di Braies?

There is no entrance fee to visit Lake Braies. The only fee you will have to pay is a parking fee.

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Are there Public Toilets at Lago di Braies?

Yes, there are public toilets at the car parks and at the south-end of the lake.

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Visiting Lago di Braies Responsibly

While visiting Lago di Braies, you’re also visiting a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. Please adhere to the following rules during your visit.

1. Swimming in Lago di Braies is not allowed.

2. Flying drones at Lago di Braies or anywhere else in the park is not allowed.

3. Wild camping is prohibited in the park. 

4. Always stay on marked trails and paths. 

5. Do not pick flowers.

6. Respect the habitat of animals. Do not make any unnecessary noise.

7. Do not light fires.

8. Do not litter. Please take your garbage with you and dispose of it responsibly.

9. Do not touch, or approach grazing animals.

10. No motor vehicles are allowed within the park.

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Lago di Braies Hotels and Accommodations

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Valle di Braies / Pragser Tal Valley

Valle di Braies valley is the best base for exploring everything that the northern Prags Dolomites has to offer. The top attractions are Prato Piazza and Lago di Braies.

But with more time, you can venture to Monte Specie, the Ütia Fojadora mountain pasture, Grünwaldtal valley, Hochalpensee lake, Hochalpenkopf peak, Croda del Becco/Seekofel, Herrstein, Grosser Rosskopf, and the Gaisl high trail (Prato Piazza to Malga Rossalm). 

Budget | Garni Bergblick is a darling guesthouse in Braies/Prags Valley, located a mere 5.6 km (8-min drive) from Lago di Braies, 6.2 km (9 min drive) from Ponticello, and 11.3 km (18 min drive) from Prato Piazza. Set in an idyllic meadow surrounded by trees, Garni Bergblick is the perfect base for exploring the Braies/Prags Dolomites. Breakfast is included in the rate.

Budget-Midrange | Berggasthaus Agritur Moserhof is a traditional and cozy farm stay, perched high above Braies/Prags Valley. Breakfast and dinner are included in the rate. From Moserhof, it’s a 5-minute drive down to the valley and a  11-minute drive to Lago di Braies.

Midrange | Farmhouse Hanslerhof is a mountain guesthouse and farm overlooking Braies/Prags Valley and surrounded by meadows. Guests love the charming stone pine rooms, homemade breakfasts (included the room rate), and quiet location. From Hanslerhof, it’s an 8 minute drive to Lago di Braies.

Midrange | Hotel Erika is a 3-star hotel situated at the entrance of Valle di Braies. Guests have access to a lovely 400m² wellness area containing a Finnish Sauna (90 °C), steam bath (42-45° C), bio sauna (60 °C), infrared lounge, jacuzzi, and relaxation rooms. Rooms are clean and comfortably furnished in a Tyrolean-alpine style. A rich and varied breakfast buffet and a  5-course dinner are included in the room rate (half board). From Hotel Erika, it’s a 10-minute drive to Lago di Braies and a 20-minute drive to Prato Piazza. 

Look for an accommodation in Braies Valley.

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Monguelfo / Welsberg

Monguelfo (Welsberg in German) is a village in Val Pusteria, only 3-minutes away from the entrance of Braies Valley.

Luxury | Hotel Christof is a new and stylish hotel in the village of Monguelfo/Welsberg in Val Pusteria. Stay here for the striking fresh-faced architecture, modern 600 m² wellness area, and excellent cuisine (you can book breakfast-only or half board). This modern hotel is a splash of cheerful color and laid-back fun on the South Tyrolean hospitality scene. From the hotel, it’s a 13-minute drive to Lago di Braies.

Luxury | Silentium Dolomites Chalet Since 1600 is tucked away on the edge of a forest, 2-km from the town center of Monguelfo/Welsberg. It’s a 15-minute drive from Silentium Chalet to Lago di Braies. Guests love the kind hospitality, picturesque location, and excellent breakfasts (included) and dinners (optional).

Look for an accommodation in Monguelfo.

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San Candido / Innichen

San Candido is a town in Val Pusteria/Pustertal valley within the Alta Pusteria region. San Candido is an excellent place to stay when you want to split your time between the Sexten Dolomites and the Prags Dolomites. 

During your stay, we recommend visiting Val Fiscalina/Fischleintal and Val Campo di Dentro/Innerfeldtal (e.g. Torre dei Scarperi hike).

Budget | Residence Silvia is a budget-friendly aparthotel set in the middle of San Candido with a bar, private parking (small garage), and breakfast (optional/extra charge).

Apartments | Residence Kugler offers new, fully-equipped apartments in San Candido.

Luxury | Naturhotel Leitlhof is a 4-star-superior, climate-neutral wellness hotel in San Candido. Situated at a slight elevation and bordered by forest, idyllic Naturhotel Leitlhof overlooks the village and the gorgeous Sexten mountains including Haunold/Rocca dei Baranci and Dreischusterspitze/Cima di Tre Scarperi. Sunsets and sunrises are glorious here. The 2000 m² wellness facilities and outdoor pool are stellar. And, the cuisine is second to none. Read our Naturhotel Leitlhof hotel review.

Luxury | Boutique & Gourmet Hotel Orso Grigio is a 4-star hotel in San Candido’s lively pedestrian center. This central hotel offers an excellent breakfast, gourmet dinners (on-site restaurant, half board available), and free reserved parking behind the property.

Adults-Only Luxury | Post Hotel – Tradition & Lifestyle Adults Only is located in the center of San Candido, close to the pedestrian zone. This chic boutique hotel offers a spa, rooftop terrace, and on-site restaurant and bar. Half board is available. 

Luxury Apartments | ATTO Suites & Cuisine is a new luxury aparthotel in San Candido, furnished with the highest quality local materials. These gorgeous, minimalist apartments teeter stylistically between Alpine and Nordic. An excellent breakfast is included (with gluten-free options). Other included services: parking, shuttle service to the Leitlhof spa, and bicycle storage room.

Look for an accommodation in San Candido.

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