The most photographed lake in the Dolomites, Lago di Braies sits at 1,496 metres in the Braies valley (Val di Braies), backed by the pale limestone cliffs of the Seekofel. Its colour — an intense jade-green in summer, milky turquoise when fed by snowmelt — results from the light passing through glacially ground particles still suspended in the water.
The easy circular walk around the lake takes about an hour. For a longer day, the trail continues up the valley toward the Seekofel and into the Pragser Dolomites above. Rowing boats can be rented on the shore — a legitimate use that makes for some absurd-looking photographs, small wooden boats dwarfed by limestone walls. The lake is reached from the Val Pusteria (Pustertal) road, itself easily accessed from Brunico or Dobbiaco. Arrive before 9am in summer if you want to avoid the crowds and the controlled access that kicks in once the car park is full.