Prags: Lake Prags, themed trails and Prato Piazza

Lake Prags lies at the end of the Prags Valley, in the municipality of Prags and within Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park. It was formed by a huge landslide from Sasso del Signore, which dammed the Rio Braies and created a natural barrier. The lake’s formation can therefore be linked to specific features of the surrounding landscape.

The lake and its history

The chapel on the shores of Lake Prags is also part of the area’s history. It was the setting for a significant event connected with the liberation of famous prisoners during the Second World War. The lake thus brings together a geological story of its formation and a specific historical connection.

Prato Piazza and trails in the nature park

Prato Piazza is a high plateau at 2,000 m in Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park, surrounded by high peaks. In both summer and winter, it is a good place for leisurely walks, Nordic walking, hiking, climbing and cycling. The family trail from the Prato Piazza car park follows Trail No. 40/A directly to Malga Prato Piazza, providing a specific route through the area.

Near Braies di Fuori, the themed educational trail to the Maite springs leads to a spring area in Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park. The trail is part of Route No. 37 and is easy to walk. Wooden information boards cover the flora and fauna, the protection of the springs, and the different uses of the water, particularly as drinking water. The route thus combines a walk through the spring area with information about its natural environment and the importance of water.

A different theme awaits you on the Viktor Wolf Edler von Glanvell Trail. It leads from Schmieden in the Prags Valley to Lake Prags; information boards along the themed trail tell visitors about the mountaineer’s life and work. From Welsberg railway station, Trail No. 2A leads through meadows to Schmieden. There, Trail No. 1, the Viktor Wolf Edler von Glanvell Trail, continues to the lake. This makes it easy to follow the route’s two sections, while the information boards explain its connection to the mountaineer.

Hikes by season and interest

A winter hike on the Prags Sonnenberg passes several traditional mountain farmsteads that have retained their original character. Its highest point is at 1,410 m, where you can enjoy views towards the end of the Prags Valley and Seekofel. Trail conditions can change, and the winter hike is weather-dependent. Check conditions before setting out.

The trails have different themes: the Maite springs trail focuses on the spring area, flora, fauna and water use, while the Glanvell Trail focuses on the mountaineer’s life and work. The winter hike on the Sonnenberg passes mountain farmsteads and offers views of Seekofel. When choosing between these outings, you can base your decision on nature and water, mountaineering history or a seasonal winter hike.

Getting to Lake Prags

Bus route 442 runs directly from Toblach (Dobbiaco) and Niederdorf (Villabassa) to Lake Prags. Check the timetable before travelling, as schedules may change. The lake can be reached by bicycle at any time; there are no restrictions on cycling there. Even so, check local conditions before setting off by bike. This allows you to include travel by bus or bicycle in your excursion plans.

Discover more destinations: Slingia, Pens, Trafoi, Eisack Valley, Vals, Kaltern an der Weinstraße, St. Johann, Pineta.

Go to the main travel overview: Bolzano.