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Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) to Rifugio Sennes

· 1 review · Hiking route · Hochpustertal
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  • Lago di Braies
    Lago di Braies
    Photo: Minna Harshbarger, Macs Adventure

Walk from Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) to Rifugio Sennes via Rifugio Biella on the Alta Via 1. 

moderate
Distance 9.7 km
5:00 h
942 m
299 m
2,388 m
1,489 m

Take the bus to the start of your walk,  the Alta Via 1 starts with a pleasant walk around Lake Braies, before tackling a steep ascent into the mountains and to Rifugio Biella (2327 m) from where you can take an optional hike to the summit of Croda del Becco (2812 m).  Alternatively, continue on the mountain track (route 6) down to Rifugio Sennes, located at 2126 m with panoramic views over Croda Rossa (3246 m), Cristallo (3221 m), Sorapis (3205 m), and Tofana (3243 m).

This is a tough day if you are re-adjusting to long distance trails, but it is ultimately very rewarding.

Check which mountain hut you are due to be staying in tonight. If you are staying at Rifugio Fodara Vedla use alternative route 'Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) to Rifugio Fodara Vedla'.

Author’s recommendation

The first part of the trail is extremely rocky, dry, and without any shade, make sure you have plenty of water with you. 

Profile picture of Macs Adventure
Author
Macs Adventure
Update: May 01, 2023
Difficulty
moderate
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Highest point
2,388 m
Lowest point
1,489 m
Best time of year
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Track types

Asphalt 2.23%Dirt road 78.39%Forested/wild trail 4.54%Path 14.83%
Asphalt
0.2 km
Dirt road
7.6 km
Forested/wild trail
0.4 km
Path
1.4 km
Show elevation profile

Rest stops

Munt de Sennes Hütte
Rifugio Biella

Safety information

Today you may be walking past a few different areas where cows graze. Although generally very docile and used to walkers, keep your distance and never turn your back on a cow that is behaving strangely or aggressive. Be particularly vigilant around cows with calves.

Watch the short term local weather forecasts. Avoid high altitude hiking when the weather is bad. There are plenty of trails in the valleys, that allow you to reach a village quickly if bad weather sets in. 

Tips and hints

How to get to the start

Take the 445 Bus from Cortina to Toblach (Dobbiaco). Check the timetable as the bus doesn't run frequently - The timetable can be found here: https://dolomitibus.it/   - tickets can be bought on the bus for 2.50 Euros 

From Toblach take Bus 442 – Toblach (Dobbiaco) to Lago dir Briaes. Tickets (5Euros)  can be bought online under https://www.prags.bz/en . Alternatively, there is a little helpdesk and ticket office in Toblach - please note this only opens at 10:00 and therefore if you are looking to take an earlier bus please ensure to buy your tickets online. 

Refreshments

The bus will drop you off at the end of the lake, where there is a small souvenir shop and toilets. This is your last chance to buy provisions for the day as there are no other places to stop until you reach Rifugio Biella, at the end of a steep climb.

 

Start

Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee) (1,490 m)
Coordinates:
DD
46.701714, 12.086523
DMS
46°42'06.2"N 12°05'11.5"E
UTM
33T 277276 5176140
w3w 
///unlatch.escalates.insists

Destination

Rifugio Sennes

Turn-by-turn directions

These maps and routes are designed to be used in conjunction with our traditional documentation. We have recently embarked on a conversion initiative to bring the two elements together, and this itinerary will be covered in due course.

In the meantime, using the two elements alongside each other should go a long way to ensure you have a safe, enjoyable and problem-free day.

 

Public transport

How to get to the start

Take the 445 Bus from Cortina to Toblach (Dobbiaco) Bus station (not the train station). Check the timetable as the bus doesn't run frequently - The timetable can be found here: https://dolomitibus.it/   - tickets can be bought on the bus for 2.50 Euros 

From Toblach bus station take Bus 442 – Toblach (Dobbiaco) to Lago dir Briaes. Tickets (5Euros)  can be bought online under https://www.prags.bz/en  . Alternatively, there is a little helpdesk and ticket office in Toblach - please note this only opens at 10:00 and therefore if you are looking to take an earlier bus please ensure to buy your tickets online. 

Coordinates

DD
46.701714, 12.086523
DMS
46°42'06.2"N 12°05'11.5"E
UTM
33T 277276 5176140
w3w 
///unlatch.escalates.insists
Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Equipment

Such is the way of Alpine hiking that you need to be prepared for all seasons and weathers; sturdy hiking boots, warm clothes and a waterproof/wind-break layer are all required, as is plenty of sun cream and a healthy respect for the sun.

Walking poles will be a big advantage on some of these ascents and descents.

Ensure your phone is fully charged; if you doubt the battery will last throughout the hike it might be beneficial to bring a power bank.

This walk is isolated with few opportunities to buy food or water so be sure to bring enough with you.


Questions and answers

Profile picture of Shirley O'Keeffe
Question from Shirley O'Keeffe · April 17, 2022 · Community
Pls could you confirm if you need an online reservation for the bus from Cortina to Lago di Braies for the start of the walk. A review here states you need one but I have been in touch with Cortina Express who say no reservation is needed! So important to get to the start of the walk in time to complete the first day without rushing an dnot feel stressesd on Day 1! thank you
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Answered by Sydney Hammerquist · April 17, 2022 · Community
Hi Shirley. We went in 2019 — preCOVID. Requirements may have changed. If you can make the reservation online, it seems like a good idea. I’m pretty sure we just bought them at the bus station. The hotel staff was helpful, too. There was a bus change in that trip, too. It seemed like it might be complicated, but when we pulled up in the bus, the next one was right there. The locals are helpful! Enjoy!
1 more reply

Rating

4.0
(1)
Ken Ewing
September 11, 2021 · Community
Good start. Surprised a bit by the numbers of people on the trail. Very varied terrain and views. Bus 442 to Lago de Braies requires online reservation or purchase; no purchase on the bus itself.
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Linda Reeder
August 24, 2019 · Community
Day 2 Aug 28 2019
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Linda Reeder
June 14, 2019 · Community
Day 1
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Photos from others


Reviews
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
9.7 km
Duration
5:00 h
Ascent
942 m
Descent
299 m
Highest point
2,388 m
Lowest point
1,489 m
Linear route Multi-stage route Scenic

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