From St. Moritz to the Dolomites: A Unique Stay at Lago di Braies

After an unforgettable stay in St. Moritz, Marc and I set our sights on the next stop in our European road trip: the majestic Dolomites. This time, we decided to make things a bit different. For the first time during our entire motorhome adventure, we stepped out of our cozy mobile home and stayed in a hotel—at the breathtaking Lago di Braies (Hotel Pragser Wildsee), right on the shores of one of the most beautiful lakes in the Dolomites. With our dog Bernice by our side, this would be a memorable blend of hiking, boating, and stunning mountain views.

Leaving behind the glitz and glamour of St. Moritz, the drive to the Dolomites was another scenic adventure, winding through valleys and mountains that seemed to grow more dramatic with every mile. Our motorhome handled the alpine roads with ease, and we took our time, stopping occasionally to take in the views.

When we finally arrived at the Lago di Braies hotel, it was love at first sight. The emerald waters of the lake reflected the towering peaks above, creating a surreal sense of tranquility. The hotel itself, nestled right on the shore, looked like something out of a dream—an ideal base for the next few days of adventure.

The Dolomites are known for their incredible hiking trails, and we couldn’t wait to explore them. With Bernice comfortably tucked into her backpack (something she had grown quite accustomed to), Marc and I set out to conquer the trails around Lago di Braies. The rugged, jagged peaks of the Dolomites made for a dramatic backdrop as we hiked through lush forests and meadows.

Bernice seemed to love being up high, and the sight of her happily sticking her head out of the backpack never failed to make people smile as they passed us. One of the most rewarding hikes led us to a panoramic viewpoint where we could see the entire lake below, framed by the towering mountains. We paused to catch our breath and take in the beauty of it all—feeling like we were in the heart of nature’s masterpiece.

One of the highlights of our time at Lago di Braies was hiring a boat to explore the lake itself. We’d already had a great boating experience back at Lake Como, so we were eager to get back out on the water. This time, however, the setting was even more spectacular, with the crystal-clear waters of the lake perfectly mirroring the surrounding mountains.

As we rowed across the lake, Bernice sat calmly at my feet, enjoying the gentle rocking of the boat. The quiet serenity of the lake was mesmerizing, and the views from the water were even more stunning than from the shore. It felt like time slowed down as we drifted along, surrounded by nothing but the natural beauty of the Dolomites.

Staying at the Lago di Braies Hotel added an extra layer of magic to this part of our trip. The hotel itself was charming, with wooden interiors that made us feel like we were in a cozy alpine lodge. After long days of hiking and exploring, it was a treat to return to a warm room with views of the lake and the mountains.

We spent the evenings unwinding, reflecting on our days of adventure, and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Bernice, exhausted from all the excitement, would curl up beside us as we relaxed, listening to the sound of the wind rustling through the trees outside.

Our stay at Lago di Braies was a special part of our European road trip, not only because it was the only time we stayed outside of our motorhome but also because of the incredible beauty and tranquility of the Dolomites. From hiking along trails with Bernice in her backpack to rowing across the lake with the stunning mountains as our backdrop, this was an experience we’ll always treasure.