Dolomites & Alpine Lakes Tour: Lake Braies from Innsbruck

★★★★★★★★★★ 4.70 (37 reviews) 81% rated it 5 stars

Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/7

Duration8h–11h

GroupUp to 8

LanguagesEN

PickupAt your hotel

Drive into the Dolomites and photograph three Alpine lakes in one day

A full-day guided tour from Innsbruck into the Dolomites takes you to Lake Misurina, Lake Dobbiaco and Lake Braies—the most photographed lake in the Alps—with stops for walking and pictures at each. The group stays under 8 travelers, pickup is included from Innsbruck city center, and the driver provides live English commentary during the 2.5–3 hour drive each way over Alpine roads. You'll spend roughly 20 minutes at Misurina and Dobbiaco, and 45–60 minutes at Braies. The tour covers approximately 300 km and lasts 8–11 hours total; plan nothing for the evening, as mountain traffic cannot be predicted exactly.

8h–11h

Step-by-step itinerary

Dolomites and Alpine Lakes Tour

Start from Innsbruck railway station
Pick up at Le Croubag Innsbruck Railway
Pick up at Markethalle main entry
Drive through South Tyrol with rest stops
Enjoy view of Misurina lake
Walk and take pictures at lake side
View the 3 Peaks mountain
Stop at Dolomites and Lake Dobbiaco
Visit lake Braies for photos
Return to Innsbruck drop off points

The Experience

Pickup starts at 9am from Innsbruck railway station or the Markethalle main entry, depending on where you're staying in the city center. The drive into the Dolomites takes 2.5–3 hours over Alpine roads with one scheduled stop for restrooms and local snacks after about two hours; the operator notes there's only one main route through the mountains, so traffic jams are possible and timing can shift. Along the way you'll see South Tyrol's valleys and peaks, and the guide provides live commentary on what's passing outside.

Lake Misurina comes first—a stop to walk the shoreline and photograph the water against the surrounding peaks. From there you'll see the view of the 3 Peaks (Cima Grande di Lavaredo), a UNESCO World Heritage mountain formation. Next is Lake Dobbiaco, where you'll have time to walk and shoot pictures before heading to Lake Braies, the main stop of the day and the lake most photographers and Instagram users come to see. You'll spend 45–60 minutes there, enough time to walk around and compose shots without rushing. The return drive to Innsbruck takes about 2 hours, arriving back at your pickup point by evening—the operator asks that you not book trains or reserve restaurants that night, since Alpine traffic is unpredictable.

Weather in the mountains shifts fast: sun, rain and wind can all happen in one day, so bring rain jackets and good shoes. The tour runs in rain but may be canceled if conditions turn severe; if you'd rather not go in wet weather, you can cancel yourself. The vehicle is air-conditioned, and the group maxes out at 8 travelers, so it stays small. Sparkled or still water is included; lunch and snacks are not, but you'll be stopped where you can buy food. Children from age 5 are welcome, and specialized infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Pickup from Innsbruck city center.
air-conditioned vehicle.
driver-guide with live English commentary.
sparkled or still water.
all fees and taxes.

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyNot for back problems

Operated by Anna Tirol

Is this one for you?Groups of up to 8 travelers suit this tour well—small enough that the van doesn't feel crowded but large enough that you're not the only people at the lakes. If you want to see three famous Dolomites lakes in one day without renting a car or navigating Alpine roads yourself, the fixed schedule and included pickup handle the logistics, so you just show up at 9am and spend the day photographing.