Fanes Senes Braies Natural Park is one of ten Dolomite parks in northern Italy.
Yes the Dolomites aren’t in one location but ten.
I didn’t know this fact until my first visit to the Dolomites in 2011 which was to Sciliar Catinaccio Natural Park near Castelrotto. It’s gorgeous!
Now all of the parks are stunning but each has its own unique features and special attractions.
So as I began planning a trip to a second Dolomite park, I wanted to find the right one for me.
And Fanes Senes Braies Natural Park did not disappoint.
Where is Fanes Senes Braies?
This park — known as Naturepark Fanes Sennes Prags in German — is located in the Trentino-Alto Adige region of northern Italy and specifically in the Alto Adige part of this region.
The Alto Adige is often referred to as the South Tyrol or Südtirol in German.
Fanes Senes Braies is south of Brunico and west of Tre Cime Natural Park which has these famous spires that you’ve probably seen:
Tre Cime is the Dolomite park just to the East of Fanes Senes Braies and is connected to it. These spires are pretty famous!
This park was created in 1980 and covers 25,000 hectares in the Badia, Pusteria, Marebbe and Landro valleys.
The most famous spot in the entire park is Lake Braies, probably because it’s easily accessed and because it’s so damn beautiful.
It’s located at the northern edge of the park and has a parking area (fee-based) and a lovely 4km walk around it that is suitable for most folks.
Lake Braies is the largest lake in the Dolomite parks.
I admit I’ve not been here as I accessed the park from the west.
And I tend to gravitate to lesser-visited spots.
But it’s definitely worth stopping by this stunner of a lake — just do so very early. Sunrise is a magnificent time.
Lago di Braies and its gorgeous green waters. Photo courtesy of Pixabay.
San Vigilio di Marebbe
I used this lovely village as a base for my trip.
San Vigilio di Marebbe is located on the western side of Fanes Senes Braies with easy access to some fabulous trails.
The town is small but has just enough of what you need — a Eurospar market; loads of hotels, guesthouses and apartments; a handful of restaurants and some outdoor shops for buying/renting gear.
I highly recommend Hotel Olympia for your stay.
San Vigilio also happens to be the home of the Fanes Senes Braies Visitor Center so you’ll be able to get some good information on the park and all it has to offer.
The people of this charming village are wonderful — warm, helpful and fun.
It’s actually one of my favorite Italian mountains towns.
Nearby — about 10km from town — you’ll find the Pederü Guesthouse which also happens to be where there are a couple of trail heads. There’s plenty of parking here if you are driving and buses do run from town to Pederü if you are without wheels.
So San Vigilio di Marebbe is a perfect base for exploring the park.
Hiking in Fanes Senes Braies
There are loads of hikes in the park that can be accessed from different areas and towns.
And many are longer and a bit more difficult.
However there are also walks that often start in the towns that are far easier.
I took one that ran along the stream in San Vigilio di Marebbe. It was easy and lovely.
Then there are those trails that fall into the moderate category for those who have a good level of fitness and mountain hiking know-how.
I took 2 such hikes that begin in Pederü and are ones I would highly recommend.
Each of these hikes has its own unique beauty and I wouldn’t — and couldn’t — choose one over the other.
I’m happy I was able to do both!
Senes Rifugio hike
This hike is about 9km round trip and it starts out with a good climb up switchbacks that, admittedly, can be less than fun.
But you’ll be in the shade if you start first thing in the morning which I highly recommend as it’s a popular hike.
It’s not exactly the most picturesque and beautiful hike at this point, but rather a slog uphill.
However there are some lovely views so I find that stopping, not only to catch your breath but to gaze out over the peaks, is a good idea.
As you level out the trail will split.
You can take the direct hike to Senes Rifugio or you can add about 1/3km more by going to Fodara Vedla hut first.
I hiked directly to Senes.
A few years ago they were doing some work on the trail in this upper section so it wasn’t the most pleasant walk in parts just due to the terrain.
I’m sure it’s in great shape now so don’t let this deter you.
Beside, the scenery more than made up for it.
You’ll have stunning views to Croda Rossa (3146 m), Cristallo (3221 m), Sorapis (3205 m) and Tofana (3243 m) — some of the most gorgeous peaks of Fanes Senes Braies.
There’s an old airfield in front of the rifugio that’s really cool to imagine being used back in the day.
And yes, you can stay the night at Senes Rifugio if you’d like.
Or you can stop in the restaurant for a nice lunch and walk back down to Pederü.
I dream of going back and staying a couple of nights in Senes Rifugio as there are some trails that continue on from there that look amazing.
Fanes Rifugio hike
This was my second hike in Fanes Senes Braies which I heard was a bit more picturesque than Senes.
The beginning part does go uphill but it’s not as steep as Senes.
And I would say — like the Senes hike — it’s far from the most picturesque part.
The views are a bit different since you are across the Pederü valley but they are no less gorgeous.
Once you gain some elevation you’re treated to a beautiful valley filled with pine trees and surrounded by soaring peaks.
It’s stunning.
But there’s still more uphill as you skirt along some forested areas up single track trail.
Then you hike up a wide road that runs along a clear mountain stream to Fanes Rifugio and its gorgeous valley with its little lake.
And across that valley lies Lavarella Rifugio.
So there are a couple of places to stay if you want to sleep up in the mountains.
Again, I dream of hiking up to one of these huts and staying a couple of nights.
It’s so beautiful.
If you want you can continue on from Fanes to Passo Limo and its dazzling lake.
But the 12km round trip to Fanes and back was enough for me.
Additional information on Fanes Senes Braies Natural Park
I really wish I had more than 3 days in this magnificent park.
It’s truly one of Italy’s treasures as is each of the Dolomite parks.
There are some wonderful places for hiking.
And if you’re a snow bunny, be sure to check it out in winter as you can ski and snowboard in the Plan de Corones skiing area.
If you prefer something a bit slower then try the trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
San Martino in Badia, San Lorenzo di Sebato and Valdaora are also towns to consider as a base for exploring Fanes Senes Braies.
But I’m partial to San Vigilio di Marebbe.
One thing to note is that this park is known for karst which is defined as:
Landscape underlain by limestone that has been eroded by dissolution, producing ridges, towers, fissures, sinkholes, and other characteristic landforms.
So you’ll find a distinctive geology here in Fanes Senes Braies that you won’t see as much of in the other Dolomite parks.
Just one more reason to put this destination in northern Italy on your list.
What a beautiful and inspiring place! Never been to the Dolomites (and also didn’t know there are 10 of them) but I’m certainly adding this park to my bucket list!
I’ve seen photos of all the parks and they are all beautiful in their own way. I love Fanes Senes Braies and Parco Naturale Sciliar-Catinaccio and the Alpe di Siusi which is nearby. I highly recommend this area of Italy if you love mountains, valleys and charming villages.
I love the dolomites! Before I visited them, I never thought of Italy as the place to see mountains (that was like reserved for Switzerland), but Italy definitely has some stunning ones!
You said it, Sarah. I think Italy has some stunning peaks!
Wow, such beautiful photos. I’ve been wanting to visit the Dolomites and really had no clue where to start so this has been so useful in breaking down Fanes Senes Braies Natural Park. So beautiful especially Lago di Braies.
The Dolomites are all over this part of Italy and they’re all gorgeous. You won’t go wrong with any of the parks. But I do like Fanes Senes Braies a lot!
Ah this looks beautiful. How long do you think you would need? I know you mentioned 3 days wasn’t enough but would love to know what you recommend?
You know, Becky, I would think about staying at least 5 days. But it would depend. There’s a through hike that can take you hut to hut if you want to do that and I’m not 100% sure how long that is. Personally, I’d go back to spend a full week. However, you can get a couple of day hikes accomplished in a 3 day trip.
Looks absolutely stunning! Would love to explore more of the Italian Alps. Did you find the hiking routes were signposted and easy to get hold of maps for? Looks like somewhere we’d definitely consider for a walking holiday. Thank you for sharing 🙂
Thanks for the comment, Alice. Yes, the trails are fairly well marked. I have to admit, I didn’t use maps, but I think they are fairly easy to find in the outdoor shops that are around.