**This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase using the links in this article, I might earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Please see my full disclosure for further information.
Seceda Italy in my opinion is one of the most breathtaking summits you can experience in the Dolomites. At 2518 meters, you have a 360-degree panorama view of the encircling Odle mountains. And guess what?! You don’t even have to be an experienced hiker to experience it!
That’s right! The unbelievable Seceda hike is suitable even for the inexperienced, kids included!
When hiking Seceda, you will find yourself amidst the serrated crests and jaggy peaks that so characterize the mountains in Puez Odle Nature Park. Suspended amongst the clouds and dangling from what seems to be the edge of the world, the staggering drop-offs you will encounter in Seceda Italy really make for an empowering experience in the Dolomites. It is absolutely one of those Must-See Places in the Dolomites!
The following guide outlines all the information you might need to plan your hike. From step-by-step instructions on which paths to take, to practical information on directions, pricings and timetables, this guide covers everything you need to know for your Seceda day hike.
Post Contents
Seceda Hike Overview
There are several different paths and stops you can take when hiking Seceda. This guide covers a clockwise loop/hike that starts and ends at the Col Raiser Cable Car station. We opted to take a cable car but there is a way of ascending to the Seceda ridgline without a cable car.
Col Raiser to Seceda Ridgeline
Difficulty: Easy
Elevation difference: 500 m
Duration: 4hrs (however if you plan on stopping for pictures and having lunch calculate a least 6 hours- this is how much time we took)
Cable Car Station: Col Raiser
How to Get to Seceda, Italy
So, first and foremost, you have to decide which cable car to take to Seceda. Like already mentioned, we opted to take the Col Raiser Cable Car.
You can also ascend to the summit with the Seceda Cable Car which is located right in the town of Ortisei. In this case, the ascent is actually two different cablecar rides one right after the other (Ortisei to Furnes and then Furnes to Seceda). This option gets you closer to the summit but is more expensive and popular than Col Raiser. If you’re interested in prices, here is the Seceda Funicular website.
Taking the Col Raiser Cable Car
PARKING
To get to the Col Raiser Cable Car, you are going to want to head to the Col Raiser Parkplatz in the town of Santa Cristina. The parking lot is quite large with over 200 spots, but it does fill up quickly during peak season. If you’re hiking Seceda in summer than I highly suggest you do not arrive later than 8.30AM.
There is a parking fee (like almost all parking lots in the area).
COL RAISER CABLE CAR
Right next to the parking lot you will find the Cable Car station where you can purchase your roundtrip tickets to the top. Bear in mind that the Cable Car does not operate all year long. In most years, during the fall starting from October, the cable car does not operate. Please make sure to visit the website for updated times to ensure the cable car is running.
**During winter, the Col Raiser Cable Car does operate but the area is really reserved for winter sports activities as the area is part of the Dolomites Superski Area
OPENING HOURS & PRICES
Adults: One-way – 17€; Roundtrip – 25€
Juniors (6-13 years): One-way – 12€; Roundtrip – 16€
If you’re planning to stay in the Val Gardena area several days, you might want to look into buying a Gardena Card. Depending on how many lifts you plan to take, this card may be more convenient.
Generally, in the summer the Cable Car operates from 8.30 to 17.00/17.30 depending on the month.
Please make sure to visit the website for updated times and pricing!
Seceda Hike Without a Cable Car
If you’re hoping to embark on a Seceda hike without a cable car, you most definitely can. During fall, because the cable car doesn’t operate you will most likely get to have the Seceda ridgeline all to yourself!
The hike begins a little bit past the Col Raiser cable car station (where you will still park) and you’re going to want to look for signs heading to Rifugio Firenze. In this case, from Rifugio Firenze you can still follow along the exact same loop itinerary discussed in this guide but starting from the end and making your way backwards. In other words, you can do the loop counterclockwise.
Hiking Seceda without a cable car will take about double the time and span about double the elevation difference.
Seceda Hike Map
(click to zoom)
Hiking Seceda – Step by Step Guide
Col Raiser to Seceda 2500m (Panorama Point)
Once you take the Col Raiser Cable Car up you will find yourself next to Almhotel, a beautiful chalet-style hotel. From here you’re going to take path n. 1 directed towards the Seceda Lookout. Basically, you’re headed to where the Seceda Cable Car arrives (at the summit).
Upon taking path 1, the easy uphill walk takes about 1 hour. You will pass by lush alpine meadows and will walk under the Fermeda chair lift. As you make your way up, you will start to see glimpses of the rugged Seceda Ridgline. Before heading there however, first make your way to the Seceda Panorama Point.
Seceda 2500m marks a marvelous lookout point where you have unobstructed 360-degree views of the surrounding Dolomites. There is a convenient circular map that indicates the various peak names and their elevations.
*Bear in mind that wind at the summit can be rather strong and quite chilly. Make sure that along with your windbreaker you pack a scarf and hat just in case!
Seceda Ridgeline
And now for the highlight of this hike! To get to the noteworthy Seceda famous view, you will simply follow the ridge from the lookout point for a mere 10 minutes to reach the daunting drop-off (also known as Forcella Pana/ Panascharte.)
When we visited, a beautiful fog set in. With its impressive jagged cliff piercing through the heavy mist, the Seceda Ridgline literally left us dumbstruck. An almost mystical experience, it was as if time had stopped and we were the only people left in the world.
We stayed for at least twenty minutes taking one too many pictures. We waited for the clouds to pass so that we could also see the ridgeline and Fermeda towers in sunlight. *Note that fog here is quite common and it may cover your view of the ridgeline.
DO NOT TRESPASS! As tempting as it might be to get that perfect picture, please do not trespass into the area that is sectioned off. That area is off-limits for your safety!
Seceda Ridgeline to Pieralongia
When you’re finally ready to part with the magnificent view, you’re going to head towards Baita Trojer, about a 30-minute hike downhill via path n. 1. Before reaching the mountain hut, you will reach a fork in the road that leads to the Pieralongia twin peaks.
If you’re hungry or in need of a restroom you can continue on the path to Baita Trojer before heading to Pieralongia. We opted to eat later at Rifugio Firenze, but nevertheless we stopped for a quick bathroom break at this mountain hut.
Back on path 2b you will soon reach Pieralongia, marked by two massive stones that in my eyes quite remarkably resemble a sinking ship. This area is a favorite for pictures with many people climbing or trying to climb the stones.
Pieralongia to Rifugio Firenze
At this point if you haven’t eaten yet I’m sure your stomach is grumbling. Rifugio Firenze (a.k.a Regensburger Hütte) is a fantastic lunch spot a mere 30 minutes’ walk away.
This part of the hike is stunning. Everywhere you look there are lush carpets of grass with pops of color from blooming flowers. We hiked through this part in utmost silence, trying to absorb as much as we could of the beautiful surrounding Dolomites.
You will turn right onto path 13b when you reach the fork in the road (about 10 minutes before arriving at the hut).
Rifugio Firenze is a great place to eat, not only because it serves some top-notch food but because it is located in an area with some of the most spectacular views. Take your time to rest up and enjoy the company of the grazing cows nearby.
Rifugio Firenze back to Col Raiser
The hike back to the Col Raiser cable car takes only about 25 minutes. On your way back you will use paths 1 and then 4.
What to Wear/Bring on your Seceda Hike
Before embarking on your hike to Seceda, there are a couple essentials you might want to think about bringing:
Tabacco Map 5 / Val Gardena & Alpe di Siusi – this is the most complete and most accurate hiking trail map out there. If you’re going to be in other areas around South Tyrol as well, check out their entire collection for other areas. Trust me when I say this is really the only brand of maps you should trust and purchase. We’ve purchased other brands and were disappointed with the lack of detail and accuracy.
WHAT TO WEAR
Like most hikes you are going to want to have some comfortable hiking shoes, polarized sunglasses (important for the glare) and a windbreaker. You might want to seriously think about purchasing some collapsible hiking/trekking poles as they can greatly help aid your knees while descending. My left meniscus is still working thanks to my hiking poles.
Where to Stay in Seceda Italy
The best towns to stay in for hiking Seceda are all in Val Gardena. Ortisei is the most equipped town, followed by Selva di Val Gardena and Santa Cristina. There are accommodations for all budget types and for those particularly interested in luxury or wellness hotels, this area is brimming with them.
The crème de la crème, this 5-star resort has an incredible wellness center. And guests even have access to free bike rental and can participate in the many guided daily excursions, from hiking to snowshoeing in the winter.
Midrange – Monte Pana Dolomites Hotel
Nestled in the valley of Santa Cristina with the most stunning mountain views, this hotel has a wellness center, a tennis court, and 2 pools. Many cable cars are located just 5 minutes away!
This accommodation is actually a little further away, about 30 minutes from Ortisei. I’ve nevertheless decided to include it because I really enjoyed my stay here. With rooms available at under 100 euro a night, the small hotel offers a great breakfast and amazing view.
So, there it is guys, your complete guide on hiking Seceda, Italy! One of the best Val Gardena hikes, this hike will steal your heart. It’s one of those timeless hikes that you can do over and over and will always find something new to marvel over. I welcome any suggestions if you’ve already been and if you are planning to go, I truly hope this guide will help you prepare for the most amazing time in Seceda Val Gardena!
Don’t forget to follow along on my adventures at @ladolcefitvita…
Happy Hiking!
Need help planning your trip to the Dolomites? Check out these guides:
- Tips for Planning a Road Trip in the Dolomites
- Lago di Carezza Hike – Visiting the Rainbow Lake (suitable for kids!)
- Alpe di Siusi: Guide to the Beautiful Alpine Meadows
- Easy & Stunning Adolf Munkel Trail Along the Odle Mountains
- Family Walk Around Breathtaking Lake Braies
Pin Me for Later
This blog post is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. Please read my full disclosure for further information.
Leave a Reply