Resciesa – Brogles Hut – Seceda Hike, Dolomites

The hike across the Resciesa (Raschötz) alpine plateau to Rifugio Brogles and over Furcela de Mesdi (Mittagsscharte, 2597 m) to Seceda is a spectacular albeit challenging introduction to hiking in Puez-Odle Nature Park in the Dolomites. I love this route because it showcases the Odle/Geisler peaks from multiple perspectives, both from the Val Gardena side and from Val di Funes.

It’s also the most exciting and interesting approach to the Seceda ridge.

Starting in Ortisei in Val Gardena, the hike begins with the Resciesa funicular ascent to the Resciesa Alp. Hikers based in Selva or Santa Cristina can end the hike with the Col Raiser gondola, while Ortisei-based hikers can return to Ortisei via the Seceda-Furnes-Ortisei cableways (pre-booking required).

Important: In the past, hikers could cross over the Odle/Geisler Group via the Forcella di Pana (Furcela Pana in Ladin, Panascharte in German) saddle. But, this route is still closed, due to a rockfall.

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Resciesa to Seceda Hiking Map

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Essential Trail Info

How to Get to Resciesa | Ride the the Resciesa Funicular (Funicolare Resciesa) from Ortisei: Google Maps. This cableway operates from late May until mid-October. Find the exact operating times on the Resciesa Funicular Website.

Hiking Season | You can hike from Resciesa plateau to Seceda ridge from early June until late October, depending on snow conditions.

Pre-Booking Requirements | If you plan on returning to Ortisei with the Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda cableways, review the pre-booking requirements on the Seceda Cableway Website.

Trail Variations | If you do not want to cross the Geisler Group over the Mittagscharte, consider hiking to Malga Brogles out-and-back. Also consider extending the hike along the Adolf Munkel Trail to Geisler Alm.

Difficulty | The toughest part of the route is crossing the Mittagscharte, where both the ascent and descent are made more difficult by loose, unstable terrain.

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Resciesa – Furcela de Mesdi – Seceda Trail Description

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Resciesa Funicular Mountain Station to Rifugio Brogles (1:20 hours)

From the Resciesa Funicular mountain station follow signs to Rifugio Malga Brogles (Brogles Hütte), signed 1:20 hours.

In the morning, Sassolungo (Langkofel) prominently rises above all else, emerging from a sea of clouds.

Cross the Resciesa Alp on a panoramic path in the direction of Val di Funes (Villnösstal). This path unfolds beautifully as you near the prominent Geisler Peaks. There are no significant ascents or descents.

Rifugio Brogles is located on an alpine pasture, surrounded by grazing cows. This is an ideal location for lunch. Service is on the slower side, but with those views, who cares.

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Rifugio Brogles to Forcella de Mesdi (2:45 hours)

Continue on trail 35 along the Adolf Munkel Trail for 2 kilometers.

After about 30 minutes, turn right onto trail 29 and ascend to Forcella de Mesdi, 2597 m. Located in the craggy center of the Geisler Group, this mountain pass links Val di Funes and Val Gardena.

It’s a tough, continuous 710-meter ascent to the saddle, which lies between Sass Rigais and Gran Odle. Side note: the Val di Funes via ferrata entrance to Sass Rigais summit starts at Mittagsscharte.

The terrain is mostly loose scree and gravel. The path is occasionally marked with a red-painted dot. As you near Forcella de Mesdi, the trail is further bolstered with timber reinforcements.

At the saddle, views open up to the Puez Group, including the rounded summit of Col dala Pieres and the Forces de Sieles gully.

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Forcella de Mesdi – Pieralongia – Forcella Pana (1:40 hours)

The descent follows a timber-bolstered path and zigzags down the mountain.

When you reach level ground, turn right in the direction of Piera Longia (aka Pieralongia), signed 30 minutes, and Seceda, signed 1:20 hours.

This easy path crosses meadows and enters the pasture area of Pieralongia, marked by twin spires and a rustic managed hut.

Hike across the pasture and follow trail 1 to Forcella Pana and Seceda.

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Forcella Pana – Seceda – Seceda Mountain Station (30 minutes)

After crossing the Pieralongia alpine pasture, continue to Forcella di Pana. Trace the Seceda ridge to the summit.

This perspective of the Fermeda peaks is breathtaking. Though it has been captured millions of times, it never gets old. Enjoy!

Most of you will head back down to Ortisei via the Seceda cableways. It’s a 10-minute-walk from the Seceda summit to the Seceda cable car mountain station (2453 m).

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Seceda to Col Raiser Mountain Station (55 minutes)

If you’re extending the hike to the Col Raiser gondola mountain station (2100 m), follow trail 2 for 3.1 km. The descent is gentle as you wind through beautiful pastureland, taking in the views of mighty Sassolungo/Langkofel, Sella, and Mount Stevia.

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Trail Stats Resciesa – Seceda – Col Raiser

Starting Point: Resciesa Mountain Station (2122 m)
Ending Point: Col Raiser Mountain Station (2100 m)
Distance: 17.5 km point-to-point
Time Needed: 7:05 hours 
Elevation Gain: 1095 meters
Elevation Loss: 1099 meters
Difficulty: Difficult 
Minimum Elevation: 1879 m
Maximum Elevation: 2597 m

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Where to Stay in Val Gardena

Ortisei is the most convenient base for this hike. But, it’s easy to tackle this trail from Selva or Santa Cristina, if you descend with the Col Raiser gondola at the end (what we did). To figure out where to stay, read Best Val Gardena Hotels.

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Ortisei

Midrange | Hotel Garni Walter is a top-rated, family-run accommodation in Ortisei. Guests love the generous breakfast buffet, the views, the location, and the overall cleanliness. It’s a 5-minute walk to the Ortisei village center. 

Budget | B&B Lavi Ortisei val Gardena is a clean and comfortable bed and breakfast managed by a very friendly host. The B&B is situated outside of the town center, though within walking distance (~15 minutes). 

Midrange | Casa al Sole is a newly renovated bed and breakfast and natural wine bar in the center of Ortisei, only a short walk from the Seceda cableway and the Resciesa funicular. This 12-room B&B is masterfully run by Manuel and Alexandra, who infuse every aspect of their establishment with a genuine commitment to guest satisfaction. Read our Casa al Sole Review.

Midrange | Chalet Hotel Hartmann is a charming adults-only hotel featuring tastefully furnished alpine interiors, a delicious breakfast buffet, a complimentary afternoon snack, and a spa area (bio-sauna, steam bath and solarium). This is an ideal accommodation for couples and anyone traveling without children. It’s a 20-minute walk to reach the town center.

Luxury | Perched high above Ortisei, the newly-renovated La Cort My Dollhouse – Adults Only hotel offers 26 stylish rooms, a rooftop spa and pool, and fabulous views. Given its location, we only recommend staying here if you’re traveling by car. La Cort is a great choice for travelers who want more flexibility during their visit (no rigid eating times, etc..). Breakfast (7:30 am – 11 am) and Linner (4 pm – 7 pm) are included in the rate. 

Luxury Apartments | Gran Tubla offers two-bedroom apartments with fully-equipped kitchens and sweeping views of Val Gardena. Guests also have access to a heated indoor-outdoor pool, sauna, and garden. Breakfast can be delivered to your room upon request. 

Luxury | Hotel Angelo Engel is situated directly in the village center of Ortisei, walking distance to the Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda cableway. We loved the central location, the courteous staff, the wellness and sauna area, and our spacious room.

Look for accommodation in Ortisei.

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Selva di Val Gardena

Budget | Hotel Garni Morene is a clean and comfortable family-run guesthouse, set in an idyllic location outside the town center of Selva. Stay here for the unbeatable price, mountain views, and hospitality. Breakfast included.

Budget | Garni Sunela B&B is an immaculate bed and breakfast with spacious rooms, a spa, bar, parking garage, and a phenomenal breakfast, including fresh eggs from the resident chickens. Check-in is only until 7 pm.

Midrange | Garni Hotel Bel Vert is a B&B in Selva, located on the Biancavieve Slope, outside the town center. Rooms are beautiful and spacious. There’s even a small spa. 3 nights minimum stay.

Midrange-Luxury | Hotel Freina is a welcoming family-run hotel in Selva with an excellent on-site restaurant (serving vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free options), wonderful spa, and free garage parking. 

Luxury | Linder Cycling Hotel stands out with its bold architecture, stylish urban accents, and laid-back atmosphere. Beyond the captivating design, Linder Cycling Hotel boasts excellent facilities, including a rooftop terrace, indoor pool, bar and the à la carte Luis Eatery restaurant.

Luxury | Hotel Tyrol is a traditional alpine hotel centrally located in Selva. The hotel’s restaurant offers creative interpretations of Ladin tradition with a Tuscan twist. Stay here for the cozy ambience, the wellness area (saunas, indoor and outdoor heated pool, indoor and outdoor whirlpool, salt cave with chromotherapy), and comfortable rooms. Outdoor parking is free and garage parking is an extra charge. 

Luxury | The charming Hotel Rodella occupies a peaceful location above Selva di Val Gardena. From the hotel garden, terrace, and outdoor pool, guests can enjoy life-affirming views of Sassolungo/Langkofel Group and the Sella Group, towering above Selva. The spa area is brand new and absolutely stunning. Hotel Rodella is only a 10-minute walk to the Col Raiser gondola valley station.

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Santa Cristina

Budget | Smart Hotel Saslong is a no-frills hotel in Santa Cristina featuring modern, minimalist interiors decorated in local wood. Guests have access to a self-service bar, free parking (indoor and outdoor), and on-site restaurant serving local cuisine. This is a perfect place to stay if you’re traveling with friends. Book breakfast!

Midrange | Charme Hotel Uridl is a family-run hotel set in a mountain chalet dating back to the 17th century. Stay here for the cozy and quaint atmosphere and delicious breakfast buffets and dinners. 

Luxury | Dorfhotel Beludei is the finest hotel in Santa Cristina. With inspiring mountain views, gorgeous alpine-style rooms, hiking trails right on the doorstep, and a chef that puts ingenious and creative riffs on regional cuisine, this darling hotel is quite the Dolomites dream. Breakfast, an afternoon snack, and dinner are included in the rate. When I say this is the best place to stay and eat in Val Gardena, I mean this is THE BEST PLACE TO STAY AND EAT IN VAL GARDENA. Learn more: Best Hotels in the Dolomites.

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More Val Gardena Travel and Hiking Guides

Travel Guides:

• Best Hotels in Val Gardena
• Oritisei Travel Guide

Hiking Trails:

• Best Hikes in Val Gardena
• Steviola Plateau Hike
• Col dala Pieres
• Seceda Ridgeline Hike
• Monte Pic
• Lake Pisciadù Hike
• Piz Duleda
• Vallunga Valley and Val de Chedul
• Sassolungo Circuit Trail

Via Ferratas:

• Via Ferrata Oskar Schuster (Grade B/C)
• Via Ferrata Sass Rigais (Grade B/C)
• Gran Cir (Grade A)

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