Seceda (2519 m) is a panoramic mountain in the Puez-Odle Group in the Dolomites of Northern Italy. High above Val Gardena in South Tyrol, the summit rises between the Resciesa Plateau and the Odle Peaks.
The Seceda summit and ridge deliver mind-blowing, almost hallucinatory, views of the craggy Fermeda towers, an ensemble of sky-piercing pinnacles. It’s this very viewpoint that inspires so many people to visit the Dolomites every year.
Reaching Seceda is surprisingly easy, as there is a direct cableway connection linking the village of Ortisei in Val Gardena with Seceda.
However, there are several other ascent routes that you should know about, including the Resciesa route and the Cristauta – Praplan route (no cableway needed).
Kati and I have visited Seceda six times in summer, autumn, and winter, with and without cableways.
In this guide, I’ve summarized our favorite hikes, via ferrata routes, and treks that either start at, or lead to Seceda. You’ll also learn about visiting in winter.
- When to Hike: June – October, depending on snow conditions
- Weather Forecast and Webcam: 3BMeteo Weather Ortisei
- When to Ski: December – March
- Camping: Camping is forbidden. If you want to stay on the mountain near Seceda, stay in Rifugio Fermeda.
- Drones: Seceda is located within Puez-Odle Nature Park, a protected area and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Flying drones is strictly forbidden.
- Where to Stay in Ortisei: Hotel Garni Walter (midrange), Casa al Sole (bed and breakfast), Chalet Hotel Hartmann – Adults Only (midrange)
- Where to Stay in Santa Cristina: Hotel Garni Ruscel (budget), Bed & Breakfast Kaserer (budget), Smart Hotel Saslong (budget)
- Where to Stay in Selva: Hotel Garni Morene (budget), Garni Sunela B&B (budget)
- Recommended Trail Map: Tabacco 05 Val Gardena – Alpe di Siusi
Seceda Dolomites Map
Trails
Col Raiser Connection
When to Visit Seceda
For hiking, visit Seceda between June and October. The Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda and Col Raiser cableways are operating throughout the summer and early autumn seasons, making it easy to ascend to the summit.
For via ferrata climbing, visit Seceda between July and September.
For skiing, visit Seceda between December and March (early April). In winter, Seceda is located within the Val Gardena ski resort in the Dolomiti Superski network. The sunny, south-facing Seceda ski slopes are an absolute joy to ski.
We don’t recommend visiting Seceda in spring, due to lingering snow on trails. Also, cableways do not operate in between the winter ski and summer holiday seasons. If conditions are favorable, it may be possible to hike Seceda in late May. It’s best to monitor conditions by looking at this webcam.
Also, we don’t recommend visiting Seceda in November, because conditions are unpredictable. Sometimes, early November is stable. But, I would only plan a November trip, if you can do so spontaneously based on current conditions and a promising weather forecast.
Related | Best Time to Visit the Dolomites
Seceda Hikes
Seceda to Rifugio – Pieralongia – Rifugio Firenze Circuit Trail (Easy-Moderate)
The Seceda – Rifugio Firenze circuit trail is the perfect introduction to hiking in Val Gardena. There is never a dull moment along this scenic trail that delivers sweeping views of the Puez-Odle Group, Sassolungo-Langkofel Group, Catinaccio-Rosengarten Group, and Sella Group.
Along the way, hikers have the opportunity to eat and drink in managed huts like Pieralongia Hütte, Rifugio Firenze (Regensburger Hütte in German, Utia de Ncisles in Ladin), Troier Hütte, and Baita Sofie.
This trail presents no technical difficulty. However, hikers must be willing and able to ascend 500 meters.
This circular route begins and ends with the Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda cableways.
However, you can start at the Col Raiser gondola mountain station. If you do, first follow trail 4 to Rifugio Firenze (20 minutes).
From the Seceda cableway mountain station, hike up to the Seceda summit viewpoint (10 minutes) and then follow the ridge in the direction of the Fermeda peaks.
The ridge path is safeguarded with a railing and further bolstered with cement blocks to stabilize the trail and thwart erosion. Tracing the ridge, hike to the various lookout points and then continue to the Forcella Pana (Panascharte) saddle.
At the saddle, make a sharp right and descend, following signs to Pieralongia (trail 2B).
Beneath the towering Fermeda and Odle Peaks, the path gently traverses the mountain pasture of Pieralongia, where cows, donkeys, and horses graze in summer.
After passing the managed Pieralongia alpine pasture hut, the trail continues with ease to a pair of captivating spires, jutting in diametric directions.
Soon thereafter, the path descends amid stone pine to Rifugio Firenze, which marks the halfway point of the day hike.
Though Rifugio Firenze is a perfect spot for lunch, we prefer eating at Rifugio Troier.
Follow trail 1 to Seceda. The path steeply climbs up to the UNESCO Mastlé Val Gardena Panoramic Balcony. The ascent continues over a ridge and across a meadow to reach the small lake of Lech da Iman.
Eat lunch at Baita Troier and then complete the hike to Seceda.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Seceda Cableway mountain station
Distance | 8.9 km circuit
Time Needed | 3:15 hours without breaks
Elevation Gain/Loss | 524 meters
Difficulty | Easy – Moderate
Trail Guide: Seceda – Rifugio Firenze Circuit Trail
Seceda without a Cableway: Cristauta Car Park – Seceda – Monte Pic Hike (Moderately Difficult)
If you want to hike to Seceda without a cableway, start at the Cristauta (Praplan) car park above Santa Cristina in Val Gardena.
During our last visit, the parking fee was 1 EUR per hour (max 6 EUR per day) between mid June and mid October. You can pay with EUR coins, or use the easypark mobile app.
I love this figure 8-shaped day hike, because it follows lesser known trails to reach the summit of Seceda and descends via Monte Pic peak and Seurasas mountain pasture. The hike takes at least 6 hours (without breaks) and involves a whopping 1064 meters of elevation gain and loss.
From the car park, the trail follows forest paths to reach Baita Gamsblut and rises to Rifugio Fermeda, passing a number of ski huts.
Continue to Baita Daniel and then Baita Sofie. Pass the Seceda cableway mountain station on your way to the Seceda summit.
Follow the ridge path to Forcella Pana (Panascharte) saddle and then descend to Baita Troier. Return to Baita Daniel, completing one loop of the figure-8 trail.
The trail leads south over the panoramic Pic peak to the Seurasas mountain pasture, one of our favorite places in the Dolomites.
Continue descending to the Baita Seurasas hut—a great place for a late lunch—and then down the steep forest road to the Cristauta car park.
Trail Stats
Trailhead | Cristauta/Praplan Parking Lot
Distance | 13.9 km circuit
Time Needed | 6 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 1064 meters
Difficulty | Moderate-Moderately Difficult
Trail Guide: Monte Pic – Seceda Hike
Resciesa Plateau – Rifugio Brogles – Seceda (Difficult)
The most adventurous approach to Seceda starts atop the Resciesa plateau.
This is a difficult hike, only suitable for those who are comfortable hiking up and down very steep and rugged terrain, peppered with scree and loose rocks.
I love this challenging Seceda hiking trail, because it offers exciting perspectives of the Odle/Geisler Group from the Resciesa Alp, before crossing the rugged heart of the range.
To start the hike, ride the Resciesa funicular from Ortisei. In a northeasterly direction, follow trail 35 across the plateau to Passo di Brogles (Broglessattel, Bredles). Descend to the happily situated Brogleshütte and then continue along the Adolf Munkel Trail, until trail 29 branches off to the right.
Up until this point, the hike is remarkably easy.
Trail 29 steeply climbs up to the Forcella di Mesdì saddle and then plunges down the other side, along a heavily timber-bolstered path.
When you reach level ground at Plan Ciautier, at the foot of Sass Rigais, turn right on trail 2B and hike to Pieralongia Hütte. After crossing the pasture, the trail continues to ascend to Seceda.
Enjoy the panorama and perhaps a celebratory lunch at Baita Sofie, before riding the Seceda cableways down to Ortisei.
Trail Stats
Starting Point | Resciesa Mountain Station, Ortisei
Ending Point | Seceda Mountain Station
Distance | 14.4 km point-to-point
Time Needed | 6:15 hours
Elevation Gain | 1087 meters
Elevation Loss | 737 meters
Difficulty | Difficult
Trail Guide: Resciesa Plateau to Seceda Hike
Seceda Via Ferrata Routes
Sass Rigais Via Ferrata
It’s possible to combine a visit to Seceda with a thrilling via ferrata climb (Grade B/C).
There is no via ferrata route leading to Seceda, but there is one nearby. The Sass Rigais via ferrata starts in Val dla Salieries, aka Val dala Salieres, a 1-hour hike away from Seceda.
Sass Rigais (3025 m) along with Furcheta (3025 m) is the highest peak in the Puez-Odle (Puez-Geisler) mountain group.
It’s more common to approach the route from the Col Raiser gondola mountain station. But, we started the Sass Rigais approach at Seceda, because we were staying in Casa al Sole (read our hotel review) in Ortisei. It was a long day, but absolutely spellbinding. An early start is essential.
In this comprehensive Sass Rigais via ferrata guide, I’ve explained the different via ferrata approaches and routes leading to the summit (eastern, southwestern, Villnösser Einstieg).
Via Ferrata Stats
Trailhead | Seceda Mountain Station
Distance | 11.6 km lollipop-circuit
Time Needed | 7:30 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 948 meters
Via Ferrata Difficulty | Intermediate (B/C)
Seceda Multi-Day Treks
If you want to visit Seceda along a multi-day trek across the Dolomites, you can book this self-guided 9-day Best of the Dolomites trek with Alpenventures UNGUIDED. The trek can also be hiked in 7 days and 12 days, depending on how much distance you want to cover in a single day.
The trek starts at Seceda and leads east to the Ampezzo and Sexten Dolomites, stringing together sections of the Alta Via 1, 2, 3, 4 and 9 long distance trails.
Skiing Seceda in Winter
In winter (December – March), Seceda is a ski area within the Val Gardena-Alpe di Siusi ski resort.
There are several gorgeous ski slopes that run down the Seceda Alp, starting at Seceda lift (#2-3), Fermeda lift (#4), and Catores lift (#81).
These sunny south-facing runs are glorious, because of the sheer beauty of the surroundings and welcoming ski huts.
In winter, the most memorable way to experience Seceda is on skis, or on a snowboard. If you’re not a skier, you can still ride the Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda cableways to the summit and walk up to the viewpoint (with proper winter boots), but your exploration will be limited, since you can’t hike on the ski slope.
Learn More: Skiing in Val Gardena
How to Get to Seceda in Winter
If you stay in Ortisei, you can ride the Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda cableways to reach the Seceda ski area.
If you stay in Santa Cristina, first navigate to the Saslong valley station. Next, ride the Gardena Ronda Express underground railway to the Col Raiser gondola valley station. From the Col Raiser mountain station, follow the blue run in the direction of Seceda to the Fermeda lift. This chairlift ride is as incredible as the ski run below it.
And finally, if you stay in Selva, ride the Ciampinoi lift (#29) and then ski down to Saslong. Hop on the Gardena Ronda Express and follow instructions above.
Where to Stay near Seceda
Ortisei
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 in the center of Ortisei, only a short walk from the Seceda cableway and the Resciesa funicular. Highlights of staying here include the modern minimal interiors, comfortable bedrooms, warm hospitality, and delicious homemade breakfast. At Casa al Sole, Alexandra and Manuel host with great care and enthusiasm, and are always available to offer advice and help make dinner reservations. 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.
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.
Look for accommodation in Ortisei.
Santa Cristina
Budget | Hotel Garni Ruscel is a great-value bed and breakfast in Santa Cristina. 4 nights minimum stay in high season.
Budget | Bed & Breakfast Kaserer is a charming B&B with clean, traditional rooms and excellent hospitality. 3 nights minimum stay.
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.
Top Choice – Boutique Luxury | Dorfhotel Beludei is a 4-star-superior boutique hotel set in a quiet location above the village church. Stay here for the innovative cuisine (half board only), Ladin hospitality, and spacious suites. Complimentary Perks: garage parking, winter shuttle to ski slopes, guided hiking tours, and afternoon snack. Read our Dorfhotel Beludei Hotel Review.
Find an accommodation in Santa Cristina.
Selva di 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.
Find an accommodation in Selva di Val Gardena.
Val Gardena Travel and Hiking Guides
Hotels:
Hiking Trails:
- Best Hikes in Val Gardena
- Rifugio Stevia and Col dala Pieres Day Hike
- Val de Chedul – Vallunga Valley Circuit
- Piz Duleda Peak Hike
- Sassolungo Circuit Trail
- Alpe di Siusi to Monte Pana
- Alpe di Siusi Meadows Circuit Trail
Nearby Destinations:
Itineraries:
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