Somewhere above the valleys of Val Gardena, the earth fractures into a blade of stone. One sharp, wild breath โ and youโre standing on the edge of the world. Hiking Seceda is one of the greatest adventures youโll have in the Dolomites. Here’s how to do it right.
Update: April 2025
If you’re chasing the kind of Dolomites hike that doesn’t just show you the view but hits you right in the chest, Seceda is it.
Seceda isnโt the longest hike in the Dolomites. Itโs not the hardest.
Soaring to 8,200 feet above the nearby villages, it might just be the most ridiculous, the most cinematic, the most “holy-shit-I-can’t-believe-this-is-real” kind of place you’ll ever stand.
In this guide, I’ll show you how to make the most of it โ whether you want an easy stroll to the summit, an all-day adventure through high alpine pastures, or a secret detour where the mountains feel like they belong only to you.
Because Seceda isnโt just a place.
Itโs an experience.
And it’s about to blow your mind.
Here’s my no-bullshit guide to hiking Seceda like a pro โ best routes, when to go, where to stay, and how to plan a day youโll be replaying in your head long after you’ve left.
HIKING SECEDA ESSENTIALS
DISTANCE | 5 km (one-way route) or 13 km (circular route)
TIME | 2 – 4.5 hours depending on route
ELEVATION | ยฑ 575m on the circular, mostly downhill on the one-way
DIFFICULTY | easy-moderate
BEST IN | Late July to early October
START IN | Ortisei or Santa Cristina
GO AT | Sunrise or sunset for golden light and fewer humans
- Why Hike Seceda?
- Hiking Seceda: Choose Your Own Adventure
- One-way Seceda Route: Ortisei to Santa Cristina (Easy Option)
- Circular Seceda Hiking Route: Santa Cristina Loop (Full-Day Option)
- Secret Detours: Bonus Adventures for the Bold
- Seceda Hiking Map (Routes + Photo Spots)
- When to Hike Seceda
- Getting to the Seceda Trailheads
- Where to eat and stay on Seceda
- Where to Stay for Hiking Seceda
- What to Pack for Hiking Seceda
- Hiking Seceda FAQs
- Final Thoughts on Hiking Seceda
- Planning A Trip To the Dolomites?
The features in this post were hand-selected by an obsessive travel nerd with strong opinions who doesn’t gatekeep good shit (hi, that’s me). Some of them are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my work and the occasional wine along the way โ Cat.
Why Hike Seceda?
There are hundreds of beautiful hikes in the Dolomites.
But Seceda isnโt just beautiful.
Itโs unreal. Dramatic. Cinematic in a way photos canโt fully convey and words can only hope to explain.
One moment youโre wandering through gentle alpine pastures; the next youโre standing at a ridgeline so sharp it looks like a sheer drop off the edge of the world.
On clear days, the peaks stretch forever, stitched against the sky. On misty ones, clouds claw at the crags and turn the whole scene into something straight out of a fantasy novel.
Best of all? You get to choose your own adventure.
Whether you want an easy stroll, a full-day loop, or a secret detour where you’ll barely see another soul, hiking Seceda delivers.
And it delivers in a way you’ll be replaying in your head long after you’re home, digging out the photos just to prove you didn’t dream it.
Hiking Seceda: Choose Your Own Adventure
Thereโs no one โright wayโ to hike Seceda โ which is exactly why itโs so special.
You can go all-in for a full-day loop. You can take it easy with a mostly downhill ramble.
Or you can throw the cable cars out the window and hike up from the valley floor like a total legend.
Hereโs the quick version:
- One-Way Route (Easy Option)
โ Start at Ortisei, take the FurnesโSeceda cable car, hike across the ridge, and descend by Col Raiser cable car to Santa Cristina.
Mostly downhill, huge views, perfect if you want the drama without killing your legs. - Circular Route (Full-Day Option)
โ Start and finish at Col Raiser cable car (Santa Cristina).
A full loop through high alpine pastures, rifugios, and secret viewpoints โ best if you want to earn your Hugo Spritz. - No Cable Car Ascent (Challenge Option)
โ Hike all the way up from Ortisei, Santa Cristina, or Selva.
Steep, sweaty, satisfying. Best for sunrise missions, shoulder seasons or full-blown bragging rights.
โคท Need help picking the right hike? Don’t worry โ Iโll break them all down below.
Want to hike Seceda the old-fashioned way โ no cable cars, no shortcuts, just you and the mountains?
If youโre dreaming of a sunrise summit, planning a shoulder-season adventure, or just want to earn every damn view, Iโve got you.
โคท [Coming soon – my full guide to hiking Seceda without the cable cars] for the best routes, trail tips, and everything you need to know before you go.
One-way Seceda Route: Ortisei to Santa Cristina (Easy Option)
START | Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda cable car
END | Col Raiser cable car (Santa Cristina)
DISTANCE | 5 km
TIME | 2-2.5 hours
ELEVATION | + 100m / – 450m
DIFFICULTY | Easy
If you want the epic Seceda summit without busting a lung (or your knees), this is your move.
A cable car up, a glorious walk along the ridgeline, a cable car down โ and memories that will body-check your Instagram feed for the next year.
How This Hike Works
Start your adventure by riding the OrtiseiโFurnesโSeceda cable car combo up to the summit (see transport section for the details).
At the top, follow Path 1 and signs for Seceda โ youโre aiming for the summit cross, perched like a tiny exclamation mark on the edge of the earth.
Itโs a short, steady climb to reach it โ and then suddenly, boom:
That view.
The iconic razorback ridgeline carving into the sky, mountains sprawling beyond it in layers like an endless dream.
Once youโve picked your jaw up off the floor, keep hiking along Path 1.
Youโll pass by the Troier Hut (worthy of a pit stop for a snack or sneaky Hugo Spritz).
After Troier, keep going toward Rifugio Firenze (Regensburgerhรผtte), one of the oldest and most atmospheric huts in the Dolomites.
At Firenze, swing right onto Path 2, then quickly hook left onto Path 4 โ this easy trail leads you to the top station of the Col Raiser cable car.
Hop on, float your way down to Santa Cristina, hop a bus back to Ortisei if needed (details below), and immediately start trying to figure out how to frame the photo you just took without crying a little bit about it.
Cable Cars & Transport Details
CABLE CAR FROM ORTISEI
CABLE CAR FROM SANTA CRISTINA
BUS INFORMATION
CAT’S TIP | Planning a sunset hike? Double-check bus times so you donโt end up hitchhiking with a confused Italian Nonna.
Circular Seceda Hiking Route: Santa Cristina Loop (Full-Day Option)
START/END | Col Raiser cable car (Santa Cristina)
DISTANCE | 13 km
TIME | 3 hours
ELEVATION | ยฑ 575m
DIFFICULTY | Easy – Moderate
How This Hike Works
Catch the Col Raiser cable car up from Santa Cristina (transport info above).
At the top, take a moment. Itโs pure Dolomites magic up here โ rolling meadows giving way to savage peaks โ and itโs about to get even better.
Follow the signs toward Fermeda/Seceda.
The first 15 minutes are blissfully flat โ a perfect warm-up with Sassolungo looming like a grumpy old god on your left.
Soon youโll pass Rifugio Fermeda, an excellent early pit stop if you want to grab coffee or lunch (or, you know, just a tactical pastry).
Then the climb begins โ a steady, switchbacking ascent up to the Seceda ridgeline via Path 2.
About 450m of honest, thigh-burning work.
Distract yourself with the views: rustic huts, wildflowers, and the fierce teeth of the Odle peaks stabbing the skyline.
Reward your legs with a stop at the divine Baita Sofie (wine with a view, anyone?), then head past Restaurante Seceda on Path 1 toward the summit cross.
This is your “holy-shit-is-this-even-real” moment โ make it last.
From the summit youโve got two choices:
- The Direct Descent:
Follow Path 1 back toward Troier Hut, connect onto Path 2, and wander downhill toward Rifugio Firenze before finishing at Col Raiser.
โคท Full step-by-step details are in the One-Way Route section above. - The Pieralongia Detour:
Take a left onto Path 2B just before Troier Hut and hike out to the absurdly gorgeous twin rocks of Pieralongia.
โคท Full step-by-step details are outlined in the Secret Detours section below.
Either way โ expect full-on awe, soaring views, and at least one moment where you dramatically whisper, “this canโt be real” to yourself.
TIP | You can also start this loop from Ortisei (via the Seceda cable car) if you’re feeling energetic โ but it’s a much tougher day, with the tough 450m ascent packed into the second half.
All transport details are in the one-way route above.
Secret Detours: Bonus Adventures for the Bold
Feeling extra wild?
Once you’re at the summit, there are two gorgeous detours you can add on โ perfect if you want a magical side quest without committing to a whole new hike.
You donโt have to do both. You donโt have to do either.
But if your feet โ or your heart โ are still restless when you reach the ridgeline, these are the adventures thatโll become core memories.
Both detours add around 30โ45 minutes to your hike, depending on how many pastries, photo stops, or spontaneous staring-into-the-sky moments you allow yourself.
Pieralongia Detour (Gentle Adventure)
Just when you think Seceda canโt get more beautiful, Pieralongia proves you wrong.
A gentle wander through wildflower meadows leads you to twin spires of stone rising straight out of the earth โ like something torn from the pages of a fantasy novel.
Itโs soft, cinematic, and absurdly pretty.
How to do it:
From the summit, descend toward Troier Hut along Path 1. Just before you reach the hut, turn left onto Path 2B toward Malga Pieralongia Alm.
Drink in the frankly insane views of alpine lakes and little wooden huts in Parco Naturale Puez-Odle and stop for coffee and cake if you’re smart (and you’re smart).
Take a right turn onto path 13B, which will take you to Rifugio Firenze. From here, take path 2 and then path 4 back to the Col Raiser cable car.
Furcela Pana (Steep, but Stupidly Worth It)
If you want the kind of view that punches you square in the chest, Furcela Pana is waiting.
This steep little side trail flings you up to a saddle where the Fermeda Towers rear out of the ground like stone daggers. Itโs short, it’s tough, and itโs outrageously worth it.
How to do it:
From the summit, start your descent along Path 1 toward Troier Hut.
Look for a sharp left onto Path 6 โ this is your route up to Furcela Pana.
Climb slowly, catch your breath often, and prepare to have your mind blown by the Furmeda Towers at the top.
Retrace your steps to Path 1 and continue your hike.
Seceda Hiking Map (Routes + Photo Spots)
If youโre a visual planner (or just want to geek out over all the ridiculous viewpoints waiting for you), hereโs my custom map with hiking routes and my favourite photo spots marked.
โคท Tip: Click the star next to the map title to save it to your own Google Maps account for offline access.
When to Hike Seceda
Best Season for Hiking Seceda
Seceda is beautiful year-round โ but if you want the full, mind-melting experience without snowdrifts or cable car dramas, aim for late July or early September through October.
โ July brings wildflowers and long, dreamy evenings. Perfect backdrops for leisurely rifugi stops.
โ August is peak tourist season โ beautiful, but busy (think tour groups wielding selfie sticks like lightsabers).
โ September to early October is the sweet spot: clear skies, cooler air, golden light, and far fewer crowds.
Outside of these months, it gets tricky.
Cable cars usually close between November and late May, and while itโs still technically possible to hike Seceda on foot, youโre dealing with full winter conditions โ snow, ice, and avalanche risk.
Short version: Unless youโre equipped for serious winter hiking, stick to summer and early autumn.
โคท Planning a shoulder season trip?
[Coming soon: my full guide to hiking Seceda without the cable cars] โ because you might need it.
Best Time of Day to Hike Seceda
If you want to feel like youโre starring in your own mountain epic (and honestly, you do), go early or go late.
Sunrise:
โ The ridgeline ignites in shades of pink, gold, and fire.
โ Thereโs barely a soul around except you, the clouds, and maybe a few marmots judging your heavy breathing.
Golden Hour (before sunset):
โ The light gets soft and syrupy, stretching long shadows across the mountains and setting the cliffs ablaze.
โ Perfect for slow hikes, long wine stops, and unhinged amounts of photography.
CAT’S PHOTOGRAPHY TIP | For the easiest Golden Hour vibes, book yourself a night at a rifugi at the top. You’ll save yourself a killer early morning uphill hike or headtorch-lit extravaganza down in the dark.
Middle of the day:
โ Still spectacular โ itโs Seceda, after all โ but expect bigger crowds, flatter light, and a little less magic.
Start early. Stay late if you can.
Trust me: youโre not going to want to rush this place.
Getting to the Seceda Trailheads
Youโve got three main launchpads for hiking Seceda โ the Val Gardena villages of Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva โ depending on which hike youโre doing and how much effort you’re willing to put in.
Hereโs how to get yourself to the right spot without needing a second coffee (or a full meltdown).
Via Ortisei
BEST FOR
โ Easy one-way hike to Santa Cristina (cable car up, hike across, cable car down)
BY CAR
BY BUS
TIP | There are various passes available for public transport and the open lifts in both Val Gardena and the wider Dolomites area. If you stay in Val Gardena and your accommodation is part of the Tourist Association then you’re entitled to a Mobil Card for free bus use. Options for lifts are the Gardena Card (Val Gardena only) or the SuperSummer Pass (Dolomites region).
Via Santa Cristina
BEST FOR
โ Full circular hike (Col Raiser loop)
โ Hardcore hikers skipping cable cars (you absolute legend)
BY CAR
BY BUS
Via Selva
BEST FOR
โ Hike up to Seceda (no cable cars, big bragging rights)
BY CAR
BY BUS
Where to eat and stay on Seceda
One of the best parts of hiking Seceda?
You don’t have to carry a sad squashed sandwich in your backpack.
Dotted along the trails are gorgeous mountain rifugi where you can grab a coffee, a Hugo spritz, a bowl of hot pasta, or even a bed for the night.
Here are a few favourites worth planning your day (or your night) around:
โคท Troier Hut
Farm-to-table dishes, strong coffee, and Hugo spritzes with a view of the Sassolungo massif. Perfect for a quick, easy refuel. Open 9amโ5pm summer months.
โคท Baita Sofie
The fanciest dining option on the mountain โ think hearty mountain plates, a killer wine list, and sunset views that might just destroy you emotionally. Open 8amโ6pm. Booking recommended.
โคท Rifugio Firenze (Regensburgerhรผtte)
One of the oldest and most atmospheric rifugi in Val Gardena. Stay overnight for a sunrise you’ll never shut up about. Open early Juneโmid-October. Must book in advance.
โคท Pieralongia Alm
Hidden in a wildflower-strewn valley between the twin towers of Pieralongia. Fresh cakes, coffee, and rustic alpine plates. (Open Juneโmid-October.)
โคท Rifugio Fermeda
Famous for wood-fired pizza served at 2,109 metres. Relaxed vibes, great food, and the perfect start or end to your Col Raiser loop. Book accommodation early.
TOP TIP | If you’re planning a sunrise hike or a sunset wine session, seriously consider booking a night at one of the rifugi. There’s nothing like watching the mountains set themselves on fire โ and knowing you only have to stagger a few steps to your bed.
Where to Stay for Hiking Seceda
If you want to get the best out of Seceda โ early morning light, late evening glow, fewer crowds โ itโs absolutely worth staying nearby.
Best Bases are the villages of Val Gardena:
Ortisei: The main gateway to Seceda. Great hotels, walkable to the cable car, and the liveliest base if you want bars and bakeries.
My Hotel Choice: Hotel Ansitz Jakoberhof ****
Santa Cristina: Quieter than Ortisei, but perfectly placed for both the Col Raiser cable car and exploring the broader Val Gardena area.
My Hotel Choice: Hotel Garnรฌ Gardena ***
Selva di Val Gardena: A little further up the valley. Ideal if you want access to other hiking trails too, but itโs still close enough for easy Seceda adventures.
My Hotel Choice: B&B Garni Bondi ***
READ THIS | [Coming soon: The Best Places to Stay for Hiking Seceda]
What to Pack for Hiking Seceda
You donโt need to carry the entire contents of a mountain shop to hike Seceda โ but you do need to be prepared.
Weather can shift fast up here, and the last thing you want is to be caught out when the sunshine turns to sideways hail (true story, 11/10 do not recommend).
โคท Need a full gear checklist?
READ THIS | The Ultimate Women’s Hiking Gear Guide for the Dolomites
In the meantime, hereโs your no-bullshit essentials list:
โ๏ธ Proper hiking boots (yes, even for the easy routes)
โ๏ธ Layers, layers, layers โ itโs colder at 8,200 feet than you think
โ๏ธ A waterproof jacket, because Dolomites gonna Dolomites
โ๏ธ Sun protection โ hat, sunglasses, SPF that could survive a small apocalypse
โ๏ธ Water and snacks (rifugi are dreamy, but not open 24/7)
โ๏ธ A fully charged phone + offline maps (bonus points if you pack a paper map)
โ๏ธ A headtorch if youโre chasing sunrise, sunset, or getting side-tracked by too many pastries
โ๏ธ Your camera. Trust me.
Hike smart. Layer up. Chase light. And leave room in your pack for that inevitable slice of strudel.
Hiking Seceda FAQs
Is hiking Seceda hard?
Nope. You can choose an easy mostly-downhill stroll across the ridgeline or go bigger with a full-day loop. Only the ascent trails without cable cars are seriously tough.
Do you have to book the cable cars in advance?
No. Just rock up, buy your ticket at the station, and ride. Only a total apocalypse (or a random maintenance day) will stop you.
Can you hike Seceda without using the cable cars?
Yes โ but itโs a big hike. โคท [Coming soon: my full guide to hiking Seceda without the cable cars] if you want to earn every damn view.
Are the trails easy to follow?
Very. Paths are clearly marked, and youโll rarely be out of sight of a rifugio, another hiker, or some marmot silently judging your snack choices.
Whenโs the best time to hike Seceda?
Late July to early October for full golden-hour magic. Aim for sunrise or sunset for the most mind-melting views.
Where should I stay for easy access to Seceda?
Stay in Ortisei, Santa Cristina, or Selva โ โคท [Coming soon: full guide to the best places to stay near Seceda].
Can you do Seceda as a day trip from Bolzano?
You can โ but youโll be tight on time if you want sunrise or sunset light. I strongly recommend staying overnight in Val Gardena instead.
Final Thoughts on Hiking Seceda
Some hikes give you pretty views.
Seceda punches a hole right through your chest and leaves the mountains humming inside you.
Whether you wander the ridgeline for an easy few hours or lose yourself on secret trails between wildflower meadows and stone spires, hiking Seceda isnโt just another day out in the Dolomites.
Itโs a core memory. The kind youโll dig out when the world feels small and grey and you need reminding that magic still exists.
So go.
Get yourself to that edge-of-the-world ridgeline.
Take the photo โ yes โ but more importantly, take the moment.
Youโll thank yourself later.
โคท Found this guide helpful? Save it, share it, send it to a friend you want to drag to the mountains. And if you have questions, hit me up in the comments or on Instagram โ Iโm always down to talk epic hikes and existential mountain moments.
Planning A Trip To the Dolomites?
With world-class hiking in summer, incredible skiing in winter, and a perfect blend of Italian and Austrian culture, the Dolomites is one of my favourite European destinations.
Check out these essential guides, travel tips, and more to help you plan your trip:
PLANNING A TRIP TO THE DOLOMITES | Here’s everything you need to make it perfect!
โคท For first-timers, my Ultimate Guide to visiting the Dolomites
โคท My Dolomites Itinerary guide, a week of feral mountain Dolomites energy, my (slightly more chill but not much) 5-Day Dolomites Itinerary and my long weekend 3-day options from Cortina or Ortisei
โคท Perhaps you’re wondering how to actually get to the Dolomites or the best time to visit
โคท If you just want some inspiration then build your own adventure with these single day road trips
โคท Here are my favourite things to do in the Dolomites (there’s wine!)
โคท And yes, you really do need to rent a car, and maybe read some Dolomites driving tips!
DOLOMITES DAY HIKES | Complete guides for my favourite day hikes in the Dolomites.
Hiking Lago di Sorapis, Croda da Lago, Seceda (including hiking to Seceda when the cable cars stop), Tre Cime di Lavaredo (and how to get there) and Cadini di Misurina.
Bonus: what to wear hiking in the Dolomites.
DOLOMITES PLACES | My favourite places to visit in the Dolomites like Lago di Braies, Alpe di Siusi and Val di Funes and where to stay when you get there (I’ve even made you a map)
ITALY | Plan a perfect first trip to Italy with my Top Tips for Travelers to Italy and Italy Travel Guide
TRAVEL INSURANCE | Don’t go anywhere without it! I use and recommend Safety Wing.
THOUGHTFUL TRAVEL | No matter where you go, always be aware of the fact that travel impacts the place and people that live there. Being a thoughtful traveller is more critical than ever. Here are my top tips to make your trip a mindful one.
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love my photos and want to know how to take better shots on your own trips? Then my photography guide is for you. Here’s all the photography gear I use too. Want to buy one of my images? Head to the Print Store.
ESSENTIAL GEAR | You’ll find my travel essentials here, and a complete guide to all my hiking gear here.
If you found this guide helpful, follow me on Instagram to get more travel tips.
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3 Comments on “Hiking Seceda: The Dolomites’ Most Ridiculous Ridgeline And How to See It Properly”
Great info! Thank you. If I am looking to backpack and camp overnight is that allowed near the peaks of Seceda Ridgeline? Also, would I be able to pay for water to refill a water bag at any of the Refugioโs?
Hi Alec, sorry for the delayed reply! Unfortunately it’s not actually allowed to camp anywhere in the Dolomites park region unless you’re caught in dangerous weather that makes it unsafe to proceed. I know that people set up tents there to make it look like they’ve camped overnight, but I suspect it’s just for the photos. The rifugi at Seceda usually have plenty of water, but some of them will only sell bottled water as they try to save the tap water for their guests for showers etc for the season. I hope that helps!
Hello, wonderful article and photography! We plan on arriving to the Dolomites early afternoon from Lake Garda on 10/13/23; reserved one night at Rifugio Firenze. We will likely head to Merano on the 14th for evening Brass festival and Sunday’s Grape festival.
We are trying to figure out the best circuit hike to do, keeping in mind that we really want to capture sunset and sunrise pictures. Will be our first day at higher altitudes. Consequently, it seems wise to take the cable car at least part way up. Are there short extension hikes from the Rifugio F or on the way to or from the Rifugio F that you would recommend?
Many thanks, Julie