Activities

Seceda in Val Gardena is one of the most versatile mountains in the Dolomites, offering an exceptional blend of nature, activity and breathtaking views. From leisurely hikes across blooming alpine meadows to challenging climbing routes and via ferratas on the iconic Odle peaks, as well as scenic mountain bike tours or unforgettable paragliding flights – everyone can find their own way to actively experience the Dolomites here.

Seceda can be reached in various ways: as your main destination for the day, as a starting point using the lift facilities, or as the final stage of your hike, returning by cable car. When choosing your route, there are several factors to consider. If you prefer a shorter walk, we recommend starting from Ortisei using the gondola/cable car. For a moderate hike, the Col Raiser route is an excellent choice. If you plan a full-day experience, you can start on foot from any village in Val Gardena or combine your hike with the lift facilities for either the ascent or descent.

An extensive network of hiking trails leads through stunning landscapes, passing numerous cosy, family-run mountain huts, to the Pieralongia hut with its two striking monoliths (the “donkey ears”), to the UNESCO World Heritage viewpoint, or into the Cisles Valley in the Puez-Odle Nature Park, from where many routes continue towards various mountain peaks. Below lies the Mastlé (Aschgler Alm), from where you can hike to the panoramic peak Pic and the Sëurasas viewpoint.

Discover here a selection of hikes leading to Seceda.

In the impressive mountain landscape surrounding Seceda, set within the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites, a wide range of opportunities awaits climbing enthusiasts. 

Around the mountain crown of Val Gardena, there are a total of nine varied via ferratas, offering spectacular full-day tours with breathtaking views. In the Seceda area, two of these outstanding routes can be found: the Sas Rigais via ferrata and the Nives via ferrata.

The offer is complemented by more than ten beautiful alpine climbing routes around the Great and Small Furchetta and the Fermeda peaks in the Odle group.

Please note that via ferratas are intended only for experienced mountaineers equipped with appropriate gear (via ferrata set and helmet). For alpine climbing routes, we also strongly recommend being accompanied by a local mountain guide.

As parts of Seceda lie within the Puez-Odle Nature Park, mountain biking is not permitted in several areas. However, the Seceda alpine pasture and summit can still be reached via alternative routes outside the protected zones – on wide forest roads, also suitable for e-bikes. This is particularly possible from S. Cristina via Cristauta or from Selva Val Gardena via Juac.

Please note that these are predominantly challenging routes, especially as the descents follow gravel roads – therefore suitable only for experienced mountain bikers.

Seceda, at 2,450 m in Val Gardena, is considered a true paradise for paragliders, offering spectacular views of the Dolomites. It is also an ideal spot for the increasingly popular “Hike & Fly” trend, where the ascent on foot is combined with a subsequent paragliding flight down into the valley – a unique nature and adventure experience. 

At the same time, especially in the afternoon, it is a highly demanding take-off site, with sometimes strong winds and pronounced thermal conditions. For this reason, it is not suitable for beginners or occasional pilots. For less experienced or leisure pilots, take-offs are recommended only with southerly winds and during calm, sunny mornings.

Even if you don’t fly yourself, you can still enjoy this unique experience: a tandem flight (biplace) with a certified local pilot offers an unforgettable adrenaline rush and the chance to admire the impressive mountain landscape from a bird’s-eye perspective.

In the Seceda and Col Raiser area alone, there are 18 family-run mountain huts and alpine restaurants, many of them featuring sunny panoramic terraces. They offer traditional South Tyrolean specialities, Mediterranean Italian cuisine, and often also Ladin dishes.

The culinary offer is rounded off by a fine selection of South Tyrolean wines, refreshing cordial drinks, and classic Italian coffee.