For the best experience, we recommend staying in Val Gardena. This way, you benefit from short distances, excellent connections and can enjoy your visit to the Seceda in a relaxed and sustainable way. There are several ways to reach the Seceda: on foot via scenic hiking trails, by mountain bike or comfortably by cable car. As parking in the valley is limited, we also recommend using public transport to travel between Ortisei, S. Cristina and Selva di Val Gardena.
The ascent from Ortisei to the Seceda is one of the most impressive hikes in Val Gardena. Starting directly from the village, the trail leads steadily uphill through shaded forests before opening up to ever more stunning views over the valley and the surrounding Dolomites. The climb is consistently demanding and requires good physical fitness. In total, 1.200 m of elevation gain are covered, with a hiking time of approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on the chosen route. At the top, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Odle/Geisler Group and the surrounding peaks—an unforgettable highlight for ambitious hikers.
Discover the best hiking routes to the Seceda ridge line. Below you will find selected tour suggestions to reach this iconic viewpoint on foot. Alternatively, plan your own route easily with the Val Gardena Trip Planner and explore the Dolomites in an active and sustainable way.
The ascent to the Seceda from the starting point Cristauta above Santa Cristina Valgardena - easily reached by public bus (line358) or by car (limited paid parking available), offers a particularly varied hike. The trail begins through quiet forest sections before opening up to wide alpine meadows. The route climbs steadily and requires good physical fitness. For the full ascent, allow around 3 to 4 hours and approximately 900-1,000 metres of elevation gain, depending on your pace. Along the way, you’ll enjoy impressive views of the Sassolungo, the Sella Group and the Odle/Geisler Group, a hike that perfectly combines nature and panoramic scenery. Alternatively, plan your individual route easily with the Val Gardena Trip Planner and explore the Dolomites in an active and sustainable way:
From Daunëi above Selva di Val Gardena, easily reached by public bus (line 357) or by car (limited paid parking available), a particularly scenic ascent leads to the Seceda. Right from the start, you’ll enjoy outstanding views of the Dolomites before the trail continues through alpine meadows and light forests, steadily gaining elevation. The route is not technically difficult but requires good physical fitness due to the 800–900 metres of elevation gain. Hiking time is approximatley 2.5 to 3.5 hours. One of the highlights is the gradual approach to the striking Seceda ridgeline, which becomes more impressive with every step.
Alternatively, plan your individual route easily with the Val Gardena Trip Planner and explore the Dolomites in an active and sustainable way.
The easiest and most comfortable way to reach the Seceda is via the cable cars connecting it with Ortisei and S. Cristina.
You can easily reach the valley station of the Seceda cable car in Ortisei by public transport or on foot. The ascent to the Seceda is bookable online and operates with fixed 30-minute time slots. Arriving by car is possible, but due to very limited parking, it is often not the most convenient option. We therefore recommend using public transport to the “Antoniusplatz” stop in Ortisei. From there, the escalator connection “La Curta” takes you directly to the valley station of the Seceda gondola in about 7 minutes on foot—an easy, cost-effective and sustainable way to start your visit.
You can also easily reach the valley station of the Col Raiser cable car in S. Cristina by public transport. Arriving by car is possible, but due to limited parking at the valley station, it is only recommended to a limited extent. From the mountain station of the Col Raiser cable car, several hiking trails lead up to the highest point of the Seceda. Depending on your fitness level, allow around 1 to 2 hours of walking time and approximately 500 metres of elevation gain.
Alternatively, you can use the Fermeda chairlift (please check opening times), whose lower station can be reached on foot in about 30 to 40 minutes by descending from Col Raiser.
The Seceda is one of the most impressive viewpoints in the Dolomites and also a rewarding destination for ambitious mountain bikers. From Ortisei, Santa Cristina Valgardena and Selva di Val Gardena, a variety of routes lead through forests and alpine meadows up towards Seceda, offering stunning panoramic views of the Odle/Geisler Group and the surrounding Dolomites.
IMPORTANT: Please note that certain trail sections, especially within the Puez-Odle Nature Park, are reserved exclusively for hikers. Respect all signage, stay on designated MTB routes, and be mindful of pedestrians and the alpine environment. In doing so, you help ensure a respectful coexistence and contribute to the preservation of this unique natural landscape in Val Gardena.
