Tips & rules of conduct

During your visit to Val Gardena, don’t miss the many other natural highlights and take the time to discover these unique treasures. Instead of only using the lifts, explore the landscape more deeply by following the well-marked hiking trails. This is the best way to reach additional viewpoints and encounter wildlife such as chamois, deer, marmots and squirrels that call this area home.

The Seceda is the highest alpine pasture in South Tyrol where traditional haymaking is still practiced. Thanks to this important maintenance, a rich and unique alpine flora with around 100 different species flourishes here every year. About 100 farmers and landowners traditionally own small mountain huts and continue this demanding work during the summer months.

We kindly ask all visitors to respect this cultural landscape! Stay on marked trails, do not leave any waste behind and avoid walking on alpine meadows. These are not ordinary lawns, but valuable natural habitats that require protection. Careless behaviour harms nature, wildlife and the people who depend on it. Wild camping and overnight stays in tents are strictly prohibited.

• Please respect the Alpine flora and vegetation, as well as the unique rock formations and pinnacles that shape these extraordinary mountain landscapes.
• Dress appropriately: wear hiking boots with good grip, bring a backpack with provisions, and carry suitable clothing for possible weather changes.
• Do not overestimate your abilities and make sure to carefully plan your tour in advance. You can find useful information through the tour suggestions on this page, from your accommodation in Val Gardena—where you will receive all necessary details—or at the three local tourist offices.
• Please stay strictly on marked trails, do not walk across meadows, and do not climb over fences: these are private properties managed by local farmers and used for agricultural purposes.

• Always check the local weather forecast before your tour. In particular, if rain or thunderstorms are expected, make use of our local precipitation forecast already 24 hours in advance and during your hike to ensure maximum safety.
• In case of a medical emergency, please immediately dial the emergency number 112! Please also bear in mind that the local Val Gardena mountain rescue service (Judacrëp Gherdëina) is based on the voluntary work of local mountain enthusiasts and should not be called for minor issues or situations that could have been avoided with proper planning.
• Take the opportunity to visit the three villages of Val Gardena – Ortisei, Santa Cristina and Selva – and get to know the local population, who, in addition to Italian, German and English, also speak Ladin, a minority language. Accommodation providers, restaurants, mountain huts, shops, and many other services are run by local people.
• The people of Val Gardena are deeply connected to their roots in this once remote Dolomite valley. Previous generations had to adapt to this challenging mountain environment, where the peaks were long considered insurmountable barriers. This gave rise to the Dolomite legends, where giants, fairies and forest spirits shaped the landscape – including the legend of King Laurin, who at sunrise and sunset lets his rose garden bloom, bathing the Dolomites in a magical pink and orange glow.

Every day on Seceda, you will meet our “Dolomites Ranger”, who are happy to provide helpful advice – feel free to approach them!