Shortest dayLift and crest
Ortisei to the top
- Walking
- About 1 hour
- Climb
- Almost none
- Best for
- Views, little time
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Guide · Seceda
Seceda: the ridge, the lifts and the walks around it
Seceda is the grassy crest above Ortisei that drops into a wall of rock on its north side. How to get up, what the ridge walk really involves, and where to go once you are there.
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Editorial team, hikingdolomitesitaly.comUpdated October 25, 20268 min read78 sources
Seceda at a glance
What Seceda is, and why the crest looks the way it does
Seceda is a broad mountain on the sunny side of Val Gardena, inside the Puez-Odle Nature Park, and its highest point carries a summit cross at 2,519 m.71 From the south it looks almost gentle: long, tilted meadows that run down towards Ortisei and Santa Cristina. Walk to the top and the picture changes at once, because the north side falls away in a sheer edge towards the jagged Odle peaks. That contrast between soft grass and a cut-off cliff is the whole reason the place became famous.
The names explain a good part of it. Odles, the Ladin name of the Geisler group, means needles, which fits the row of sharp towers you look at from the crest.8 Seceda itself comes from the Latin siccus, dry, a nod to slopes that can look parched late in the season.9 In summer the southern meadows are anything but dry: they carry over a hundred species of alpine flowers.10
Those meadows are worked land, not a park lawn. Seceda is the highest alpine pasture in South Tyrol where traditional haymaking is still practised, and about 100 farmers and landowners keep small huts up here and cut the grass in summer.1112 That is why fences cross the slopes and why the local rules ask you to keep off the grass. Treat the ridge as a working mountain farm with a view, and the day goes better for everyone.
Your day
A Seceda morning, from the village to the crest
-
Before you go
Book a lift slot
Tickets run in fixed 30-minute slots.4
-
In Ortisei
Walk to the valley station
About 6 minutes from Piazza S. Antonio via La Curta.13
-
Two cable cars
Ortisei, Furnes, the top
450 m of vertical, then 700 m more.14
-
First hour
The crest to the cross
-
Late morning
Down to Pieralongia
About 45 minutes to the hut below the stone teeth.16
-
Afternoon
Chairlift or ride down
Fermeda runs 20 June to 20 September.17
The cable cars from Ortisei: dates, hours and fares
The quick way up is the lift chain from the middle of Ortisei. A gondola rises from the village to Furnes, then a larger cable car carries you to the top station just below the summit; the first section is 2,500 m long with a 450 m vertical, the second 2,050 m long with a 700 m vertical.14 In 2026 both run from 22 May to 2 November, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.2 Outside that window the summer timetable ends; in winter the lifts serve the ski slopes instead.
For summer 2026 an adult return from Ortisei to the top costs $83, and a single ride up or down $55.3 Juniors from 8 to 15.99 years pay $42 return, and children up to 7.99 years ride free when an adult ticket is bought at the same time.318 Dogs and bikes cost $8 each.19 Note that the Dolomiti SuperSummer card is not accepted on these lifts.20
Buy ahead if you can. The Seceda cable car runs on fixed 30-minute time slots that you book online, and the lift company itself asks visitors to buy before they come.421 If you stay several days, the Gardena Card covers the participating lifts in the valley from 6 June to 11 October 2026, at $139 for 3 consecutive days for an adult.2223 Do the sums for your own plan before you choose.
Every way up
Routes to the Seceda summit compared
| Start | Climb | Time on foot | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ortisei by lift | Almost none | Ridge about 1 hr | Timed online slots45 |
| Col Raiser top | About 500 m | 1 to 2 hrs | Gondola from Santa Cristina28 |
| Daunëi, Selva | 800 to 900 m | 2.5 to 3.5 hrs | Bus line 3572930 |
| Cristauta | 900 to 1,000 m | 3 to 4 hrs | Bus line 3583130 |
| Ortisei on foot | 1,200 m | 3.5 to 4.5 hrs | Demanding all the way32 |
| Resciesa traverse | Via 2,597 m pass | 6 to 7 hrs | For experienced hikers2733 |
Times and climbs are Val Gardena tourism's own figures; your pace may differ.32312928
Three ways to do it
Lift, loop or long climb
Shortest day
Easy and variedPieralongia loop
From the top station
- Distance
- 5.8 km
- Time
- About 1.5 hours
- Best for
- Families, mixed groups
Full mountain dayUp from Ortisei
On foot all the way
- Climb
- 1,200 m
- Time
- 3.5 to 4.5 hours
- Best for
- Fit, early starters
Decision helper
Which Seceda day suits you?
Start from the thing you care about most
The actual ridge section is around 1 km long and can be comfortably completed in about one hour, including scenic stops.
The ridge walk itself, step by step
From the top station the Ridge Line trail climbs to the summit cross at 2,519 m and then follows the crest towards the Panascharte saddle.15 The crest section is about 1 km long and takes about an hour with photo stops, so it is a short walk, not a day out on its own.5 The lift company suggests taking the highest trail first, so that you reach the famous Seceda ridgeline viewpoint while you still have fresh legs and space around you.35
Expect the classic view on your left as you walk east: the grass drops away, and across the gap the Odle towers stand in a row like teeth. The north side drops away sheer, so keep children close and stay on the path rather than stepping out for a photo. The ground is grassy and stony, easy underfoot in dry weather and slick after rain, which is reason enough to wear real hiking shoes even for an hour.
Beyond the summit cross, on trail no. 6 going east, there is now a paid turnstile at $6 that lets you continue towards the Panascharte saddle, though the saddle itself is closed.36 You do not need it for the view. If you want to keep walking into the nature park or down to the Mastlé pastures, take trail no. 1 instead, which runs a little below the crest.37
Map
Seceda, Val Gardena, the Brenta above Molveno and the way in
The Seceda crest up close, the villages and lifts of Val Gardena, the refuge path from Molveno into the Brenta, then the airports and stations you arrive at.
1Seceda summit2Furnes3Pieralongia4Fermeda hut5Col Raiser6Forcella de Mesdì
7Ortisei8Santa Cristina9Selva10Resciesa11Sassolungo12Compatsch13Puez hut14Passo Sella
15Molveno16Pradel17La Montanara18Croz dell'Altissimo19Selvata20Tosa and Pedrotti21Lake Molveno
22Venice airport23Verona airport24Trento25Bolzano26Ponte Gardena27Innsbruck airport
- 1Seceda summit
The summit cross at 2,519 m, reached on the Ridge Line trail from the top station.115
In Google Maps ↗ - 2Furnes
Middle station between Ortisei and Seceda: a 2,500 m gondola below, a 2,050 m cable car above.14
In Google Maps ↗ - 3Pieralongia
Hut at the foot of the stone teeth, about 45 minutes on foot from the Seceda top station.16
In Google Maps ↗ - 4Fermeda hut
On the Trojer loop, near the Fermeda chairlift, which runs 20 June to 20 September in 2026.3817
In Google Maps ↗ - 5Col Raiser
Gondola top station at 2,106 m above Santa Cristina; 1 to 2 hours on foot to the top of Seceda.2528
In Google Maps ↗ - 6Forcella de Mesdì
Steep pass at 2,597 m on the long traverse from Resciesa.27
In Google Maps ↗ - 7Ortisei
Village at 1,236 m and start of the Seceda cable cars and the Alpe di Siusi gondola.2439
In Google Maps ↗ - 8Santa Cristina
Village at 1,428 m with the Col Raiser gondola.40
In Google Maps ↗ - 9Selva
Highest village of the valley, with the Dantercëpies gondola towards the Puez plateau.41
In Google Maps ↗ - 10Resciesa
Funicular top station above Ortisei at 2,103 m; easy walks along the ridge.2742
In Google Maps ↗ - 11Sassolungo
The circuit round the group takes 5.5 hours, about 3 with the lifts.4344
In Google Maps ↗ - 12Compatsch
Top of the Seiser Alm cableway from Seis, a 15-minute ride.45
In Google Maps ↗ - 13Puez hut
Refuge at 2,475 m on the Puez plateau.46
In Google Maps ↗ - 14Passo Sella
End point of the Stone City section of the Sassolungo circuit.47
In Google Maps ↗ - 15Molveno
Lake village and start of the cable car to Pradel.48
In Google Maps ↗ - 16Pradel
Lift terrace at 1,350 m above the lake and start of the refuge paths.4849
In Google Maps ↗ - 17La Montanara
Family-run refuge on the Pradel plateau, open daily from late May.50
In Google Maps ↗ - 18Croz dell'Altissimo
Refuge at 1,435 m below a 900 m rock wall, 1 hour from Pradel on path 340.515253
In Google Maps ↗ - 19Selvata
Refuge at 1,630 m, open 1 June to 20 September.5455
In Google Maps ↗ - 20Tosa and Pedrotti
Huts at 2,449 m close to the Bocca di Brenta, open mid-June to late September.56
In Google Maps ↗ - 21Lake Molveno
Placed first among lake destinations in the 2026 Legambiente and Touring Club guide.57
In Google Maps ↗ - 22Venice airport
About 270 km from Val Gardena.58
In Google Maps ↗ - 23Verona airport
About 190 km from Val Gardena, with an AltoAdigeBus link.5960
In Google Maps ↗ - 24Trento
Main station for Molveno; the Paganella bus runs every 30 minutes.6162
In Google Maps ↗ - 25Bolzano
Station 40 km from Val Gardena; bus 350 runs up the valley.63
In Google Maps ↗ - 26Ponte Gardena
The closest station to Val Gardena, 18 km away.63
In Google Maps ↗ - 27Innsbruck airport
About 120 km from Val Gardena.59
In Google Maps ↗
Checklist
Before you ride up
01
Book and pay
- Lift ticket booked for your time slot
- Lift dates checked for your day
- Cash or card for huts and the turnstile
02
Wear and carry
- Hiking boots with good grip
- A warm layer and a rain jacket
- Water and a snack
03
On the mountain
- Stay on the marked trails
- Keep off the hay meadows
- No drones, no tents
Video
Is the ride up to Seceda worth it?
The video starts loading once you tap play.
Easy loops that start at the top station
Most people only ride up, walk the crest and ride down. With a little more time, the lift company describes an easy loop that links the summit area with the Pieralongia meadows: from the top station at 2,500 m over Pieralongia at 2,290 m to the Odles hut at 2,100 m, about 5.8 km in 1.5 hours.266 It is downhill most of the way, which is why it suits mixed groups.
After about 45 minutes you reach the Pieralongia hut at the foot of two rock towers known as the stone teeth, then the trail passes the World Heritage Terrace at 2,200 m.1664 From the Odles hut the path drops to the Fermeda chairlift, which brings you back up near the top station. Remember the chairlift runs a shorter season, 20 June to 20 September in 2026, and costs extra: $46 return for an adult.1765
The shorter option is the Trojer loop: Seceda at 2,500 m, Trojer at 2,250 m and the Fermeda area at 2,109 m, about 4.2 km and an hour of walking.3866 Both loops pass family-run huts; in the Seceda and Col Raiser area alone there are 18 huts and mountain restaurants, which makes lunch easy.34 Outside the main season some huts may be shut, so carry water and food anyway.67
Getting up without the Ortisei lifts
From Santa Cristina, the Col Raiser gondola climbs to 2,106 m and runs from 22 May to 1 November in 2026.2517 From its top station, allow 1 to 2 hours on foot and about 500 m of climb to the highest point of Seceda.28 Val Gardena tourism recommends this route for a moderate hike, and it has the advantage of leaving the busy Ortisei lift queue to other people.68
On foot from the valley floor the numbers grow fast. From Ortisei it is 1,200 m of climb and about 3.5 to 4.5 hours depending on the route.32 From Cristauta above Santa Cristina, reached by bus line 358, allow 3 to 4 hours and 900 to 1,000 m.3031 From Daunëi above Selva the climb is 800 to 900 m and takes about 2.5 to 3.5 hours.29 These are real mountain days; ride down at the end if your knees prefer.
For experienced walkers there is a harder approach from Resciesa: via the Brogles hut and the Forcella de Mesdì at 2,597 m to the top, 6 to 7 hours in total.2769 Val Gardena tourism calls that pass one of the most demanding in the Dolomites, so treat it as a serious route with steep scree and keep it for settled weather.33 Bikes have their own routes; some trail sections in the nature park are for hikers only.70
Rules on the mountain, and the best time to go
A few rules are firm. Wild camping and overnight stays in tents are strictly prohibited, and flying drones on Seceda is not permitted.7172 Stay on the marked trails, take your rubbish home and do not walk across the meadows.73 Wear hiking boots with good grip and carry food and a layer for a change in the weather.74 In an emergency the number is 112.75
Val Gardena tourism names summer as the best season for hiking here.76 The lifts open in late May, and the valley station records in Selva di Val Gardena show why June is still cool: the average high is 18°C there in June and 20.2°C in July, and the summit is far colder than the valley.77 By September the high drops to 14.6°C, with fewer rainy days than in high summer.77
Timing within the day matters as much as the month. The first slots are quieter, the light is cleaner and you have the afternoon in reserve if clouds build. Late in the day the low sun brings out the colors on the Odle, which is the scene the old legend of King Laurin describes: his rose garden blooming at sunrise and sunset in a pink and orange glow.78 Just check the last ride down before you linger.
Going with a guide, and what is on offer
You do not need a guide for the crest, but a guided day can change what you see. A private Seceda hike listed on GetYourGuide starts and ends at the Seceda cableway and visits the ridgeline, Pieralongia and Lech Sant over 6 hours, from $508 for the private group. It is rated medium to challenging and is tailored to your pace, with guides in Italian, German and English.
It has no reviews yet, so judge it on what the listing states rather than on reputation. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before and reserve now, pay later mean you can hold a date while you watch the forecast. For a group of friends or a family, a private price split several ways can compare well with joining a larger group elsewhere.
If you would rather ride than walk, guided e-bike tours also head for Seceda: one from Ortisei of 5.5 hours from $208, one from Selva of 6 hours from $157. Neither has reviews yet, and the Ortisei tour asks for moderate mountain biking experience. Whatever you book, the lift tickets above are your own cost unless a listing says otherwise.
Your Brenta day
Walk to the refuges under the Brenta walls.
Pick a date, meet at the ticket office, and cancel free if the forecast turns.
You ask,we answer.
How high is the summit of Seceda?
2,519 m at the summit cross. The Ridge Line trail climbs from the top station to that cross and continues east along the crest.115
When does the Seceda cable car run in 2026?
22 May to 2 November. Both sections from Ortisei run 8:30 am to 5:00 pm in that period; outside it the summer season is over.2
How much is the return ticket from Ortisei?
$83 for an adult. One way costs $55; juniors 8 to 15.99 pay less and children under 8 ride free with an adult.318
Does the SuperSummer card work on the Seceda lifts?
No. The lift company says the Dolomiti SuperSummer card is not accepted on Ortisei-Furnes, Furnes-Seceda or Fermeda.20
How long is the walk along the ridge?
About 1 km, around an hour. That includes stops for photos, which is why most people add a loop or a hut lunch.5
Why is there a turnstile on trail 6?
It charges $6 towards the saddle. Beyond the summit cross the turnstile opens the way towards Panascharte; trail no. 1 below avoids it.3637
Sources
Sources and evidence
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- 3Seceda AG cableways (Funivie Seceda), OrtiseiSummer: lifts, opening hours and prices↩
- 4Dolomites Val Gardena tourism (Val Gardena Marketing)The way to the Seceda↩
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- 9Dolomites Val Gardena tourism (Val Gardena Marketing)Seceda↩
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- 20Seceda AG cableways (Funivie Seceda), OrtiseiSummer: lifts, opening hours and prices↩
- 21Seceda AG cableways (Funivie Seceda), OrtiseiSummer: lifts, opening hours and prices↩
- 22Seceda AG cableways (Funivie Seceda), OrtiseiSummer: lifts, opening hours and prices↩
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- 30Dolomites Val Gardena tourism (Val Gardena Marketing)The way to the Seceda↩
- 31Dolomites Val Gardena tourism (Val Gardena Marketing)The way to the Seceda↩
- 32Dolomites Val Gardena tourism (Val Gardena Marketing)The way to the Seceda↩
- 33Dolomites Val Gardena tourism (Val Gardena Marketing)The 7 most beautiful hikes↩
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- 41Dolomites Val Gardena tourism (Val Gardena Marketing)The 7 most beautiful hikes↩
- 42Dolomites Val Gardena tourism (Val Gardena Marketing)The 7 most beautiful hikes↩
- 43Dolomites Val Gardena tourism (Val Gardena Marketing)The 7 most beautiful hikes↩
- 44Dolomites Val Gardena tourism (Val Gardena Marketing)The 7 most beautiful hikes↩
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- 54Visit Trentino (Trentino Marketing)Selvata mountain hut, Molveno↩
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- 56Visit Trentino (Trentino Marketing)Tosa Tommaso Pedrotti mountain hut↩
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- 59Dolomites Val Gardena tourism (Val Gardena Marketing)Arrival by plane or helicopter↩
- 60Dolomites Val Gardena tourism (Val Gardena Marketing)Arrival by plane or helicopter↩
- 61Visit Trentino (Trentino Marketing)How to get to Trentino↩
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- 67Dolomites Val Gardena tourism (Val Gardena Marketing)Seceda: best time to visit↩
- 68Dolomites Val Gardena tourism (Val Gardena Marketing)Activities on Seceda↩
- 69Dolomites Val Gardena tourism (Val Gardena Marketing)The 7 most beautiful hikes↩
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- 71Dolomites Val Gardena tourism (Val Gardena Marketing)Seceda: tips and rules of conduct↩
- 72Dolomites Val Gardena tourism (Val Gardena Marketing)Seceda: tips and rules of conduct↩
- 73Dolomites Val Gardena tourism (Val Gardena Marketing)Seceda: tips and rules of conduct↩
- 74Dolomites Val Gardena tourism (Val Gardena Marketing)Seceda: tips and rules of conduct↩
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