Did you know you can stand at the top of Seceda without hiking for hours? Seceda is one of the most iconic spots in the Dolomites for hikers, skiers, and photographers year-round. It’s famous for its slanting ridge and the dramatic Odle Peaks behind it. Many people miss it because they think reaching this summit is too difficult. In reality, a modern cable car takes you from the valley to the top, saving hours of effort. What would normally be a very long climb is now an easy ride, perfect for families with children and travellers with limited time. It’s also a perfect day trip for anyone short on time or those who prefer to save their energy.
When you arrive at the summit, you will see endless rolling meadows and sharp peaks stretching in every direction. With little to no hiking required, it offers one of the best high-mountain experiences in the Dolomites, making it accessible to everyone.
Where exactly is Seceda?
Seceda is a 2,519 m (8,264 ft) high mountain rising above Val Gardena in South Tyrol, northern Italy. It belongs to the Puez-Odle Nature Park, a UNESCO World Heritage area known for its dramatic mountain scenery. This impressive location is part of the Italian Alps and one of the most photographed spots in the Dolomites.
In the warmer months, wide green meadows fill with hikers and families exploring the alpine huts scattered across the slopes. When snow falls, the entire ridge transforms into one of the most exciting ski areas in the region. This mix of seasons, accessibility, and breathtaking scenery explains why this destination is one of the Dolomites’ most iconic landmarks.
About our visit
Our plan for the day was simple: take the Ortisei cable car to the top, enjoy the ridge, and soak in the views. Normally, this is the easiest way up, with a smooth ride divided into two sections: a gondola to Furnes, and then a cable car from Furnes straight to the summit. But on the day of our visit at the end of June, we quickly realised it wasn’t running. It could have been disappointing, but instead we chose another route and it ended up being one of the highlights of our trip.
The scenic detour that made our visit better
Instead, we started from Santa Cristina on the Col Raiser cable car. While this lift doesn’t take you directly to the iconic Seceda ridge, it brings you close to the southern part of the massif. The journey takes longer than the Ortisei option, since you have to walk between the Col Raiser station and the Fermeda Chairlift. But the views along the way made every step worthwhile.
Our visit reminded us that even when plans change, there are always new paths that can surprise you with unforgettable views.
This route gave us a completely different perspective that tourists miss when taking a gondola ride from Ortisei. From here, you can easily visit the panoramic UNESCO balcony. This viewpoint shows why the Dolomites are loved all over the world.
How to get to Seceda
There are three ways of getting to Seceda:
- Via cable car from Ortisei: a two-stage lift (the easiest and quickest)
- Via cable car from St. Cristina: a cable car followed by the Fermeda Chairlift or walk (easy, slightly longer, but better viewpoints)
- By hiking from the valley floor (a more challenging, time-consuming way to reach the summit)
- From Ortisei
The Ortisei cable car to the top of the mountain is the fastest, smoothest, and probably the most popular way up to the summit. The entire journey typically lasts around 30 minutes, including a brief transfer to another cable car at Furnes.
- From St. Cristina
From St. Cristina, you can board the Col Raiser cable car, which climbs gently up into the mountains. The Col Raiser lift doesn’t reach the famous ridge directly, but it opens up a different view of the mountains. At the top, you’ll face a choice: hike about 2.5 to 3 hours round trip or take the Fermeda Chairlift. If you want to reach the summit without a long walk, choose the chair lift.
This option takes longer than the Ortisei option, since you will need to walk between the Col Raiser station and the Fermeda Chairlift. It’s an easy 15-minute hike with stunning views, and we definitely recommend it if you are not short on time. Even with a small detour and little hiking, the views are well worth it.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The Col Raiser gondola typically operates from mid-May until early November, but the Fermeda Chairlift only runs from late June to late September. Check the official Val Gardena website for the specific dates of your travel for this scenic option.
Things to do in Seceda with little hiking
1. Ride the chair lift for views you’ll never forget.
The open-air ride is worth choosing.
Taking the Seggiovia Fermeda chair lift from St. Cristina is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have in these mountains. The four-person lift moves quickly, and the ride itself feels like part of the adventure: open, breezy, and filled with nonstop views. As the lift climbs, you see rolling meadows dotted with rustic wooden huts and the Puez-Odle Nature Park. This experience feels more intimate than the cable car from Ortisei, and it offers richer scenery at every turn.
You don’t just arrive at the viewpoint – you’re experiencing it the whole way. This route feels quieter, more open, and far better for photos, making it the smart choice for photographers and anyone wanting the pure beauty of the Alps without the crowds.
2. Enjoy the views from the chair lift station.
When you step off the chair lift, this is your view. You’re surrounded by one of the best viewpoints in the Alps. The real highlight is the razor-sharp Fermeda Towers, rising dramatically close to your side.
3. Walking to the famous Seceda viewpoint
The highlight of visiting Seceda is standing at its world-famous viewpoint. No matter which route you choose (Ortisei or St. Cristina), you’ll find yourself close to this unforgettable spot. From Ortisei, the upper cable car station leaves you just a 10-minute uphill walk from the views. It’s a short but steep climb. From St. Cristina, the Seggiovia Fermeda chairlift takes you almost to the top, making the walk much easier. It’s a gentle stroll behind the station, ideal for families with children.
Once there, you’re looking straight at the dramatic Odle peaks, with endless meadows and mountains stretching out around you. At 2,500 m above sea level, the fresh air and dramatic scenery create a moment you won’t forget. And if the sky is clear, you’ll even spot the Grossglockner, Austria’s highest mountain, far in the distance.
4. Walk the Ridgeline
A bonus hike with huge rewards.
After visiting the famous Seceda viewpoint, don’t rush back; the real secret is continuing along the ridgeline. This extension is ideal if you want extra time to soak in the Dolomites without committing to a long hike. The loop trail stretches 1.3 km (0.8 mi) with a 100 m (360 ft) climb, making it a gentle 30 to 45-minute walk. You’ll be walking between 2,375 m (7,800 ft) and 2,475 m (8,120 ft), and you’ll always have dramatic alpine scenery.
As you follow the path downhill towards the pinnacles, the landscape keeps changing. Every step offers new photo opportunities that feel different from the classic viewpoint.
At the bottom, the trail splits into two options. Turning right leads you toward the Ortisei cable car, while the left path continues another 10 minutes to Forcella Pana. This detour brings you slightly closer to the pinnacles. In our opinion, the reward doesn’t match the effort unless you plan to return by the cable car to Ortisei, or love squeezing in every angle. To save time and energy, skip this side trail, as the ride on the Fermeda Chairlift offers more dramatic panoramas during both your ascent and descent.
TIP:
If your time is shot, skip the loop and extra climb. You will get the best views from the Fermeda Chairlift, without stretching your visit longer than needed.
Things to do in Seceda with more time
5. Hike to the UNESCO Panoramic Balcony
The Seceda viewpoint is the highlight for most visitors, but if you have more time and the weather is clear, add the short detour to the UNESCO Dolomites panoramic viewpoint. Built at 2,200 m inside the Puez-Odle Nature Park, this balcony was designed to celebrate what makes the Dolomites extraordinary, according to the Valgardena website.
The balcony provides a breathtaking panoramic view. It includes a list at the centre showing the names of each visible peak. The construction followed an eco-sustainable approach, with steel filled on site with local rock and soil. This way, it blends perfectly with the fragile alpine environment.
HOW TO GET THERE:
Getting there is simple: from the Seggiovia Fermeda Chairlift, walk about 450 m back toward the Col Raiser gondola station. Look for the UNESCO viewpoint sign. From there, it’s an easy trail that climbs gently uphill for 900 m, taking around 20 minutes to complete. It’s not strenuous, making it perfect for families with older children or anyone who wants more without a hard climb.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy some of the most peaceful and scenic views in the Dolomites.
TIP:
Once at the balcony, expect a wide-open panorama where the peaks of the Puez-Odle Nature Park rise all around you. Take your time to identify the peaks of Sassolungo, Sella, and Marmolada. If you still have energy, you can continue past the viewpoint for another 20 minutes to the rustic Pieralongia hut. Although we personally skipped it, as this viewpoint was more than enough, offering the perfect ending to our adventure.
When you’re ready to return, follow the same trail back to the Col Raiser Gondola, which is only 5 minutes from the UNESCO sign. From there, ride down to S. Cristina.
6. End your walk at Baita Odles.
If you still have time before catching the cable car down, stop at Baita Odles. This traditional alpine hut has been in the same family for generations, and their passion for hospitality is obvious. You’ll find homemade regional dishes and refreshing drinks. Sit outside on the terrace with a meal with a view, or simply sunbathe. If you’re lucky, live music from the owner’s accordion and his friends will fill the air, giving you an authentic soundtrack to the mountains.
It’s not just about recharging after a walk but about experiencing mountain life the way locals do. Spending even half an hour here adds warmth and culture to your day, turning a scenic walk into an experience that feels complete.
When is the best time to visit Seceda in the Dolomites?
Choosing the right time to visit can make all the difference between an unforgettable day and a frustrating one.
If you’re planning to visit Seceda in the Dolomites, knowing when to go is essential. The mountain ridge sits at 2,500 m, so snow often lingers well into May and sometimes returns by November. Technically, you can hike to the ridgeline from late May until early November. However, if you want clear trails and wide-open views, the ideal time is from June through mid-October. Mountain huts generally operate from late June to late September, so consider this if you want the full alpine experience. In June, the meadows start turning green. Though early in the month, you might still find patches of snow, and many mountain huts are not yet open.
July and August are the warmest and most vibrant, with long sunny days, but also the busiest, so expect the crowds. If you’d rather enjoy peace with great weather, September and early October still offer beautiful days, often with crisp air and autumn colours.
Timing your day matters, too. Mornings in the Dolomites often begin with fog that clears by midday, giving you the best conditions for photography.
How much does it cost to visit?
There are two main ways to reach the summit, and the cost varies depending on which option you choose.
- OPTION: Col Raiser cable car from Santa Cristina + Fermeda Chairlift
The Santa Cristina route uses the Col Riser cable car. As of October 2025, a round-trip ticket on the Col Raiser costs €32 for adults and €18 for juniors (aged 8-16). Children under 8 ride free. Dogs can join for €5, and you can also take bikes for an extra fee. Once you reach the top of the Col Raiser station, you are not yet at the Seceda summit.
From here, you either hike for about 2.5 to 3 hours round trip or take the Fermeda Chairlift. This saves time and energy. A return ticket costs €27 for adults, €13 for juniors, and is free for kids under 8, as of October 2025.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The Fermeda Chairlift only runs from June 21 to September 21, between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM. We personally chose this option and found it ideal for a summer visit. It offers excellent views and avoids Ortisei’s crowds. It also worked perfectly when the Ortisei cableway was closed during our stay.
The Col Raiser Cable car (from Santa Cristina), combined with the Fermeda Chairlift, is an excellent backup when the Ortisei lifts don’t operate.
- OPTION : Cableways AG from Ortisei
The other option is to start from Ortisei using the Seceda Cableways AG system. This is the most direct option, and prices are €52 for adults and €26 for juniors, as of October 2025. It’s free for children under 8. Dogs cost €7, and bikes also require a ticket. You can purchase tickets online in advance. After payment, you receive a voucher by email to print and exchange at the ticket counter. This option runs reliably through summer and winter, but it’s also busier.
How long does it take to visit Seceda, and is it worth visiting?
Timing your visit depends on how much you want to see and do.
Planning time for Seceda depends on your starting point in the Dolomites and your goals. From Ortisei (the quickest option), you only need approximately two hours to ride the cable cars, walk to the viewpoint, and return. That makes it a perfect stop even if you’re short on time. If you prefer a slower pace, with time for hiking, photos, and a meal, you should plan at least half a day.
Arriving from St. Cristina is slightly different: you’ll take the Col Raiser cable car and then either hike or ride the Fermeda Chairlift. There’s an easy 15-minute walk between the two lifts with gorgeous views, so allow at least three hours for this option. If you want to continue to the UNESCO viewpoint or have lunch, add another hour.
Is it worth visiting? Absolutely. This dramatic ridgeline is one of the most iconic landscapes in the Dolomites, and seeing it in person is breathtaking. In just a few hours, you can experience landscapes that stay in your memory for a lifetime. If you dedicate half a day, you’ll enjoy not only the famous viewpoint but also hidden corners and mountain hospitality. We believe Seceda is not just worth visiting, but it’s essential for anyone looking to experience the most scenic places in the Dolomites.
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