The Dolomites (also called ‘Limestone Alps’) stretches across northeastern Italy in the regions of South Tyrol and Veneto crossing over to parts of Austria. It’s unique rugged mountains with exposed rock formation on top and lush green forest and valleys at the bottom offers a unique landscape loved by travelers from all over the world. While the Dolomites are popular with experienced hikers and skiers, the average tourists can also enjoy many of its attractions. One of the most accessible mountains in the region is Seceda (Italian: Alpe di Seceda). The mountain is located in the Puez Odle Nature Park in Val Gardena and part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site.
As mentioned before, accessing Seceda is relatively easy compared to some other popular destinations in the Dolomites. Tre Cime requires over 3 hours drive from Venice or Bolzano. Lago di Braies and Marmolada are in relatively remote locations; and Passo Gardena, Sella group with nearby Sassolungo peak are in Mountain passes that may require some careful planning to manage drive time.
Seceda, on the other hand, is under 30 mins drive from Bolzano, capital of South Tyrol province or even close for visitors staying at the the picturesque Kastelruth (called gateway to the Dolomites). The mountain itself is next to the town of Ortesei, with great facilities, public transportation connections via bus and train, overnight accommodations, and a very efficient multi-stop cable car system. And as you will see in the description below, you can also catch glimpse of many of the other Dolomite attractions from a single viewpoint!
Once you drive to the cable car station in Ortisei (Urtijëi), we recommend parking at the covered lot (costs under 15 Euros in 2023). Then walk up the steps to the ticket counter and access to the gondola to purchase your ticket. Keep in mind, the line can get pretty long during peak summer time (between mid-June and August).
You will first ride a gondola from Ortisei to Furnes and then a cable car to Seceda so purchase the tickets accordingly. Note that, during off season (early to mid Spring and mid Autumn till November) the first gondola connection is not offered as frequently and maybe closed due to maintenance. You can also hike up to the Furnes station through a scenic valley but it may take between 1 to 1.5 hour depending on your experience.
From Ortisei, a gondola soars to the next station at Furnes and offers a scenic view of the valley down below, so keep your camera ready! At Furnes, you will transfer to a cable car and this will complete the journey to Seceda.
From the upper station you are immediately treated to a panoramic view of the Puez Odle Nature Park. You can see the Seceda Peaks, beautiful valley of Alpi di Suise, Sella Group, Sassolungo (Langkofel), Marmolada and Val Gardena, all from this location!
Next, start on the trail on your left to hike up to the Station of the cross, your first stop on the way to the Seceda Peaks! Here a breathtaking view of the valley down below awaits at near 7800 ft. elevation if you are brave enough to venture over some suitable rocks, just watch your step carefully whenever you veer off the trail!
You then continue straight, on a winding road, to enjoy the famous Instagrammable scenes of the jagged peaks, until you reach there. From here, you have 2 options to proceed. You can continue to the downward trail and loop back to the cable car station passing by picturesque valley with some additional stops – this can take up to 1.5 hours. Or take the easy route heading back at the same direction you came from, at a slightly lower elevation and shorter route than the earlier trail you came from. This route saves about 45 mins!
Another easy, but a bit expensive, option is to return halfway on the easy route and take one of the open air gondolas down to the valley, then walk back up the last section to the cable car, enjoying most of the view without some of the hiking.
The restaurant at the upper cable car station serves traditional food of the Dolomites and drinks. From the terrace, you have a gorgeous view of the Dolomites while enjoying a good meal after hiking the trail!
Watch the video below for an informal travel chat on our way back from the upper cable car station!
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