With its razor sharp points and severe cliff edges, Seceda is a force to be reckoned with...at 2,518 meters it towers over the rest of the Odle/Geisler Group mountain range. Find out why it is Italy's most loved mountain.
Situated near the town of Ortisei this is one of the most popular mountains in the Dolomites! It has something for every type of hiker, so it can be enjoyed by all. Whether you come here in the snow or on a sunny day be prepared to be blown away by it's beauty.
Set in Val Gardena you can take the Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda cable cars directly from Ortisei up to the top of the mountain or you can hike your way up which is around 13km. There is then plenty for you to do once at the top from short to day hikes, whichever take your fancy.
This was the first hike we did when based in Ortisei, as I was desperate to see the mountain range with my own eyes and I can promise you it's most definitely better in person. We went the first week in June, where the weather was warm but not hot and there were not crowds of people yet, so you could enjoy the scenery without interruptions although in high season I could see how this accessible this destination is could put some people off.
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Seceda Hiking Guide
Summary: A dramatic mountain range with various hiking routes Distance: min 5km circuit Time: 2 hours Max elevation: 2,500 metres Difficulty: Easy to Medium Best time: Early June |
The trail we took was quite a leisurely one, we did not want to go too crazy this day as we just wanted to appreciate the views rather than concurring challenging hikes. There are various routes you can take to make this a day/multi-day hike which I will include but these haven't been tried and tested by me!
How to get to Seceda
You start your adventure at the Ortisei Valley Cablecar Station located at the top of Ortisei town - if you are staying locally it is very easy to walk using the ski escalators (La Curta) which are very well signposted and should take around 5/10 minutes depending on which side you are, however if you are driving there are 250 spaces in the multi storey car park.
You will take two cable cars first from Ortisei to Furnes where you will get off and join another cable car from Furnes to Seceda. The second one is a bit hair raising, so be prepared for a very steep assent. You can buy a one-way or return ticket, it is expensive but worth the experience.
Prices:
Return - Adult €37 (+16), Juniors €19 (8 - 15), Child free (-7)
One way - Adult €27 (+16), Juniors €14 (8 - 15), Child free (-7)
Seceda Hiking Route
The first part of the hike is enjoyed in the two cable cars taking around 20 minutes in total so sit back and enjoy the view! This is definitely a huge part of the experience as I loved watching the view change the higher up you get so take it all in.
When you get to the top there is a restaurant and toilets, however I recommend you moving on quickly as the view in front of you is worth seeing. You can't miss the sign post right in front of you as you take Trail 1 to the scenic point and along the cliff edges. Take your time here as it's worth appreciating the mountain in front of you...
It takes around 10/15 minutes to get to the view point from the station along a gravel and very even path. You then reach the Fermeda peaks, Pitla and Grana Fermeda and Gran Odla just past the opening where the fog lifts up into the sky. There is a gate at the end of the Trail, this is there for safety as it is quite a dangerous climb to to the top of these Fermeda peaks and there are plenty of other places for a photo.
There is a large rock in the middle of the opening and on a non-windy day it's a great place for your pictures.
Once your camera is full you then take Trail 6 to descend to the Trojer Hütte for something to eat which takes around 30 minutes. There is a handrail and large steps here so it can be quite jaring on your ankles so take your time. Once nearer the bottom you come to the Panascharte intersection where you want to take the left route onto Trail 1 until you come to another fork right. It is then only another 5 minutes to the Trojer Hütte.
The staff are extremely friendly and it is a family run business so ask for the specials! Whatever you choose will be delicious and with a view like that how could you not enjoy it.
Trojer Hutte to Pieralongia and Rifugio Firenze
You can extend you hike to the Rifugio Firenze which takes around an hour walking 5km, you then have another 4km to get back to the Top Station which is another hour and a half. Instead of talking the right route to the Trojer Hutte carry on left onto Trail 2B which takes you to Pieralongia Hutte. The twin crossed peaks await you and just after you'll find the Malga Pieralongia Alm mountain hut.
After refreshments continue on Trail 2B for 20 minutes until you reach Trail 13B on the right which will take you to Rifugio Firenze.
Here you can have more Italian delights or even stay overnight! Once you have finished you take Trail 1 all the way back to the Top Station where you can make your way down via the cable cars.
Lago di Sorapis Kit Essentials
Hiking equipment |
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Hiking boots - Scarpa Women's Ranger 2 GTX Activ Lite Walking Boots |
Hiking backpack - Osprey Women's Tempest 34 Daysack |
Hiking poles - OEXX-Lite Trigger Trekking Poles |
Keeping hydrated - Osprey Hydraulics™ LT 2.5L Reservoir |
Must-have lightweight jacket - Jackpine Recycled Insulated Jacket |
Dolomites maps and guides |
All Trails map - Col Raiser - Secëda - Forcella Pana - Rifugio Firenze |
Phsycial map - Tabacco 05 Val Gardena – Alpe di Siusi |
If you found this useful check out some other guides below and follow me on Instagram @alice.wonders_
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