- The cable car from Ortisei runs in summer and winter, with breaks in spring and autumn
- Arrive early for clear skies and before the tour groups
- Easy ridge walks suit most fitness levels
- In winter Seceda is part of the Val Gardena ski area
- Type
- Viewpoint
- Where
- Dolomites
- Time needed
- half a day to a full day
- Admission
- cable car from about €50 return (2026); free on foot, path fees may apply
Seceda (2,519m) is one of the most striking viewpoints in the Dolomites. From the Val Gardena side it is a gentle, grassy slope; then the ground falls away suddenly, and in front of you rises the saw-toothed wall of the Odle (Geisler) group, part of the Puez-Odle Nature Park and the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What you'll see
The classic view is of the Fermeda pinnacles and the sharp ridge line tilting dramatically towards the north, with meadows on one side and sheer cliffs on the other. On a clear day you can also see the Sella group, the Sassolungo and, far beyond, the Austrian Alps.
From the top station, popular walks include:
- The ridge path north-west along the edge for the best views of the Odle, an easy hour there and back.
- Seceda to Col Raiser via mountain huts such as the Firenze/Regensburger Hütte, about 2-3 hours mostly downhill, returning to Santa Cristina by gondola.
- The Pieralongia meadows, with their twin rock spires, which make a lovely detour.
Practical information
- Getting there: the Seceda cable car starts in Ortisei (St Ulrich), with a gondola then cable car to the top. Ortisei is about an hour's drive from Bolzano, and buses run through Val Gardena.
- Tickets: expect from about €50 return for an adult in summer 2026; one-way tickets are cheaper if you walk down. Check current prices and season dates on the lift company's site.
- Season: summer operations usually run from late May to early November; in winter, Seceda is part of the Val Gardena ski area in the Dolomiti Superski network. The lifts close for maintenance in spring and late autumn.
- Footpath fees: some landowners on the ridge have introduced a small charge for walkers crossing their meadows in peak season. Carry some euros.
- Best time to go: late June to September for hiking. Go early in the morning; clouds often build by early afternoon, and July and August are busy.
Mountain weather changes fast. Take a waterproof and a warm layer even on a sunny day, and stay on marked paths to protect the meadows.
For skiing here in winter, browse our ski deals in Italy, and see our Italy guide for more trip ideas.
Where is Seceda?
Open in OpenStreetMap · 46.60056, 11.72704
Frequently asked questions
Can you walk up to Seceda?
Yes, but it is a long, steep climb of over 1,200m from Ortisei. Most people take the lift up and walk down part of the way.
Is Seceda suitable for children?
The ridge walk near the top station is easy and wide, but keep children well back from the cliff edge.
Can you ski at Seceda?
Yes. In winter it is the top of a long, scenic run back down to Ortisei, part of the Val Gardena ski area.
Deals nearby
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
More from ThomasOpening times and ticket prices change often; check the official website shortly before you visit.