Hiking to Seceda Ridgeline

Seceda Ridgeline in the Dolomites is one of the most iconic and photogenic mountain destinations in Italy. Known for its distinctive jagged peaks and panoramic views over Val Gardena, Seceda is a paradise for hikers, photographers, and nature lovers alike. At an altitude of 2,518 meters (8,261 feet), the ridge offers breathtaking landscapes and endless hiking possibilities, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the Dolomites.

I visited Seceda as part of my 5 day trip in Dolomites, which included a hike in Dolomite's famed Tre Cime (Three Peaks), before moving towards Cortina d'Ampezzo where I hiked to Lago Federa.

Why Visit

The views from the Seceda Ridgeline are spectacular, with dramatic cliffs and sweeping valleys in every direction. On clear days, visitors can see several of the Dolomites' most famous peaks, including the Sassolungo and Sella Massif.

The unique landscape of steep cliffs on one side and rolling meadows on the other makes it one of the most striking places in the region, providing various trail options suitable for different fitness levels.

Getting There

The most convenient base to begin your journey to Seceda is the picturesque town of Ortisei, located in Val Gardena. Ortisei offers a variety of accommodations, restaurants, and public transportation options, making it the perfect hub for exploring the surrounding Dolomites. There are two main ways to reach the top of Seceda Ridgeline:

1. Taking the Cable Car
2. Hiking from the Base without the Cable Car

Taking the Cable Car from Ortisei

For those looking to save time and energy, taking the Col Raiser Cable Car The entire ride takes about 20 minutes, offering stunning aerial views of the valley below. A round-trip ticket costs approximately €30 per adult, and I'd recommend going for this option if you're short on time or just want to skip the hike upwards to to Col Raiser.

Using the cable car means you get a quick start to your adventure from the top, with more time to explore the ridge and nearby trails without having to hike up the entire ascent.

If you're driving, there's a carpark at the Col Raiser cable car which you can leave your car at if you plan to spend a few days up in Val Gardena. Parking cost around €2 per hour which is reasonable for the area in my opinion.

Cable car tickets can be purchased directly at the station and you can board the cable car immediately after.

Hiking Up Without the Cable Car

For more adventurous hikers, it’s possible to hike all the way up to Seceda from Ortisei. This route covers 1,300 meters (4,265 feet) of elevation gain and takes around 3.5 to 5 hours depending on pace.

• Trail Option: You can follow Trail 6, which starts at Ortisei and leads to Furnes before continuing to Seceda. This route passes through lush forests and meadows, making it a rewarding, though demanding, hike.
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging, due to the continuous ascent. Good physical fitness is recommended for this option.

The Hike

This hike brings you on a panoramic loop trail from Col Raiser to Seceda Summit with a return journey back passing by Pieralongia (Scenic rock structure).

Distance: ~6 km (3.7 miles)

Duration: 2-3 hours

Difficulty: Easy
This is the perfect option for those looking for a leisurely hike with panoramic views. The trail loops around the Seceda summit, passing by gentle slopes and ridges with multiple viewpoints along the way. It’s a great way to experience the iconic cliffs and scenery with minimal effort. You will also pass by a few mountain huts on the way up, like Rifugio Fermeda, Daniel Hutte and Baita Sofie Hutte.

On a clear day, the end of the ski lift will be visible which also tells you how much more you have left before arriving at the ridgeline. As you get higher, looking around will also give you excellent panoramic views of the entire Val Gardena region -

And with very wallpaper-like views

Once you arrive at the top, you will see a visible monument resembling that of a cross. Walk past it and there will be a narrow and exposed ridgeline you can cross (carefully) to a smaller part of the mountain.

This gives you access to a nice field of flowers and a clear view of Seceda Ridgeline, and makes for perfect photo opportunities:

Once done, walk back where you came from and follow the trail down along the top of the ridgeline to enjoy views of Seceda Ridgeline:

By this time, you will also be high enough to get great views of the entire Val Gardena region behind you.

This scenic trail then descends from the Seceda summit toward Troier Hutte. You can stop here for a meal or refreshments before continuing towards Pieralongia area.

Once done, follow along the trail and you can also get a great view of Laghetto di montagna Iman Iman See:

A little more walking and Pieralongia will be in view:

Be sure to snap some nice pictures before making your way back towards Col Raiser. If you pass by Rifugio Firenze, be sure to get a cup of mulled wine to warm that body!

Once at Col Raiser, you can either hike back or take the Col Raiser lift down to the valley -And that concludes the hike to Seceda Ridgeline!