Seceda Dolomites: route, viewpoints, cable car
Seceda is one of the most photographed spots in the Dolomites, and we were surprised by how accessible it is even for leisure hikers. It lies above the Val Gardena valley in the Puez–Odle Nature Park, and its main attraction is the sharp grassy ridge, behind which the Odle and Fermeda rock towers rise. From the summit at 2,519 meters, a panorama opens up to Sella, Sassolungo, Sassopiatto, Alpe di Siusi, and more distant Alpine peaks.
Where to stay for a trip to Seceda
I consider Ortisei to be the best base. The lower cable car station is located above the center, and you can reach it from Piazza Sant’Antonio in about five minutes via the La Curta tunnel with escalators and moving walkways. There are also over 250 parking spaces at the station. I therefore recommend Ortisei for first-time visitors, families, and anyone who wants to go almost to the top without a demanding climb.
Find accommodation for your trip to Seceda on the map:
Santa Cristina is better for more active hikers. From here, you can use the Col Raiser cable car and hike up to Seceda on foot—only for experienced hikers. The official route from the top station is 3.5 kilometers long, takes about 1 hour and 35 minutes, and covers 423 meters of elevation gain. Selva di Val Gardena also has good facilities, but it isn’t as practical as Ortisei for a simple day trip.
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The best route for leisure hikers
The most convenient option starts in Ortisei. The gondola took us to the Furnes middle station, and from there we continued on the large aerial tramway to Seceda at an altitude of approximately 2,500 meters. After exiting, first stick to the highest path towards the main viewpoint and the summit cross.
The Seceda Ridge Line itself is approximately one kilometer long, and at a slow pace with photography, you can complete it in about an hour. It is not a technically difficult route, but caution is necessary near the northern precipice, especially in wind or fog. Those who do not want to take a longer hike can return to the cable car the same way after visiting the ridge.
However, I consider the Seceda – Pieralongia – Mastlé viewpoint – Odles route to be the best loop for leisure hikers. The operator states a length of 5.8 kilometers, a pure walking time of approximately 1.5 hours, and easy difficulty. With stops for photos and lunch, set aside three to four hours instead.
Description of the trip via Pieralongia and Mastlé / Dolomites
From the top station, first climb to the panoramic platform and the summit cross. It is from here that you will see Seceda’s most famous profile—the grassy ridge seemingly falling into a deep valley, with the pointed Odle towers behind it.
Then follow the signs to Pieralongia. After about 45 minutes, you will reach a pair of striking rock “teeth,” which are among the most beautiful spots on the entire plateau. Pieralongia is quieter than the main ridge trail and offers a different view of the Fermeda walls.
Another essential stop is the Mastlé panoramic terrace, dedicated to the UNESCO-listed Dolomites. From here, the route continues to the Odles mountain hut, where you can stop for lunch. Afterwards, you’ll descend to the bottom station of the Fermeda chairlift. This will take you back up, and from its top station, it’s about a ten-minute walk to the main cable car back to Ortisei. When buying your tickets, ask about a suitable combined or ‘premium’ fare, as the Fermeda lift is listed separately in the price list.
The most beautiful viewpoints not to be missed / Seceda Dolomites
The most important is the viewpoint at the summit cross at 2,519 meters and a short walk along the Seceda Ridge Line. Leisure hikers can also add Pieralongia and the Mastlé terrace—depending on your current physical fitness. Extending the ridge walk to Forcella Pana is not necessary, as you will see the main panorama from the higher spots.
Hiking up Seceda from Ortisei / Dolomites
As I mentioned, the entire climb without a cable car is intended for fit hikers. Expect approximately 1,200 meters of elevation gain and 3.5 to 4.5 hours of walking just for the way up. I therefore recommend the cable car from Ortisei for leisure visitors, or perhaps the moderately difficult climb from the top station of Col Raiser, which leaves more energy for the ridge itself and the viewpoints.
Seceda cable car price
A return ticket for Ortisei–Furnes–Seceda costs €74 for an adult in summer 2026, and a one-way ticket costs €49. Juniors from 8 to 15.99 years old pay €37 for a return or €25 one way. Children up to 7.99 years old ride for free with the simultaneous purchase of an adult ticket. Transporting a dog or a bike costs €7.
The separate Fermeda chairlift costs €41 return and €28 one way; for juniors, it’s €20 and €14 respectively.
Seceda cable car opening hours
The Ortisei–Furnes and Furnes–Seceda cable cars are in operation from May 22 to November 2, 2026, daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The Fermeda chairlift runs from June 20 to September 20, 2026, from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Ideally, head to Seceda with the first morning connections. Bring sturdy shoes, a windbreaker, water, and sun protection. Even the easy route leads to high altitudes where conditions can change quickly, and there may be snow in places at the beginning or end of summer.
Gardena Summer Card and Gardena Guest Pass
If you plan on taking multiple cable car trips during your holiday, consider the Gardena Card. In 2026, it costs €124 for three days or €160 for six days and also includes both sections of the cable car from Ortisei to Seceda. For a single trip, however, a separate return ticket is more worthwhile. The Val Gardena Guest Pass is only valid for public transport, and the Dolomiti Supersummer Card is not accepted on the cable cars leading to Seceda.
