Col Raiser Refuge Val Gardena
An underrated gem in the Dolomites, offering serene alpine meadows, dramatic peaks, and fewer crowds than its famous neighbor.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Col Raiser Refuge Val Gardena
Best Time
Golden light, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An underrated gem in the Dolomites, offering serene alpine meadows, dramatic peaks, and fewer crowds than its famous neighbor.
"Underrated gem in the Dolomites – a must for true hiking lovers."
🎯 Go for Col Raiser over Seceda
For a more peaceful, authentic experience with stunning views, choose Col Raiser. :hiking_boot:
🅿️ Validate Parking Ticket
Don't forget to take your parking ticket to the cable car counter to pay. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Odle/Geisler Group Panorama
Summit Station
Breathtaking views of the jagged Odle peaks, often bathed in magical morning light.
Pieralongia Rock Formations
Cisles Alm
Unique 'donkey's ears' rock spires set against a stunning alpine backdrop.
Alpine Meadow Hikes
Surrounding Trails
Gentle, well-marked trails through vibrant meadows, perfect for all hiking levels.
Mountain Huts & Dining
Various locations at the summit
Enjoy hearty local cuisine with unparalleled views from charming mountain restaurants.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Serene Views
Parking & Ticket Tip
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go for Col Raiser over Seceda
For a more peaceful, authentic experience with stunning views, choose Col Raiser.
:hiking_boot:🅿️ Validate Parking Ticket
Don't forget to take your parking ticket to the cable car counter to pay.
:car:☀️ Catch the Morning Light
The early morning light on the Odle peaks is truly magical.
:sunrise:🌸 Spot Mountain Flowers
In summer, the meadows are bursting with beautiful wild mountain flowers.
:flowerplayingcards:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go for Col Raiser over Seceda
For a more peaceful, authentic experience with stunning views, choose Col Raiser.
:hiking_boot:🅿️ Validate Parking Ticket
Don't forget to take your parking ticket to the cable car counter to pay.
:car:☀️ Catch the Morning Light
The early morning light on the Odle peaks is truly magical.
:sunrise:🌸 Spot Mountain Flowers
In summer, the meadows are bursting with beautiful wild mountain flowers.
:flowerplayingcards:🥾 Easy Hiking Trails
Plenty of well-marked, easy trails perfect for a relaxed hike with amazing scenery.
:hiking_boot:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Col Raiser is lauded as an underrated gem in the Dolomites, offering breathtaking views and a more peaceful experience than its famous neighbor, Seceda. Visitors praise the excellent hiking opportunities for all levels, the scenic cable car ride, and the charming mountain huts. It's highly recommended for those seeking an authentic, active mountain adventure.
"I was there3 times in these past years but it was a whit foggy weather every time. But this time , the sunshine and post-rain morning showed a magnificent view of the Seceda and surrounding Gruppo Odle, Gruppo Geisler and Sassalungo!"
Michael Lee
"Underrated gem in the Dolomites – a must for true hiking lovers
The Col Raiser cable car is one of the best experiences I had in the Dolomites—and in my opinion, it’s a better choice than the more famous Seceda. While Seceda tends to attract the crowds and selfie-seekers, Col Raiser offers a more peaceful and authentic mountain experience.
Right from the start, it’s easier and more affordable: parking is cheaper and less chaotic, and the cable car ride itself is smooth and scenic. Once at the top, you’re greeted by breathtaking alpine views that rival, if not surpass, those at Seceda—but with a lot fewer people around.
What really sets Col Raiser apart is the hiking. This is the place to be if you actually enjoy walking the trails rather than just posing at the summit. The area offers a wide range of hiking routes for all levels, with well-marked paths winding through alpine meadows, dramatic peaks, and charming mountain huts.
There are also a few great restaurants at the top where you can enjoy a hearty local meal with a view. The whole experience feels more connected to nature and less like a tourist funnel.
If you’re looking for a genuine Dolomite adventure—peaceful, scenic, and active—Col Raiser should be high on your list."
Artem Potapov
"So glad we decided to add this at the last minute! Far less crowded than anywhere else (crowds overall died off the last few days of August). Beautiful, easy hiking areas available with stunning views.
Note on parking though- you have to take your ticket up to the cable car entrance/ ticket counter, so if you have a day pass, you’ll still have to wait to pay for your parking."
Sdoubledub 1
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Col Raiser is by taking the Col Raiser cable car from the parking area near the lift station. You can drive to the base station, and parking is available.
:car: :mountain_cableway:Yes, there is parking available at the base station of the Col Raiser cable car. It's generally less chaotic and more affordable than parking at Seceda.
:car:Yes, you can reach Val Gardena by bus and then connect to local buses that will take you to the Col Raiser cable car station. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. :bus:
Col Raiser is often considered less crowded and offers a more authentic hiking experience, while Seceda is more famous for its dramatic ridgeline views and can be busier. Both offer spectacular Dolomites scenery.
:mountain_view:Absolutely! The cable car ride offers beautiful panoramic views as you ascend into the heart of the Dolomites.
:camerawithflash:🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary by season and age. It's best to check the official Val Gardena website or the cable car station for the most current pricing information. :ticket:
During peak season, booking in advance is recommended to avoid queues, especially if you plan to visit during popular times. However, it's often possible to purchase tickets on the day. :ticket:
Operating hours typically vary between the summer and winter seasons. Always check the official Val Gardena website for the most up-to-date operating times before your visit. :clock1:
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or groups. Look for information on the Val Gardena website or inquire at the ticket office. :moneywithwings:
Parking fees are generally reasonable and often cheaper than at more popular attractions. Remember to validate your ticket at the cable car station.
:car:🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
Col Raiser offers a variety of hiking trails, from gentle walks through alpine meadows to more challenging routes. The trails are well-marked and suitable for different fitness levels.
:hiking_boot:Yes, there are several charming mountain huts and restaurants at the summit offering delicious local food and drinks with incredible views.
:forkandknifewithplate:Col Raiser is a photographer's paradise, especially during sunrise and sunset, with stunning views of the Odle peaks and unique rock formations like Pieralongia.
:camerawithflash:While you are in the same general area, the direct view of Seceda's iconic ridgeline is more prominent from Seceda itself. However, the views from Col Raiser are equally spectacular and unique. :mountain_view:
Pieralongia, also known as 'donkey's ears,' are distinctive rock spires located on the Cisles Alm, offering a unique photographic subject against the Dolomite backdrop.
:rock:🎫 🌸 Nature & Wildlife
The alpine meadows at Col Raiser are typically in full bloom during the summer months, from late June through August, offering a vibrant display of mountain flowers.
:flowerplayingcards:While not guaranteed, you might spot marmots, chamois, or various alpine birds during your hikes. Always observe wildlife from a distance. :deer:
Yes, Col Raiser is located within the Puez-Odle Nature Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, emphasizing the importance of preserving its natural beauty.
:evergreen_tree:Expect dramatic jagged peaks, rolling alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers in summer, and a sense of vast, unspoiled mountain wilderness. :mountain_snow:
Col Raiser is also a popular destination in winter for skiing and snowboarding as part of the Val Gardena ski area. Hiking trails are often covered by snow. :snowflake:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There are also several mountain huts that offer kid-friendly meals and snacks. The open spaces allow children to explore and enjoy the natural environment safely. Consider packing a picnic to enjoy amidst the stunning scenery. The overall experience is less crowded than at Seceda, which can make it a more relaxed outing for families. :child:
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
It's a great place to challenge yourself on longer hikes or simply find a quiet spot to admire the panoramic views. The mountain huts are welcoming places to stop for a break, and you might even strike up conversations with fellow hikers. The accessibility via cable car means you can maximize your time on the trails. :hiking_boot:
📸 Photographers & View Seekers
Arriving early via the cable car is key to capturing the best light and avoiding other visitors. The variety of landscapes, from jagged peaks to flower-filled meadows, offers endless compositional possibilities. Whether you're using a wide-angle lens for sweeping panoramas or a telephoto to capture mountain details, Col Raiser delivers. :camerawithflash:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Col Raiser vs. Seceda Debate
The cable car experience itself is also a point of comparison. The parking at Col Raiser is described as less chaotic and more affordable, and the cable car ride is smooth and scenic. Once at the top, the focus shifts from posing for selfies to enjoying the vast alpine landscapes and exploring the numerous well-marked hiking trails.
Ultimately, if your priority is an active, serene immersion in the Dolomites' natural beauty, Col Raiser might just be the superior choice. It's an 'underrated gem' for true hiking lovers.
Hiking Paradise: Trails for Everyone
More adventurous hikers can find routes that lead to higher viewpoints or connect to other areas within the Puez-Odle Nature Park. The Pieralongia rock formations are a popular destination, easily accessible and offering a unique photographic opportunity. Many trails are also dotted with charming mountain huts, providing perfect spots to rest, refuel with local specialties, and soak in the panoramic vistas.
Whether you're looking for a short, scenic walk or a more challenging day hike, Col Raiser provides an accessible and rewarding hiking experience. The clear signage ensures you can navigate the trails with confidence, making it a stress-free way to explore the Dolomites.
Capturing the Dolomites: Photography Tips
To get the best shots, consider arriving early via the cable car to capture the serene morning atmosphere before the day-trippers arrive. Wide-angle lenses are excellent for capturing the expansive landscapes, while telephoto lenses can isolate the dramatic textures of the peaks. Don't forget to look for the vibrant alpine wildflowers that carpet the meadows in summer, adding pops of color to your compositions.
Remember to be patient and observe the changing light throughout the day. The dramatic shadows and highlights created by the rugged terrain can lead to stunning photographic opportunities. The relative lack of crowds compared to Seceda also means you'll have more space and time to compose your shots perfectly. :camerawithflash:
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