Seceda - Image 1
1 / 3

Seceda Val Gardena

4.8
·2k reviews·, Italy

Iconic Dolomite peak with dramatic jagged ridges and sweeping alpine meadows, accessible by cable car.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

September mornings

Fewer crowds, good weather

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Seceda - Image 1

Seceda Val Gardena

Best Time

September mornings

Fewer crowds, good weather

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Iconic Dolomite peak with dramatic jagged ridges and sweeping alpine meadows, accessible by cable car.

4.8
(2k reviews)

"Seceda is breathtaking. Beyond the iconic jagged Odle ridgeline, you’ll find sweeping valleys."

Vertical photo
TIP

💰 Cable Car Costs

Cable cars can be pricey (€40-€52+). Consider a day pass if exploring multiple lifts .

🚶 Hike Down at Dusk?

Cable cars stop around 5:30 PM. Hiking down in the dark is feasible but requires preparation .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Odle Ridges

The Iconic Odle Ridges

Seceda Summit

Jagged, dramatic peaks that define the Seceda skyline. A must-see for any visitor.

Panoramic Alpine Meadows

Panoramic Alpine Meadows

Surrounding Seceda

Vast, rolling green slopes offering breathtaking vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges.

Charming Mountain Huts

Charming Mountain Huts

Near Seceda summit

Enjoy local cuisine with unparalleled views. Perfect for a mid-hike refuel.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Cable Car Costs & Timing

Cable car tickets to Seceda can be pricey, around €40-€52 per person round trip.Instagram+1 Consider a day pass if you plan to explore multiple lifts. The last cable cars often run around 5:30 PM, so plan your sunset viewing carefully if you intend to hike down.Reddit

Best Views & When to Go

Seceda is stunning on a sunny day,Reddit offering panoramic views of the Dolomites. While popular, visiting in September can mean fewer crowds and good weather.Reddit Be prepared for steep ascents if you choose to hike up instead of taking the cable car.Reddit

Best Times

When
September mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, good weather
Crowd
Low
When
Sunny summer afternoons
Why
Spectacular clear views
Crowd
High
When
Winter ski season
Why
Skiing and snowy landscapes
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Valanga in Val Gardena ieri partita dal Sasso Lungo arrivata fino alla seggiovia Saslong 🖼️🔝⚠️🏔️⛷️ Video di Federico #neve #montagna #valgardena #valanga #dolomiti
@neve.montagna
59.6K likes • 1.3M views

💰 Cable Car Costs

Cable cars can be pricey (€40-€52+). Consider a day pass if exploring multiple lifts.Instagram+1

🚶 Hike Down at Dusk?

Cable cars stop around 5:30 PM. Hiking down in the dark is feasible but requires preparation.Reddit

SAVE FULL ITINERARY FOR ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES ON EARTH ⬇️ 📍2 nights in Santa Cristina, Val Gardena: 😴 Stay at Smart Hotel Saslong (amazing brekkie buffet) 🗺️ Places to see: > Ortisei > Seceda > Alpe di Suisi > Val di Funes > Lake Carezza > Vallunga Valley 🚗 Passo Gardena - scenic drive to other side of Dolomites 📍3 nights in Cortina d’Ampezzo 😴 Stay at Camina Suite & Spa - four star h...
@zoe_laix
24.1K likes • 320.3K views
📍 Seceda what else? 💙💙💙 🇬🇧 Seceda Peak is located on the sunny side of Val Gardena, in the middle of the Cisles-Odle Natural Park. The panorama, you can admired from the top, includes the Dolomites and all the South Tyrolean mountains - from the Ortles to the Vetta d’Italia, up to the Brenta Dolomites (Adamello). 🇮🇹 La Seceda è situata sul versante soleggiato della Val Gardena, nel bel mezzo d...
sudtiroldascoprire
18.5K likes • 335.6K views

☀️ Best Weather for Views

Sunny days offer the most spectacular panoramic views of the Dolomites.Reddit

🥾 Trekking Poles Recommended

Steep paths can be challenging; poles help ease the strain on knees.Reddit

How to reach this spot (fastest option) ⤵️⛰️😍!? 📍Start in the village St. Ulrich (Val Gardena). 🚠 Take the first cable car to Furnes 🚠 Take the second cable car to Seceda ‼️🥾 INFO: There are a lot of hiking alternatives to reach the mountain top without using this cable cars… because they are not really cheap 🤑. Once you reach the mountain station you can hike up for about 10 minutes to reach ...
southtyrolian
36.1K likes • 670.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

💰 Cable Car Costs

Cable cars can be pricey (€40-€52+). Consider a day pass if exploring multiple lifts.Instagram+1

🚶 Hike Down at Dusk?

Cable cars stop around 5:30 PM. Hiking down in the dark is feasible but requires preparation.Reddit

☀️ Best Weather for Views

Sunny days offer the most spectacular panoramic views of the Dolomites.Reddit

🥾 Trekking Poles Recommended

Steep paths can be challenging; poles help ease the strain on knees.Reddit

📸 Photo Spot Fee

Be aware of potential fees for specific photo spots.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Seceda is widely praised for its breathtaking, almost surreal landscapes and the iconic Odle ridgeline, offering unparalleled panoramic views. Visitors often describe it as a must-see in the Dolomites. However, many find the cable car prices to be quite high, and some feel certain areas are overly monetized.

"Beautiful views but crowded
There are even parts of land where you need to pay to pass

Nice walk from Col Raiser
No people"

Ana Veres

"Probably the most visited place in Val Gardena. Remember to layer up in the shoulder season and check the webcams for weather. We walked from the seceda cable station to col raiser and got down using the cable car there. Beautiful scenic walk with good food at the hut in between."

Armon Chan

"Amazing hike and experience. The place is unreal! Better time to go is around September, is not too busy and wheater conditions is still pretty good. Although cable car on my opinion is a little overpriced (52e per person) + car parking + toilet payment on the main station.
There is local restaurants around the park as well."

Elise Sauer De Araujo

What People Like

Spectacular Odle peaks
Breathtaking panoramic views
Unreal alpine scenery

What People Dislike

Expensive cable car tickets
Over-monetized spots
Farm-like walk

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way to reach Seceda is by taking two cable cars from Ortisei (St. Ulrich). First, the Ortisei-Furnes cable car, then the Furnes-Seceda cable car.Instagram+1 This journey takes about 10 minutes from the station.Instagram You can also hike up, but it's a significant trek.InstagramReddit

Yes, parking is available in Ortisei near the cable car stations.Instagram+1 Be prepared for potential parking fees, especially during peak season.

It is possible to hike up to Seceda without using the cable cars, but it's a strenuous journey.Instagram+1 Some visitors have mentioned finding ways to access viewpoints without paying for the lifts, though this often involves significant hiking.Instagram+1

Val Gardena is accessible by car or public transport. The nearest major airports are Innsbruck (Austria) and Verona (Italy). From there, you can take a train to Bolzano or Bressanone and then a bus to Val Gardena.TikTok

While there are local buses within Val Gardena that connect the villages, to reach the summit of Seceda, you will primarily rely on the cable car system from Ortisei or other nearby villages.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The round-trip cable car ticket for Seceda can be quite expensive, ranging from approximately €40 to €52 per person.Instagram+1 Some visitors find a day pass for around €65 to be worthwhile if planning to use multiple lifts.Reddit

While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, consider purchasing a Dolomiti Superski pass if you plan to ski or use many lifts across different areas during winter. For summer, day passes might offer better value than single round trips.

The cable cars typically operate from morning until late afternoon. A common closing time for the last ascent/descent is around 5:30 PM, so it's crucial to check the exact schedule for your visit, especially if you plan to stay for sunset.Reddit

Seceda itself does not have an entrance fee. The cost is associated with using the cable cars to ascend the mountain. However, some reviews mention a fee for specific photo spots.Reddit

It's advisable to check the official Val Gardena cable car website for online ticket purchasing options. This can sometimes save time, especially during busy periods.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Seceda offers incredible hiking trails, stunning panoramic views of the Odle peaks, and opportunities for photography.TikTokInstagram You can also enjoy local food at mountain huts and, in winter, it's a popular ski area.Instagram

Absolutely! Seceda is a hiker's paradise with trails for various levels. The walk from the cable car station to the iconic ridgeline is short and relatively easy,Instagram but longer hikes explore the surrounding valleys and peaks.TikTok

The most iconic photo spot is along the ridgeline with the Odle peaks as a backdrop.Instagram The meadows leading up to the ridges also offer stunning photographic opportunities.TikTok

Yes, you can get the most famous views of Seceda with minimal walking from the cable car station.Instagram The dramatic ridgeline is just a short stroll away.

Seceda can be family-friendly, especially with the cable car access. The short walk to the main viewpoint is manageable for most children. Longer hikes might be more challenging for very young children.TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are several mountain huts and restaurants located near the Seceda summit and along the hiking trails, offering local South Tyrolean cuisine.Reddit

You can expect traditional South Tyrolean dishes, including hearty mountain fare like speck, dumplings (canederli), pasta dishes, and local pastries. Many offer outdoor seating with incredible views.Reddit

Dining at mountain huts can be moderately expensive, similar to other popular tourist mountain destinations. Prices reflect the cost of transporting food and supplies to these high-altitude locations.Reddit

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own snacks and packed lunches to enjoy while hiking or picnicking amidst the stunning scenery.

Many mountain huts are increasingly offering vegetarian options, but it's always a good idea to check their menus or ask staff if you have specific dietary needs.

📸 📸 Photography

Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic lighting for photos. However, midday on a clear day provides excellent visibility for capturing the vast panoramas.TikTok

A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating the dramatic Odle peaks. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures.TikTok

Experiment with different angles to capture the scale of the Odle peaks. The rolling meadows offer great foreground interest. Be mindful of the sun's position to avoid harsh shadows on the mountains.TikTok

Drone regulations can vary and are often strict in national parks. It's essential to check the latest rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the Puez-Odle Natural Park.

The iconic ridgeline with the jagged Odle peaks is the most photographed spot. The sweeping green valleys and the unique rock formations like Pieralongia are also very popular.Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Seceda can be a fantastic destination for families, especially with the ease of access via cable car. The short, relatively flat walk from the upper cable car station to the iconic ridgeline is manageable for most children, allowing them to experience the dramatic scenery without strenuous effort.Instagram Pack plenty of snacks and water, as options can be limited and pricey at higher altitudes.Reddit Consider visiting during the summer months when the weather is more predictable and the meadows are vibrant for exploration.TikTok

💰 Budget Travelers

Seceda can be an expensive outing due to the cable car costs, which can be upwards of €40-€52 per person.Instagram+1 To save money, consider hiking up to Seceda instead of taking the lifts, though this requires good fitness and time.Instagram Alternatively, if you plan to explore multiple ski areas or lifts, a Dolomiti Superski day pass might offer better value, especially during winter. Bringing your own packed lunch and snacks will also help reduce food expenses.Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

Seceda is a photographer's dream, particularly for landscape enthusiasts. The dramatic Odle peaks against the rolling green meadows offer endless composition opportunities.TikTokInstagram Aim for the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most magical light, but clear midday conditions provide excellent visibility for capturing the vast panoramas.TikTok A wide-angle lens is essential for the sweeping vistas, and a telephoto lens can help isolate the striking mountain formations.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating Seceda: Cable Cars vs. Hiking

Reaching the summit of Seceda offers two primary routes: the convenient cable car system or a more challenging hike. The cable car journey involves two stages, typically starting from Ortisei (St. Ulrich). This method is quick, taking around 10 minutes from the station, and provides immediate access to the most famous viewpoints.Instagram+1 However, it comes with a significant cost, with round-trip tickets often exceeding €40-€52 per person.Instagram+1

For the adventurous and budget-conscious, hiking up to Seceda is an option.Instagram This route offers a more immersive experience in the alpine landscape but requires good physical fitness and ample time. The trails can be steep, and trekking poles are highly recommended to ease the strain on your knees.Reddit Some visitors have explored ways to access parts of Seceda without paying for the lifts, often involving longer treks.Instagram+1

Key takeaway: While the cable car is the easiest and fastest way to experience Seceda's iconic views, hiking offers a more rewarding physical challenge and cost savings. Consider your fitness level, budget, and time constraints when choosing your approach.

Seceda in Different Seasons

Seceda transforms dramatically with the changing seasons, offering unique experiences for visitors. In summer, the meadows are lush and green, perfect for hiking and enjoying panoramic vistas.TikTok The weather is generally pleasant, though afternoon thunderstorms can occur. This is the peak season for hikers and sightseers, so expect larger crowds.TikTok

Autumn brings a quieter atmosphere, with fewer tourists and beautiful crisp air. The landscape may start to show hints of autumnal colors, adding another layer of beauty to the already stunning scenery. September is often cited as an ideal month for its good weather and manageable crowds.Reddit

Winter turns Seceda into a picturesque ski resort.Instagram+1 The dramatic peaks are dusted with snow, creating a breathtaking winter wonderland. Skiers and snowboarders can enjoy the slopes, while others can experience the magic through snowshoeing or simply by taking the cable cars up for the snowy views. The cable car operations and accessibility might differ in winter, so checking schedules is crucial.

Maximizing Your Seceda Visit: Tips from Travelers

To make the most of your trip to Seceda, heed the advice from fellow travelers. Many emphasize the importance of checking the weather forecast before heading up, as clear skies are essential for the breathtaking panoramic views.Reddit If you plan to stay for sunset, be aware that the cable cars often stop running around 5:30 PM, so hiking down in the dark is a consideration.Reddit

Several reviews highlight the cost of the cable cars as a significant factor, with round trips being quite expensive.Instagram+1 Some visitors suggest that a day pass might be more economical if you intend to use multiple lifts throughout the day.Reddit For those who enjoy trekking, the hike up is a viable, albeit challenging, alternative that saves on ticket costs.Instagram

Finally, don't underestimate the steepness of some trails. Trekking poles are frequently recommended by visitors to ease the impact on knees during ascents and descents.Reddit While the main viewpoint is easily accessible, exploring further afield offers a deeper appreciation of Seceda's natural beauty.

You may also like

1 of 2