The Seceda hike from Col Raiser was one of my favorite hikes in the Dolomites. It was so rewarding and every step we took we were more in awe with the scenery surrounding us. With its razor-sharp ridgeline dropping into lush alpine meadows, it’s one of those landscapes that almost doesn’t look real.
Starting from the Col Raiser Cable Car, this hike is the perfect balance between effort and reward. Instead of heading straight to the summit by cable car, you’ll follow a scenic trail through peaceful pastures, pass traditional mountain huts, and gradually watch the landscape open up around you. It’s a route that builds anticipation step by step, until you finally reach the famous ridge.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to hike to Seceda from Col Raiser, including the route, what to expect along the way, and practical tips to help you plan your visit.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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WHY HIKE TO SECEDA FROM COL RAISER?
If you’re tryting to decide how to reach Seceda, starting from Col Raiser is in my opinion the best option, and here’s why.
First, it’s one of the most accessible and scenic routes to the ridge. By taking the cable car up to Col Raiser, you skip the long, steep ascent from the valley floor and start your hike already high in the mountains. This means less effort, but still all the reward of experiencing Seceda on foot.
What makes this route so special is how the landscape unfolds. Instead of taking the Seceda cable car and getting to the Seceda ridgeline directly, the views gradually open up as you hike. You’ll begin surrounded by quiet alpine meadows, then slowly catch the first glimpses of the dramatic Odle peaks before finally reaching the full panorama at Seceda.
It is also a great option for a wide range of hikers. The trail is relatively short (if you just hike the ridgeline and back) and not technically difficult, making it ideal if you’re looking for a high-reward hike without a huge physical challenge. At the same time, if you’re up for a challenge, you can make it a loop hike and explore the nearby meadows that lead you to Rifugio Firenze. We did this loop trail and loved every single minute of it!
Finally, although it is also not cheap, it is a more affordable way of visiting this iconic ridgeline.
In short, hiking to Seceda from Col Raiser gives you the best of both worlds: easy access and an unforgettable alpine experience.
SECEDA VS. COL RAISER CABLE CAR: WHICH IS BETTER?
If you’re hesitating between taking the Seceda cable car or the Col Raiser cable car, this section will help you make an informed decission. It basically all comes down to the kind of experience you want.
Taking the Seceda cable car from Ortisei is the fastest and easiest option. Within a short time, you’re standing right at the top with those iconic views in front of you. It’s perfect if you’re short on time or not interested in hiking. The downside is that it can feel crowded and also more expensive. You’ll also miss the build-up that makes this landscape so special.
Starting from Col Raiser gives you a completely different experience. You’re already high in the mountains, but you still get to hike through alpine meadows and gradually approach the Seceda ridge. Hiking through these meadows was amazing and the route was not too crowded. I personally, liked them better than the super famous Alpe di Siusi.
On the other hand, taking the Col Raiser cable car means that you’ll have to put some effort to reach the Seceda viewpoint but it is still very manageable. You’ll also have to start quite early if you want to avoid the crowds as you will have to do a short hike before reaching the viewpoint.
SECEDA CABLE CAR: PRACTICAL INFORMATION
This information is applicable to 2026 Summer Season. Always check the latest updated information at the official website.
- Price: 74 € for a return ticket
- Opening Hours: From 8:30 to 18:00
- Summer season: From 22 May 2026 to 2 November 2026
- Booking in advance: As of 2026, the Seceda Cable Car will work with assigned timeslots with limited capacity. Although it is not mandatory, it is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance to ensure your spot. You can so here.
COL RAISER CABLE CAR: PRACTICAL INFORMATION
This information is applicable for 2026 Summer Season. Always check the latest updated information at the official website.
- Price: 34 € for a return ticket.
- Opening Hours: From 8:30 to 17:30
- Summer season: From 22 May 2026 to 1 November 2026
- Booking in advance. It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance. Even though the Col Raiser cable car is not as busy as the Seceda one, due to the significant price increase of the Seceda cable car, it might get busier. You can do so here.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE HIKE
HOW TO GET TO the trailhead?
Since this hike is a loop, you can start it at two different places: at the Seceda Cable Car mountain station or at the Col Raiser Cable Car mountain station. We started the hike at the Col Raiser Cable Car and, this blog will be organized based on this option. However, if you want to start at the Seceda Cable Car, it is possible too. In this section I will explain how to reach both cable cars.
Alternatively, it is also possible to hike up to the trailhead for free, both from Ortisei and Santa Cristina in Val Gardena. The only downside is that you’ll have to account for a lot more kilometers and altitude gain.
Seceda Cable Car
The easiest and most convenient way to reach Seceda Cable Car is by car, especially if you’re not staying in Ortesei. The Seceda Cable Car valley station is located in the town of Ortesei. If you want to find it on Google Maps, search for Funivie Seceda. I have also linked it on the map at the end of this blog.
Parking: There is a paying parking lot next to the valley cable car station (~15 € for the day) but it does tend to fill up fast during July and August. It is important to arrive as early as possible to secure a parking spot.
It is also possible to get to the cable car station with public transport. Val Gardena has a very reliable bus system that connects all towns in the valley. Some hotels, they even offer you the Val Gardena guest pass, which gives you unlimited use of the buses in Val Gardena. You can find more information here.
Col Raiser Cable Car
The Col Raiser Cable Car is located in Santa Cristinea Val Gardena. If you’re driving, getting there is quite straightforward. Just search for Col Raiser in Google and follow the directions.
Parking: There is a paying parking lot next to the valley cable car station (~10 € for the day) but it does tend to fill up fast during July and August. It is important to arrive as early as possible to secure a parking spot.
Same as with the Seceda Cable Car, you can also reach it with public transport. Just take a a local bus to Santa Cristina and walk to the lift from there. During peak season, buses run frequently, which makes it a very convenient option if you don’t want to deal with parking.
Find more information about the Val Gardena Guest Pass here.
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU NEED TO HIKE TO SECEDA FROM COL RAISER?
One of the reason why Seceda is so popular is because it doesn’t require any technical gear. Still, being in the mountains means you should come prepared.
- Proper footwear. A good pair of hiking shoes with grip is essential. You don’t need anything extreme, but avoid flat sneakers.
- Layers are key. Even in the summer, temperatures can change quickly in the Dolomites. A light jacket or fleece is usually enough, especially in the morning or late afternoon.
- Bring enough water and snacks. There are plenty of mountain huts along the way where you can stop, but if you stop there a few times through the hike, expenses can go up fast. Plus, bringing your own supplies allows you to stop wherever you want and get to eat with great views.
- Sun protection. At this altitude, the sun is strong, so pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Don’t forget you camera or phone. This is easily one of the most photogenic spots in the Dolomites, and you’ll want to capture it properly.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO HIKE TO SECEDA?
The best time to hike to Seceda depends on what kind of experienceyou’re after, but generally, the hiking season runs from June to October.
July and August offer the most stable weather and all cable cars and mountain huts are fully open. This is the easiest time to visit, but also the busiest. Expect crowds near the Seceda ridgeline, especially around midday.
June and September are often a better option. You still get good conditions, but with fewer people on the trails. September in particular can be fantastic, with coolere temperatures and a slightly quieter atmosphere.
October can be beautiful if the weather holds, but cable cars may start closing earlier depending on weather conditions. You’ll need to check in advance on their website if you’re visiting at this time.
If you want the best light and fewer crowds, start early in the morning or come later in the afternoon. Just make sure you take into account when the cable car closes. Otherwise, you’ll have to hike down back to town.
SECEDA HIKE FROM COL RAISER
HIKE STATS
Trail Start/End – Col Raiser cable car mountain station. It is also possible to start at Seceda cable car mountain station.
Distance – 11 km
Elevation Gain – 570 m
Level – Moderate
Route Type – Circular trail
Estimated Time Needed – 6 to 7 hours (including plenty of time to stop for photos and enjoy the views)
Best Time To Visit – June to September to ensure the best weather conditions.
HIKE MAP
I always use the AllTrails App during my hikes. The app has a GPX map that can help you stay on the right trail during your hikes. For this hike, we followed the Seceda – Malga Pieralonga – Firenze Hut – Baita Troier Trail. However, instead of starting it at the Seceda Cable Car, we started at Col Raiser.
MY EXPERIENCE HIKING IN SECEDA - STEP BY STEP GUIDE
Col Raiser Cable Car
We arrived at the Col Raiser cable car at 8:30 so the parking lot was almost empty. There was no line to buy the tickets and in no time we were in one of the gondolas on our way up to the beautiful alpine meadows.
The cable car ride was very photogenic. As we gain altitude, the Sassolungo peaks became more predominent in our view making for a beautiful sight. Below the gondola we could see the trail leading up to Col Raiser, although there were no brave hikers in sight.
Col Raiser to Fermeda Kapelle
As soon as we stepped out of the cable car, we were immediately surrounded by wide open alpine scenery. The trail began gently, crossing grassy meadows with incredible views right from the start. To our left, we could see the Sassolungo peaks across the Gardena valley and in front of us, the meadows leading to Seceda ridge.
We followed the signs towards Fermeda and Fermeda Kapelle. This section was mostly flatwith a slight incline, which made for the perfect warm-up. Along the way, we passed cute wooden huts perfectly sitting in the middle of the grass.
Soon enough we arrived at the small Fermeda chapel, which was quite a photogenic stop. Most people overlooked it as they were rushing up to the ridgeline but we were quite happy we stopped for 5 minutes to visit it.
Fermeda Kapelle to Baita Troier Hut
From the chapel, we continued following the trail towards Baita Troier hut. The path started to climb a bit more, but it was still very manageable. This section was just so peaceful and beautiful! In front of us, we could see the cute little wooden huts and the first glimpses of the Odle peaks in front of us.
As we gained elevation, the lanscape stated to open behind us, reveling more of Val Gardena below. Baita Troier hut was agreat place to take a short break. Even if you don’t stop for food, make sure to stop to admire the views of the valley below and meadows below you. You can also say hi to the cute alpacas next to the hut.
Baita Troier Hut to Seceda Ridgeline
From Baita Troier, the uphill towards the ridgeline became more intense. The trail was steeper and but it was just for a short time. We just took it at our own pace and made a couple stops to catch our breath and enjoy the views.
Good to know: Right where the trail starts to become steep, you will see the trail split into two. You might be tempted to go left and follow the less steep part, but if you do so, you will reach the famous ridgeline as if you were coming from the Seceda cable car. If you go this way, you will have to pass a small toll gate where you will have to pay 5 € to enter the ridgline. However, if you go through the steep trail, you will visit the ridgeline backwards and avoid having to pay 5 € (information from summer 2025).
We followed the steep trail as we wanted to get to the famous Seceda ridgeline as soon as possible. It was already 10:00 and we were noticing the crowds starting to get bigger. Only afterwards, were we pleasently surprised that we had avoided the toll.
Once we were on the ridge, we took our time to admire the views and take plenty of photos. I had seen plenty of photos of this place online but all I can say is it is even more beautiful in real life.
Seceda Toll Passage to Seceda Cable Car and back to Baita Troier
At the other end of the Seceda ridge trail, we arrived at the Toll Passage I mentioned before. Since we were exiting the trail we didn’t have to pay and we were not asked for any proof of payment so we just crossed the turnstile access gate.
From here we walked to the Seceda cable car station, since there is a small viewing platform next to it. The views were quite similar as the ones we had already seen from the trail but it was nice to get a wider view of the peaks.
From the viewing platform we retraced our steps to the toll turnstile access but instead of paying for the access, we took the trail to the right that walked through the meadows and headed back to Baita Troier.
The trail went downhill through a very well maintained. We were doing quite good on time so we decided to relax in one of the grass patches and enjoy this magnificent view before returning back to Baita Troier.
Important: Even though the trail is very well maintained, there are a lot of water draining cuttings (known as waalwege) that help evacuate water in case of heavy rain. Make sure you watch were you step so that you don’t trip and fall. I was admiring the view and had quite a bad fall in the easiest and flatest part of the hike. Luckily only my ego was hurt…
Baita Troier to Malga Pieralongia
Right before Baita Troier, the turn split into two again and we took the trail leading to Malga Pieralongia. This part of the trail was less busy and we really enjoyed it. The trail was really gentle crossing the open meadows. We stopped to have lunch and quick nap in the meadows right next to the hut.
Pieralongia rock formations were also quite impressive and we were surprised that we were almost alone there. There was a trail leading to the top of one of these two rock formations but it didn’t look too safe so we decided to skip it and just admire them below.
Malga Pieralongia to Rifugio Firenze
From Malga Pieralongia, the trail continued gently through some other meadows with some lesser known peaks in the Dolomites in front of you. There was barely anyone around us, which made it very special.
We kept walking and admiring the views. The peaks in front of us were very dramatic and along the way there were some cows eating some pastures.
Rifugio Firenze to Col Raiser
At Refugio Firenze, we stopped to get a cold drink and relax before the last stretch until we reach Col Raiser again. The views from this hut were also quite impressive with Val Gardena below us.
From Rifugio Firenze, the trail was quite straightforward until we reached Col Raiser again. It had been a perfect day in the Dolomites!
SECEDA HIKE FAQ
CAN YOU HIKE TO SECEDA WITHOUT TAKING A CABLE CAR?
Yes, but it’sa much bigger day. You can hike up from Ortisei or Santa Cristina Val Gardena, but expect a long and fairly steep ascent. Most people take a lift to save time and energy for the views at the top.
WHICH CABLE CAR IS BETTER? SECEDA OR COL RAISER?
It depends. If you are not interested in hiking, you just want to see the famous ridgeline and you have a bigger budget, then I would recommend Seceda cable car. If you are traveling with a lower budget and you’re planning on doing this full hike, I would go for Col Raiser cable car.
IS THE SECEDA HIKE FROM COL RAISER DIFFICULT?
Not really. This hike is considered as moderate but only for the distance and some uphill sections, especially approaching the ridge. But don’t worry, it is not technical at all. If you’re reasonably active, you shouldn’t have any issues.
IS SECEDA WORTH IT?
Absolutely! It is one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Dolomites for a reason. The contrast between the sharp ridgeline and the green meadows is something you don’t see in many places.
WHERE TO STAY NEAR SECEDA?
The best place to base yourself if you’re planning to visit Seceda is in one of the towns in Val Gardena: Ortisei, Santa Cristina Val Gardena or Selva di Val Gardena.
Luxury B&B August - Ortisei
Luxury B&B August is beautiful family run B&B located just a few hundred meters away from the center of Ortisei. The rooms are beautifully decorated with wooden furniture and offer great views of the surrounding mountains.
Photos from Booking.com
Alpstay Smarthotel Saslong - Santa Cristina Val Gardena
Hotel with modern and super comfortable rooms. All of them are equiped with balcony where you can relax in the evenings. The breakfast buffet is absolutely delicious and they also offer free parking for their guests.
This is the hotel we stayed at during our stay in Val Gardena and will definitely come back next time we visit the Dolomites.
MAP WITH ALL LOCATIONS
HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Click the star next to the map title to add this map to your google maps account. To view it on your phone while traveling, open Google Maps, click on the menu button and go to “Your Places”, click on Maps and you’ll see this map in your list.
HIKE SUMMARY AND INFOGRAPHIC
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Seceda hike from the Col Raiser Cable Car is one of those experiences that delivers far more than you expect.
It’s not the most challenging hike in the Dolomites, but that’s part of what makes it so good. You get access to one of the most dramatic landscapes in the region without needing to commit to a long or technical route.
If you’re visiting Val Gardena and only have time for one hike, this should be high on your list. It’s accessible, incredibly scenic, and one of those places that stays with you long after you leave.
OTHER ARTICLES ABOUT THE DOLOMITES
- 12 DAY ROAD TRIP ITINERARY IN THE DOLOMITES
- THE 17 BEST HIKES IN THE DOLOMITES
- TRE CIME DI LAVAREDO HIKE
- THE ICONIC LAGO DI BRAIES
- THE BEAUTIFUL LAGO DI SORAPIS HIKE
- HIKING AROUND CINQUE TORRI
- RIFUGIO NUVOLAU HIKE
- ADOLF MUNKEL TRAIL
- GUIDE TO FINDING THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN THE DOLOMITES
- BEST THINGS TO DO IN BOLZANO
- CRODA DA LAGO HIKE
PIN THIS GUIDE FOR LATER!
