The tilted grassy ridge of Seceda, rising to 2,519 metres above Ortisei, delivers one of the Dolomites' most dramatic panoramas, with the saw-toothed Odle/Geisler peaks plunging away beyond it and easy ridge walks at the top.
Seceda is the great grassy belvedere of Val Gardena, a tilted alpine ridge that climbs to 2,519 metres above the resort town of Ortisei and offers what many consider the single most spectacular viewpoint in the Dolomites. The summit slope rises in a smooth green wave to a sharp edge, and beyond it the ground falls away in sheer pale cliffs to reveal the serrated spires of the Odle, or Geisler, peaks marching across the skyline within the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Reaching the top is effortless: from Ortisei a cable car climbs to the Furnes mid-station and a second gondola continues to the Seceda ridge, depositing visitors a few minutes' walk from the celebrated viewpoint. From there a network of well-graded paths fans out across high meadows grazed by cattle, past mountain huts serving Ladin and Tyrolean dishes, with options ranging from a gentle ridge stroll to longer descents back toward Ortisei or into the neighbouring valleys. The light is at its most dramatic in the early morning and again toward sunset, when the Odle peaks glow against the sky, making Seceda a magnet for photographers. The lifts run through the summer hiking season from roughly June to October and again in the winter for skiing within the Dolomiti Superski area; in the shoulder months they close. A visit can be a quick half-day round trip for the view or a full day of ridge walking. The combined lift ticket is among the pricier in the region, but the panorama justifies it; warm and windproof layers are essential as the exposed ridge is cool and the weather can turn quickly even on a fine summer day.
Good to know
- Hours
- Lifts roughly June-October and December-April, typically 08:30-17:00
- Best time
- Late spring to early autumn for hiking; sunrise for photography
Location
Funivia Seceda, Str. Setil 9, 39046 Ortisei BZ
46.6092, 11.7244 View on map
Highlights
- Iconic tilted Seceda ridge
- Views of the Odle/Geisler peaks
- Cable car and gondola access from Ortisei
- Gateway to Puez-Odle Nature Park
- Ridge and meadow walking trails
Tips for visiting
- Take the first lift up for the clearest light on the Odle peaks
- Weather changes fast at altitude, so carry layers
When to visit
Late spring to early autumn opens the hiking trails, with the lifts closed in the shoulder months. Catch the first gondola of the day or stay for sunset, when the Odle peaks glow and the ridge is least crowded; carry windproof layers at any season.
Accessibility
The lifts deliver visitors step-free to within a short, mostly level walk of the main ridge viewpoint, manageable for some with limited mobility, but the wider trails cross uneven alpine ground unsuitable for wheelchairs and strollers.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you get up to Seceda?
From Ortisei in Val Gardena a cable car rises to the Furnes mid-station and a second gondola continues to the Seceda ridge, leaving a short walk to the famous viewpoint.
When do the lifts run?
The Seceda lifts operate during the summer hiking season from roughly June to October and again in the winter ski season from around December to April, closing in the shoulder months.
What is the best time for photos?
Early morning and the hour before sunset give the most dramatic light on the Odle peaks; taking the first lift also means fewer people on the ridge.
Is it worth it for kids?
Yes, once at the top the gentle ridge meadows and mountain huts suit families, though the lift ticket is costly and warm layers are needed at altitude.