The ridgeline of Seceda looks almost unreal — a dramatic wall of jagged peaks rising above the green pastures of Val Gardena. It’s one of those views that stops you in your tracks, the kind you’ve seen in photos of the Dolomites and wondered, Is it really that beautiful in person? (Yes. It is.)
And the best part? You don’t have to be a hardcore hiker to experience it. A cable car from Ortisei carries you high into the mountains, and from there it’s a short, scenic walk to the iconic viewpoint overlooking the Puez-Odle Nature Park.
We’ve spent nearly two weeks hiking across the Dolomites, from Tre Cime di Lavaredo to Lago di Braies to the Adolf Munkel Trail in Val di Funes, and Seceda still ranks as one of the most jaw-dropping panoramas in the region. On our visit, we arrived late in the afternoon after a long day on the trails and were amazed that just one easy hour was all it took to enjoy one of the most spectacular views in northern Italy.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to visit Seceda, whether it’s worth it, and how to plan your time so you can experience this view for yourself.
The Essentials
WHAT IS IT | One of the most iconic views in the Dolomites
GETTING HERE | Ride the cable car from Ortisei (Urtijëi) to the summit. Then it is a 10-minute uphill walk to the viewpoint.
TIME NEEDED | 1 to 2 hours
OPERATING SEASON | Late May to early November (Summer) and early December to mid-April (Winter)
TOP PHOTO TIP | Visit in the afternoon. Morning light can be backlit, while afternoon sun highlights the jagged peaks of the Odle/Geisler group perfectly.
WORTH IT? | Yes. The views are some of the best in the Dolomites.
August 2026 Update: Updated Seceda cable car operating hours and parking information, added current ticket and pass information, and updated the hiking directions for the Panascharte/Forcella Pana closure.
Why Visit Seceda?
What makes Seceda special isn’t just the scenery, it’s how accessible it is.
Unlike many epic Dolomites viewpoints that require long, strenuous hikes, Seceda can be reached by cable car from Ortisei. From the top station, it’s a short and mostly easy walk to the famous photo point overlooking the Puez-Odle Nature Park. In less than an hour, you can be standing in front of one of the most breathtaking panoramas in the Alps.
Seceda is perfect for:
- First-time visitors to the Dolomites
- Photographers
- Families and casual hikers
- Travelers short on time
- Anyone wanting big views with minimal hiking
We list Seceda among the top experiences in the region in our guide to the Best Things to Do in the Dolomites.
Is Seceda Worth It?
Yes, if you want one of the most dramatic and iconic views in the Dolomites. The cable car is expensive, but the ridgeline scenery is unlike anywhere else in the region.
How to Visit Seceda
Where is Seceda?
Seceda, or Alpe di Seceda, is a mountain that is located in the Puez Odle Nature Park in Val Gardena. It is part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Puez Odle Nature Park
How to Get to Seceda
The easiest way to get to Seceda is to ride the cable way from Ortisei to the mountain summit. You will first ride a gondola from Ortisei to Furnes and then a cable car to Seceda.
The cable car station is located in Ortisei (Urtijëi). On Google Maps, it is labeled Funivie Seceda Spa. There is paid parking at the cable car station, but parking in Ortisei is limited and can fill during busy periods. The Seceda cable car operator recommends using public transportation when possible.
If you are staying elsewhere in Val Gardena, you can take the bus to the Piazza S. Antonio stop in Ortisei. From here, it is about a 6-minute walk to the Seceda valley station using the pedestrian connection and escalators called La Curta.
PRO TRAVEL TIP: During the busy summer months, taking the bus can be easier than driving into Ortisei and searching for parking.
The cash desk and access to the gondola is located on level higher than street level. Walk up the steps to get here and purchase your ticket at the ticket booth. When we did this in July, we did not have to wait in line to purchase tickets or board the gondola.
From Ortisei, a gondola soars to the next station at Furnes. At Furnes, you will transfer to a cable car and this will complete the journey to Seceda.
View from the cable car
How Much Does it Cost to Visit Seceda?
For round-trip tickets from Ortisei to Furnes to Seceda, here are the summer prices:
Adults: 74€
Junior: 37€ (8 to 16 years)
Children: Free (0 to 8 years)
Dogs: 7€
Bikes: 7€
Note: I update this pricing every year and there has been a substantial increase between 2025 (45€) and 2026 (74€).
Tickets can be purchased in advance on the official seceda.it website. Online tickets are booked for a specific date and a 30-minute ascent time slot. The online ticket shop currently offers a 5% early-booking discount, so purchasing your tickets ahead of time can save a few euros as well as help you secure your preferred time.
Important: Dolomiti SuperSummer tickets are not accepted on the Ortisei–Furnes, Furnes–Seceda, or Fermeda lifts. The Gardena Card can be used on participating Val Gardena lifts during its operating season.
Seceda Cableway Hours of Operation
In 2026, the Ortisei–Furnes gondola and Furnes–Seceda cable car operate from May 22 through November 2, from 8:30 am to 6 pm.
The Fermeda chairlift has a shorter summer season, operating from June 20 through September 20, 2026, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Check the official Seceda website before your visit for the most up-to-date operating hours, particularly if you are visiting in late spring or fall.
Things to Do at Seceda on a Quick Visit
Enjoy the View from the Cable Car Station
From the upper station you are immediately treated to views of the Puez Odle Nature Park.
Instagram photos and other travel website focus on the slanting pinnacles of the Odle/Geisler group, which does look very cool, but you also get an incredible view out over the Sella massif, Sassolungo, and Marmolada from Seceda as well. Tim and I actually liked this view more than the Instagram-famous shot of the Odle/Geisler pinnacles.
As soon as you step out of the mountain station, this is your view
Another view from the Seceda mountain station
Grab a Bite to Eat
There is a restaurant at the upper cable car station that serves food and drinks. From the terrace, you have a gorgeous view of the Dolomites.
Walk to the Famous Seceda Viewpoint
From the upper cable car station, it takes about 10 minutes to walk to the viewpoint. This is a completely uphill walk and some people may find it strenuous. But it is worth it for the perfect vantage point from Seceda.
Trail to the famous Seceda viewpoint
Once at the top, you have 360° views of the Dolomites. You are now standing at 2,500 meters (8,200 feet). On a clear day, you can see Grossglockner, which is the highest mountain in Austria.
We visited Seceda during peak summer season and found the ridgeline far less crowded than we expected once we walked beyond the cable car station.
The famous Seceda viewpoint
This is the view from the same spot, looking in a different direction (towards the Sella group and the town of Selva di Val Gardena).
On the circular diorama, all of the peaks that can be seen from the Seceda summit are listed. For high alpine views, Seceda is one of the best viewpoints in all of the Dolomites.
Walk behind the chairlift station to get the famous view of Seceda. You are looking out at the pinnacles of the Odle/Geisler group. This line of mountains forms the backdrop for the photos taken in Val di Funes and from the Adolf Munkel Trail.
From this viewpoint, you can walk back down to the cable car station or turn this walk into a short loop. It’s easy and all downhill from this point.
The trail that leads down the ridgeline
Continue the Walk along the Ridgeline
If you continue down the ridgeline, you can turn this short hike into a loop. Here are the hiking stats:
Seceda Hike: Viewpoint + Ridgeline Hiking Stats
Distance: 1.3 km (0.8 miles) loop
Difficulty: Easy
Total Ascent: 110 m (360 feet)
Lowest Elevation: 2,375 m (7,800 feet)
Highest Elevation: 2,475 m (8,120 feet)
Time: 30 to 45 minutes
Seceda Map: short hiking loop and the location of the Seceda viewpoint.
Walk downhill along the ridgeline, in the direction of the peaks. The views change as you head along this short trail and there are several more photo-ops along the way.
Another view from the Seceda hike along the ridgeline trail
Once you get to the bottom of the hill, the trail splits. Turn right to follow the easy walking path back to the cable car station.
On our visit, we continued toward Panascharte (Forcella Pana) for a closer view of the pinnacles. Current trail information lists Panascharte as closed, so we no longer recommend making this detour. Follow all posted trail closures and signs during your visit.
The short loop back to the cable car station is still worthwhile. You get changing views of the Seceda ridgeline without adding much distance or difficulty.
Things to Do at Seceda with More Time
Visit Baita Sofie Hütte. This small restaurant is located just a short walk from the hiking trail we list above. Have a meal with a view or sunbathe in one of the lounge chairs that are sitting in the grass next to the hut.
There are also numerous longer hiking trails on Seceda, including routes to Baita Troier, Pieralongia, and Rifugio Firenze. However, trail closures can affect these routes, particularly around Panascharte (Forcella Pana). Check current trail conditions and posted signs before setting out on a longer hike.
You can also go mountain biking and paragliding. Learn more on the official website.
Best Time to Visit Seceda
The summer season runs from late May through early November. During this time, hiking is the #1 thing to do here.
The winter season runs from early December through mid-April. During this time, skiing is the #1 thing to do here.
There are two periods of time when the lifts to Seceda are not running: during most of April into early May and most of November into early December. You can get the exact dates on the official website and here.
Seceda in July
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to visit Seceda?
If you just come for the views and a quick walk to the main viewpoint, two hours is all you will need. But if you plan to do a longer hike or have lunch here, plan on spending a half day on Seceda.
Can you hike to Seceda instead of taking the cable car?
Yes, you can hike to Seceda instead of taking the cable car, but it’s a long and strenuous climb with significant elevation gain from the valley. Most visitors choose to take the cable car from Ortisei to save time and energy and then enjoy the short, scenic walk along the ridgeline.
Is Seceda better than Marmolada?
Yes, the view from Seceda is much more iconic, plus there is more to do here, with short hiking trails and the option to go mountain biking.
How crowded is Seceda?
Seceda can be quite crowded in the summer, especially between late morning and mid-afternoon when tour groups and day-trippers arrive via the cable car. The area right around the upper cable car station and the famous photo viewpoint tends to be the busiest.
What else can I do near Seceda?
Seceda is located near Ortisei and Selva di Val Gardena. In this area, you can hike the Puez-Odle Altopiano (one of our favorite hikes in the Dolomites), drive over the Sella Pass and Gardena Pass, ride the cable car to Sass Pordoi and hike to Piz Boè, and visit Val di Funes.
Val di Funes
If you have any questions about how to visit Seceda or hike to the famous Seceda viewpoint, let us know in the comment section below.
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