Exploring the Dolomites | Seceda

Aug 1, 2023
6 min read

Updated: Mar 10, 2024

Seceda is a must-see while you are exploring the Dolomites as it provides for some of the most beautiful mountain views and never-ending pastures. But, if you want the experience of witnessing Seceda in person, you have to work for it.

In all honesty, we tried our best to prepare for our travels to Seceda and even with everything we thought we knew, we were still confused. I could not find any clear, easy instructions on the best way to get there...and I gave it my all.

So, I want to give you what I wish I had - everything important to know about visiting Seceda.

Getting There

Getting to the top of Seceda can be done in two ways - hiking or cable car. This blog is not for those looking to hike their entire way up there. A shorter, more reasonably, moderate hike is preferred (at least for people like me). Therefore, you will want to use the address for the cable car that you're using or the closest parking lot to get accurate directions for traveling to Seceda. There are two cable car options I recommend to use, but the one you choose will most likely depend on when you are going.

Cable car option 1: Ortisei

We went to this location first, but did not use this cable car as the connecting option was not in operation that day. I highly recommend checking their website prior to arrival to make sure the Ortisei - Furnes and the Furnes - Seceda cable car are in operation. If not, the hike from the Furnes cable car drop off to Seceda is a 2 hour long, steep climb.

You will find a large parking garage to arrive to here. Make sure you take your ticket with you as you will pay at a kiosk before returning to your car. You can either buy your cable car ticket at the building entrance, or prior online. You will pay 39.50 Euros for a round trip ticket, which will include the two cable cars that you will be riding.

Cable car option 2: Col Raiser

This is the cable car location that we parked at and utilized for our trip to Seceda. There is a large parking lot here, as well, but it is outdoors, unlike the garage at the other location. You can buy your ticket inside the building at the front desk or online prior. This lift will cost you 29 Euros.

The Col Raiser cable car will drop you off about mid-way to Seceda and upon getting off the lift, you'll walk upstairs to find a nice restaurant surrounded by a gorgeous panoramic view. While hiking from this point to the Seceda ridgeline isn't as steep, it is still moderately difficult and will take 2-3 hours.

A 15-minute walk from the drop off location, you'll find the entrance to the second cable car lift to get you to the top. This will be the last lift you'll get on, and it will cost 20 Euro round trip. You can buy the tickets at the lift location with the operator or online prior.

Do not buy tickets online if you are staying in a South Tyrol hotel that offers their guests a transportation pass.

It is crucial to check the operating hours and times of the cable cars prior to going. Most run between 830AM-600PM, with a few (like Fermeda) operating with shorter hours. The days of operation are subject to change due to season/weather, maintenance, and more. So, even if you plan to buy a ticket in person, check the applicable websites for important updates.

Now, I do understand wanting to hike more than the bare minimum, so if that's the case, start your day early...especially to score a close parking spot. A close spot will mean that your hike to Seceda and back will take about 6 hours on average. Occasionally, this lot is free to park in, but even when it's paid, it's only 6 Euro for the day. This is a great hike for those who don't do it as often, but aren't in horrible shape either (me). You're basically taking a route of an entire forest road so you can trust it's simple enough for you if it's simple enough for cars. There are longer hikes than this, but you won't get that info from me.

By now, you may realize that if you aren't hiking to Seceda, it's not cheap. And just because you are using a cable car, doesn't mean you won't be putting any work in to reach the top. To our surprise, the 15-minute walk between the cars and the walk to the ridgeline from the top was extremely exhausting. I highly recommend wearing all your normal hiking gear as the terrain is steep and rocky. Between spending money on a cable car and giving yourself a workout, getting to the top isn't necessarily easy or cheap. If you are going to do it, make sure you are enjoying your time and the view when you get there.

Where to Stay

While exploring areas like Seceda, Alpe di Suisi, Val Gardena, and surrounding, it is important to know the perks of your hotel accommodations. Many hotels that are situated within a certain vicinity to these areas of the Dolomites will provide their guests with transportation passes. This means you may not have to buy cable car or bus tickets which as you've seen above, may save you quite a bit.

When it comes to finding a great place to stay here, the options are endless. Personally, I recommend staying in Castelrotto. This town is stunning and somewhat central to everything nearby to explore.

Here are some options to consider:

Sonus Alpis. This was our hotel of choice and we can not recommend it enough. They have a gorgeous infinity pool that overlooks the town and the mountain peaks, several sauna and steam room options, and a relaxing music room. The room amenities were fantastic and we enjoyed our included breakfast, but especially our dinner in their restaurant. This hotel offers a South Tyrol transportation guest pass.

Hotel Valentinerhof. A beautiful hotel with not one, but two pools that are not only outdoor, but indoor as well. They offer a gorgeous sauna that sits next to large relaxation rooms which overlook a natural water lily pond. You will get breakfast included here and another delicious restaurant to enjoy dinner. This hotel offers a South Tyrol transportation guest pass.

Hotel Lamm. Slightly different than the other options, this hotel offers their signature pool on the rooftop. Lounge in the panoramic relaxation room, enjoy the spa services, or workout in their modern fitness room. This hotel is another one that offers included breakfast, a delicious dinner restaurant option, and offers a South Tyrol transportation guest pass.

Here is a much longer, official list of hotels offering the pass.

Many hotels in this area require a minimum nights stay or charge a small percentage additional if you are not staying a certain number of nights. While I recommend staying in different accommodations for other areas of the Dolomites (Lago di Braies/Tre Cime di Lavaredo), I recommend staying in Casselrotto or near by for the attractions listed above. With the use of a transportation pass, you will save not only a lot of money, but time, being able to utilize this resource.

Other Notable Should-sees

Walk and admire St. Valentin Church in Castelrotto.

Visit or tour Prösels Castle

Go inside and admire the Parish Church.

Closing Tips

Trust locations, not pictures. When it comes to finding a place, don't use photos online. If you need to see what it looks like, check Google Maps. Otherwise, you may be seeing a photo that is extremely outdated. That is why I don't include photos of places like the cable car locations. I would not have recognized them online prior or after because most show an empty parking lot and when I went, it was so full I barely noticed what the building itself looked like. Always use the coordinates.

Make sure you're in hiking gear. If you want to be in a different outfit at the top for photos, fine. But bring a change in clothes for walking as opposed to pictures. Your feet will thank you later.

Don't leave valuables in your car. Nothing happened to us and I have no reason to say anything would there. But these parking lots and garages get extremely full so with any place like that, make sure you're not inviting people to peek in your vehicle.

Read my blog 'The Dolomites, Italy | What to know before you go'.