Everything You Need to Know to Hike Col Raiser to Seceda Rideline
There are some things in the world that you just have to see. Hiking from Col Raiser to Seceda ridgeline really is one of those “pinch-me” experiences where you can’t quite believe the views in front of you are real.
We spent two incredible weeks exploring the Dolomites — from Lago di Braies and Cinque Torri, to Seceda. To be honest you can’t really go wrong when it comes to views in the Dolomites, but Seceda is a little bit special. Its jagged, cinematic ridgeline might just be the most recognisable in the mountain range. And when we visited, a fresh layer of snow had recently fallen, adding to the drama of those jagged mountain peaks.
For our visit, we completed the Col Raiser to Seceda hike. This guide outlines everything you need to know, including the route and best time to visit.
Why Visit Seceda?
Seceda soars over 2,500m (8,200ft) above Val Gardena, within the Puez Odle Nature Park. From the villages of Ortisei, Santa Cristina, and Selva, it is one of the most impressive peaks in the area.
The Odle mountains (or “needles” in Ladin) live up to their name — sharp, spear-like limestone peaks cutting into the sky. This hike has something for everyone – one moment you’re hiking through rolling alpine pastures, the next you’re face-to-face with cliffs so steep it feels like you’ve reached the edge of the world. On sunny days the peaks seem to rise above you forever. On moody ones, the clouds cling to the crags, adding to the drama and atmosphere.
Also if you love stopping off at a rifugio during your hikes (and who doesn’t?) then you’ll love this route – with about 5 different rifugio’s along the way.
There are lots of different hikes and routes you can take to the summit. Or you can also choose to take a chairlift or gondola all the way to the top if prefer. This is just the particular trail we chose to take. The route from Col Raiser to Seceda ridgeline isn’t one of the hardest hikes you can do in the Dolomites, neither is it the longest hike in the region. But it is one of the most impressive. Dotted along this route are several rifugio’s too, so there are lots of opportunities to enjoy the views and the local delicacies along the way.
Col Raiser to Seceda Hike Essentials
- Starting Point: Col Raiser Cable Car, Santa Cristina (1,550 m) | Google Maps
- Route type: Circular
- Distance: 7.8km (4.8 miles)
- Time needed: 3 – 3..5 hours
- Elevation gain / loss: 479 meters
- Difficulty: Moderate – there are some very steep parts and if there’s snow it can take a lot of endurance to reach the top (as we found out)
- Best time to hike: June to October
- Parking: We parked in the Col Raiser cable car car park. 1–3 hours is €1.50/hour with €1.00/hour on top after this
🧭 Map or GPS?
A quick side note: we personally didn’t bring any hiking maps with us. We found the route on AllTrails, which we downloaded on our phones so we could follow the route offline. Our GPS tracked to the route perfectly. The route is also relatively well sign posted along the way.
Starting the Hike: Col Raiser
First up, you need to catch the Col Raiser Cable Car in Santa Cristina. We bought a return ticket, which cost about €32 each. For up to date pricing and operating hours, be sure to check the official website.
We arrived not long after opening and although the car park was semi-busy, we found a space no problem and didn’t need to queue for our tickets either. They also had a car park attendant to manage numbers, which helped keep everything running smoothly.
The whole cable car journey takes about 15 minutes, moving you swiftly from A to B. As you rise above the forest, the views open up to reveal the Sassolungo massif: a real tease of what’s to come once you begin the hike. At the top station (Almhotel Col Raiser), you’re ready to begin the hike, already at 2,100m.
Rifugio Fermeda
From here you’ll need to follow signs for Fermeda / Seceda – or Trail 4A. This is an easy 15 minute walk, which is mostly flat and a nice warm-up for what’s to come. Already you’ll have jaw dropping views of the surrounding Dolomites peaks. If you’re Rifugio counting on this hike, then Fermeda is your first rest stop. You can stop here for a coffee and a quick bite to eat if you fancy. Otherwise, continue onto Trail 2, which begins the steady climb up towards Seceda.
☕ The Ascent to Seceda & Baita Daniel
This is where the hard begins. There’s only about 100m ascent between rifugios, but in the snow it was a thigh-burner! Your efforts are rewarded though with the most beautiful views all around you. The route is super exposed. During the summer, you would be walking through rolling alpine pastures, but it’s difficult to get any perspective when it’s all blanketed in snow. The wind was biting and we chose this point to head into Baita Daniel and warm up. Located near the foot of the Seceda ridgeline, you get your first proper look at those jagged peaks.
Baita Daniel is a super cosy rifugio, with traditional alpine decor inside. It was the perfect first rest stop. We had a hot chocolate and a (very boozey) Irish coffee, which certainly warmed us up for the rest of the journey!
As you continue the hike uphill you’ll see a signed junction — switch onto Trail 1, which leads you directly towards Baita Sofie and the Seceda summit plateau. We were absolutely getting a sweat on as we followed a series of switchbacks up towards the summit, but the views kept us going.
Baita Sofie & The Seceda Summit
From Baita Daniel, it’s another 300m of ascent to the summit — not the longest climb, but your thighs will definitely feel it. For us, with snow underfoot, the trail was easy to follow thanks to the footprints of hikers ahead, but the compacted snow and ice made it so slippery. Straying off the track wasn’t much better either with shin-deep snow slowing us down. Still, the promise of those summit views kept us pushing upward.
Reaching the top cable car and chairlift station, right beside the official Seceda summit, felt like a reward in itself. Suddenly the whole Dolomites opened up around us, with peaks rolling in every direction.
Before heading out to the famous ridgeline, we treated ourselves to a well-earned stop at Baita Sofie. Possibly the poshest and most beautiful rifugio we’d been to, with glass-fronted windows and sweeping panoramas. We sat inside, warm and toasty, gazing out at the uninterrupted views of the Sassolungo group glowing in the distance — a perfect pause before the final stretch. We’re both vegetarian too, and we were absolutely treated here to a trio of dumplings and a glass of wine each, which was honestly so delicious!
Seceda Rideline and the Loop Back
With your jelly legs, you’ve made it to the top! Now it’s time to reward yourself by exploring that incredible ridgeline. Some of the trails near those jagged peaks are closed off for safety reasons – but you can still get close enough to them! On the day we arrived, the weather was dry but there was lots of low hanging cloud, which just added to drama and eeriness of the peaks.
Once you’ve explored the summit and snapped all the photos you want, it’s time to loop back and start your descent. You can follow Trail 1 all the way down to Rifugio Firenze, which is pretty straight forward. Alternatively, if the conditions are slippery and a bit unfavourable (like it was for us) you can catch the chairlift down from the summit, back towards Col Raiser.
Although we wanted to continue the full Col Raiser to Seceda hike loop, the snow was really quite tricky. The chairlift was a bit of a welcome treat back down (no regrets!).
🤔 Is the Seceda Hike Worth It?
Col Raiser to Seceda isn’t the longest hike in the Dolomites, nor the hardest. But for sheer drama, atmosphere, and unforgettable views, it’s hard to beat. Hiking the circular route from Col Raiser gives you a taste of everything — alpine meadows, rifugio culture, and that iconic ridgeline.
With snow underfoot, it felt otherworldly. But whatever the season, Seceda is one of those places that makes you stop, breathe, and take it all in. It’s one of the most popular hikes in the Dolomites, but we’d say it’s popular for good reason. Seeing those jagged peaks in-person is honestly such a jaw dropping moment. They’re incredible to see up close, and the sheer scale of those giant peaks makes you feel tiny. Seceda is definitely worth the hike.
Seceda Hike FAQs
When is the best time to hike Seceda
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Best season: We’d suggest June to mid September. The days are long and generally clear, so you get more time to enjoy those Jurassic-looking peaks. Just to note, August is peak season, so expect the ridgeline to be busy if you’re coming that time of year.
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Best time of day: Aim to start around 9am so you reach the ridge by midday.
Where to eat & drink
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Rifugio Fermeda | Great food and friendly service. A god pit stop at the start of your hike.
- Baita Daniel | A cosy, traditional rifugio. Great menu and boozey hot chocolates and Irish Coffees!
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Baita Sofie | The fanciest rifugio, with a great menu, an impressive wine cellar and views that pair well with just about anything.
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Rifugio Firenze | A classic mountain hut option on the loop back.
How long does it take to hike Seceda?
The time it takes to hike to the Seceda ridgeline really depends on your fitness level and how many rifugio’s you choose to stop at! For this route, expect around 2–3 hours from start to finish. Be sure to stop off at a rifugio or two though – the views are too good to rush!
What are the different routes to the Seceda summit?
In addition to the route outlined in this post, there are several other ways to reach the Seceda ridgeline:
1. Ortisei–Furnes–Seceda cable car (easiest option)
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The Ortisei–Seceda cable car takes you almost directly to the summit plateau.
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From the top station, it’s just a short walk to the ridgeline viewpoint.
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Perfect if you’re short on time, travelling with kids, or want the view without the climb.
2. Hiking from Ortisei (full ascent)
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Skip the cable cars and hike from Ortisei (1,236m).
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Trails 1 and 2 wind all the way up to the summit.
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Expect a full-day hike with over 1,200m of elevation gain — tough, but rewarding if you’re looking for a challenge.
3. Santa Cristina to Col Raiser (alternative approach)
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From Santa Cristina, hike up to Col Raiser instead of taking the gondola.
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From there, connect onto Trail 2 and 1 for the final climb.
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Adds about 2–3 hours to your hike compared with taking the gondola.
4. Winter routes (ski season)
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During the winter, Seceda transforms into a ski hub. Hiking is limited, but snowshoeing routes are sometimes marked around the summit.
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If you’re visiting in shoulder season, check cable car opening dates before you go.
👋 Get in Touch
No matter which route you choose, the Seceda ridgeline will be the star of the show — jagged Odle peaks, sweeping Dolomites panoramas, and that unforgettable “edge of the world” feeling
We hope you found this guide helpful. If you have any questions please leave a comment below, we’d love to hear from you! If you found our blog helpful, check out our Insta @welovetravel.in – if you give us a follow feel free to drop us a message and say hello 
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