Seceda is a dream hike for mountain lovers. Our step-by-step guide includes everything you need to enjoy this staggering spectacle of the Dolomites. From the best trails and cable cars to the top photo and dining spots, we show you the most dramatic way to hike Seceda.
Of all the jaw-dropping mountain scenery in South Tyrol, Italy, there is perhaps no more striking sight than the Fermeda Towers (Torri di Fermeda) of the Seceda Dolomites. The spectacular peaks, erupting from Seceda’s ridgeline, roar into the sky like a neolithic firestorm suspended in time. They appear born out of some ancient blaze. Flames once raging, now steeled to stone.
In this post, we show you how to see these flaring Dolomitic wonders. Up close. And in a heart-pounding fashion that makes for an unforgettable day exploring the Puez-Odle Nature Park in South Tyrol no matter if it’s sunny or overcast.
Our complete guide to hiking Seceda brings you to the famous ridge where you’ll stand in awe at the edge of Earth and then journey across the ridge to the foot of the mountain. From there, we lead you to the teetering Twin Peaks of Pieralongia and finally down the Seceda Alm through pasture and forest to another must-see sight in the Dolomites: The Church of St. Jakob. Along the way, we share lesser-known viewpoints you should not miss while visiting Seceda plus the top Seceda hüttes (mountain taverns also commonly referred to as a rifugio, baita and malga) to visit for delicious food and drink.
⇒ DOWNLOAD OUR STEP-BY-STEP SECEDA HIKING GUIDE
CONTENTS OVERVIEW
- Where is Seceda
- Seceda Hiking Overview
- How to Get to Seceda
- Seceda Hike Step-by-Step
- Additional Must-See Sights of Seceda
- Reaching the Church of St. Jakob
- Rambling into Ortisei
- Where to Stay to Hike Seceda
- Hiking Seceda Safely
- Checking the Weather with the Seceda Webcam
- The Best Short Hike on Seceda
- Alternative Options for Reaching Seceda
- Additional Tips & Considerations for Hiking Seceda
- Book a Private Tour of Seceda
Where is Seceda
Seceda ravages the heavens from 8,200+ feet (2,500 m) above the towns of Ortisei, St. Christina and Selva in Val Gardena, a valley located in South Tyrol, Italy. The mountain is one of many peaks comprising the Odle Group (Geislergruppe or Gruppo delle Odle) — looming between the Resciesa High Alp and the Puez mountain group almost directly across from Alpe di Siusi.
The name Odle comes from the Ladin language of Val Gardena and translates to “needles” — certainly an appropriate moniker given the mountain chain’s many spires. Seceda, on the other hand, originates from the Latin word “siccus”, which means dry. Again, wholly appropriate as the slopes of Seceda can be bone stark depending on the season.
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By the way, it is common to see the mountain referred to as “Seceda 2500”, a name obviously denoting its height in meters. You may also see it on maps as “Seceda Mountain”, “Mount Seceda” and “Alpe di Seceda”.
Seceda Hiking Overview
- Hiking Time: This Seceda hike will take 5 – 7 hours (including time spent at mountain huts)
- Top Sights: Seceda Ridgeline with the Fermeda Towers, Resciesa High Alp, Twin Peaks of Pieralongia, Col Raiser, Seceda Alm, Alpe di Cisles Meadow, Church of St. Jakob, Alpe di Siusi and the Sassolungo and Sella Groups
- Hiking Difficulty: Easy to Moderate. If you choose to hike down Seceda instead of taking the cable car back to Ortisei it can become challenging but is well worth it
- Elevation Gain: 552 ft (168 m) up to 846 ft (257 m) if including Monte Pic
- Distance: 7.6 miles (12 km)
- Note: Trails crisscross Seceda so you can easily shorten or lengthen this hike as you see fit. If you are short on time, we included details on a 1 – 2 hour circuit hike at the end of this post that will allow you to experience Seceda’s grandest sights.
How to Get to Seceda
Reaching the Seceda ridgeline and plateau can be as easy or hard as you like. The most direct way to ascend to the top of Seceda is from the Ortisei-Furnes Gondola Station in Ortisei, which then connects you to the Furnes-Seceda cable car partway up the mountain. We recommend this for most hikers as it allows more time to explore near the summit of Seceda.
Here are the Seceda cable car directions:
Where to Park: If arriving at Ortisei by car, you can park right next to the Seceda gondola lift station or at the underground Garage Central parking lot in the heart of Ortisei. We recommend parking at Garage Central if you intend to wander about Ortisei after your hike. The walk to the gondola station is less than 10 minutes. See the map in our downloadable Seceda hiking guide. Alternatively, you can pay to park right at the Seceda cable car station.
Purchasing a Lift Ticket: At the Ortisei-Furnes Gondola station, you’ll need to purchase a ticket to use the Seceda lift. For this specific hike, you will purchase a one-way ticket that allows you to use both the gondola and the cable car to bring you to the Seceda summit. The cost is €27.00 for a single ticket. Note: If you are not interested in making the trek down Seceda as detailed in our hiking guide, purchase a round-trip ticket. Seceda lift tickets can also be purchased online.
Take the Second Cable Car: Both the Seceda gondola and cable car rides are smooth and peaceful. When the first ride ends, walk to the Furnes-Seceda Cable Car station which is a short distance away to hop in the Seceda cable car lift, which whisks you to the summit. During the ascent, be sure to consume the ever-expanding panorama. Towards the west, the mountains of Alpe di Siusi will gradually unfold into their full splendor. It takes roughly 15 minutes in total to reach the Seceda summit using both lifts.
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Seceda Hike Step-by-Step
Once you arrive at the Furnes-Seceda summit station, pick your jaw off the cable car floor before stepping out. For the best views of the Fermeda Towers begin hiking Seceda by hopping on trail no. 1 as indicated by the signpost. However, if your hunger is calling you, do your gourmet soul a favor and make a short trek downslope to the picturesque Baita Sofie Hütte, which is visible from where you are standing.
Sofie has wowed hikers and skiers for decades and is the classiest restaurant on Seceda. On top of offering savory Tyrolean dishes, it boasts a grand wine cellar where you can test your inner sommelier by perusing more than 300 labels from all over the world.
Tip: Before making the journey to any of the Seceda hüttes, find out which rifugios are open by checking the board mounted on the outside of the summit lift station. Some have rest days or may be closed for the season depending on the month of your visit.
After visiting Sofie, we recommend returning to the summit lift station to begin the Seceda hike. Trail no. 1 leads you up an incline that any beginner hiker can handle. Soon you will be at the foot of the impressive Seceda summit cross. Next to it is an iron circular lookout point that helps you identify all the mountains filling the horizon.
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Looking towards Alpe di Siusi, you will spot more iconic peaks of the Dolomites including the Sella Group, the mighty Sassolungo massif and the Witches’ Mountain (Mt. Schlern). From up here, you can even spot the king of South Tyrol’s mountains, Ortler, whose icy crown beams from a height of 13,000 feet more than 80 miles away in Val Venosta.
Just beyond the summit cross, to the east, is an ideal spot to capture some of the most photogenic scenes of Seceda’s Fermeda Towers. From this vantage point, you can study the cleaved cliffsides. They reveal past ages in countless stratifications that run from foot to summit.
Next, you will continue on the trail toward the towers. The path will now descend slightly. If your heart does not pound faster as the peaks of Seceda swell before you, that’s a good indication to check your pulse.
Eventually, you will come to a signpost for trail no. 6. Follow this trail to your left, which pulls you up the steep Forcella Pana (Furcela Pana | Pana-Scharte) where you will take in the Fermeda Towers from the edge of Earth. Well, it appears to be anyway. This ascent up the Forcella Pana is a tad grueling. Once at the top take great care to watch your step at all times as this area is rocky and steep.
After thoroughly soaking in the sight, walk back down and pick up trail no. 1 again. This will bring you to the Troier Hütte — an idyllic place to relax and eat under the guard of the Fermeda Towers.
The Troier Hütte has fed Seceda mountain enthusiasts for nearly 150 years. It has been run by the same family since the 1960s and includes an adorable petting zoo that will make the toughest mountain man melt.
We suggest finding a table on the patio facing the Sassolungo massif, which demands attention from across a chasm of pastures, stones and pines known as the Seceda Alm. The Troier Hütte restaurant serves a variety of delicious South Tyrolean and Italian dishes right from their farm to your table. Additionally, the hut makes a mean Hugo cocktail — a South Tyrolean original you must try. If you would like some suggestions on what to order, see our post on the must-try foods in South Tyrol.
When you are through feasting, sink into one of the sun loungers below the patio. Here, feel free to let the sweeping mountain views fully recharge your batteries before trekking onward.
When you’re rested and ready, take trail no. 2B to the boulder-riddled Pieralongia pasture to see the remarkable Twin Peaks of Pieralongia (“Long Stone”). These rare alpine oddities rise as high as a 20-story building. Beyond the spearing spires, you will take trail no. 1 again where you will begin your descent toward St. Jakob’s Church.
If you didn’t visit the Troier Hütte, consider resting at the nearby Malga Pieralongia. A tiny mountain tavern but big on flavor, Malga Pieralongia will treat you to homemade mountain fare that will have you whistling like a Tyrolean for the remainder of the hike.
Stay on trail no. 1 until you come to a fork with a signpost pointing to trail no. 2. This trail runs to the left and right. Head to the right towards Ortisei as noted on the signpost. The trail stretches all the way across the meadows of Seceda.
You’ll pass additional huts if you need to take another break or satisfy your craving for another Hugo. The trail also winds past Fermeda Chapel (Fermeda Kapelle) — a tiny stone chapel beneath Seceda that will charm you from a hilltop on your right.
Additional Must-See Sights of Seceda
Shortly before you reach the Sella Cuca mountain saddle, you will have the opportunity to take trail no. 6 to hike up a ridgeline to the pyramid-like summit of Monte Pic (Pitschberg) where you can enjoy an eye-popping 360-degree panorama of Val Gardena.
Few make the effort to hike up Monte Pic so if you do odds are you will have the view all to yourself. Including Monte Pic on your Seceda hike adds another 30 minutes or so to the adventure. If you do not have time or energy to visit Monte Pic, continue on trail no. 2.
The trail will eventually lead you to a forest opening where you will see a post sporting a number of trail signs. Look for trail no. 6/20. This runs through the forest to the Seurasas Alp. You will then have the opportunity to satisfy your appetite or thirst again by continuing on trail no. 20 to the Baita Seurasas Hütte.
A family-owned mountain tavern, the Baita Seurasas Hütte offers a lovely terrace that is popular for watching the “Burning Dolomites” — a natural phenomenon also called “alpenglow” where the setting sun beautifies the faces of the Dolomites with a rosy glow. By the way, if you detoured to Monte Pic, you will arrive at this same point on trail no. 6.
If you do not continue on trail no. 20 to Baita Seurasas Hütte, you will then take trail no. 6 toward another remarkable viewpoint called Crujëta, which is also situated near an enthralling wayside shrine known as Christ de Seurasas.
After Crujëta, you hike down the Seurasas Alp to a small meadow called Plan da Roles. From here, you will stay on trail no. 6 towards Mt. Balest.
The trail to Mt. Balest cuts into swaths of evergreens that tower above the rock face cliff side of Val d’Anna, which is the valley the Seceda cable car follows up the mountain. Even though the trail darts through forested slopes, several points allow you to gush over the wide-open valley below as well as capture glimpses of Sassolungo through breaks in the treetops.
It is important to note that the trail becomes increasingly difficult as it descends in twists and turns. While we do not consider it an easy hike, it is not dangerous in terms of height and steepness.
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Parts are quite rocky and narrow-pathed however so it’s important to watch your step to prevent injuring a knee or ankle. For those less sure on their feet, we recommend using hiking poles during this part of the trek. That said, we have seen hikers of all ages on this trail so don’t let the increased difficulty level deter you. Just take your time, be prepared and allow enough time before sunset.
When you arrive at the Balest signpost at 1823 meters, follow trail no. 6 towards St. Jakob. From here, you are roughly 30 minutes from the church.
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Reaching the Church of St. Jakob
Once you arrive at the Church of St. Jakob (“San Giacomo” in Italian and “Dlieja da Sacun” in Ladin), the sight of it against the backdrop of Sassolungo will stop you in your tracks. We recommend plopping down on the bench overlooking the church to let its antiquity sink in.
It’s not known exactly when the church was built, but documents first mention it in 1283. For nearly a thousand years it has greeted travelers and you can now count yourself as one of them.
Unfortunately, the church is permanently closed unless you arrive at a time when guided tours are being conducted or during the summer when it is frequently open for visitors during normal hours. However, its cemetery is open year-round allowing you to wander around the small church grounds within the circular outer wall.
A gorgeous wayside shrine greets you at the front of the cemetery. Its haunting appearance speaks to the expert craftsmanship of the woodcarvers of Val Gardena. Also worth studying are the late Gothic frescoes on the south-facing wall of the church. They showcase remarkable color and detail depicting St. Christopher with Jesus as a child sitting on his shoulder.
Want to learn more about this 12th-century marvel of the Dolomites? We dive deep into its history in another article about the Church of St. Jakob.
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Rambling into Ortisei
From St. Jakob Church return to trail no. 6 and follow it toward Ortisei. From this point, you are roughly a half-hour from the village. The remainder of the walk is easy and will take you through more evergreen forests where you’ll stroll past interesting works of art. One, in particular, sums up this hiking adventure quite well.
Visual artist Claudia Comte pays tribute to the natural wonder of Val Gardena with a timber sculpture that aptly spells out “WOOOW”. A word that needs no translation given the views all around. This universal expression of awe came together using 20 spruce trunks each nearly 20 feet high.
After returning to Ortisei, we highly recommend taking the time to see more works of art from the talented artisans of Val Gardena. Visit one of the many quaint woodcarving shops and studios dotted in and around the village.
To learn more about this charming centuries-old tradition born in the heart of the Dolomites, read about our behind-the-scenes visit with Deur Sculptures — a local woodcarving family with wood sculptures in some of the most celebrated cathedrals in the world.
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Where to Stay to Hike Seceda
During our most recent Seceda hiking outing, we stayed at Hotel Ansitz Jakoberhof in Ortisei located just below the Church of St. Jakob. Every square inch of this family-owned hotel radiates heavenly Alpine charm. When we came across it, we had to book a stay.
The balcony view was among the best we enjoyed while visiting South Tyrol. Each morning we woke up to a wide-open view of the immense Sassolungo massif across the valley.
The hotel offers a gorgeous pool area for unwinding after a tiresome day on the slopes. But best of all, the key lifts for hiking Seceda and other mountains of Val Gardena are just minutes away. The owner, Andrea Piccolruaz, spoke excellent English and provided us with additional hiking tips while entertaining us with her adventures abroad.
⇒ BOOK HOTEL ANSITZ JAKOBERHOF HERE
Val Gardena offers 500+ vacation properties to pick from. Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly farm stay or an award-winning wellness spa, you will definitely be able to find the perfect getaway to hike Seceda. Click below to explore options.
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Hiking Seceda Safely
Recently a famous YouTube personality perished while hiking Seceda. He was apparently hiking along the edge of the Forcella Pana, which is the steep ridgeline rising before the Fermeda Towers. If you choose to hike in such places while visiting the Dolomites, it’s imperative you know your limits as a hiker. Stay on marked trails and please watch your step at all times.
Checking the Weather with the Seceda Webcam
The mountainscape of Seceda is such that hiking on an overcast day is equally as fascinating as when the sky is blue. On mist-filled days the peaks seem utterly alive; more monster than mountain. That said if you have a flexible schedule while in Val Gardena, it is worth checking the Seceda webcam to see if the peaks are fully shrouded by heavy cloud cover before paying to take the cable car to the top.
The Best Short Hike on Seceda
The magic Seceda has to offer deserves a full day of exploration. However, we recognize you may be limited on time. If that is the case, we recommend purchasing a round-trip lift ticket and embarking on an epic circuit hike that will allow you to experience the soul-stirring power of the Fermeda Towers. This hike can be completed in 1 – 2 hours and covers approximately 1.3 miles (1.6 km).
After exiting the final cable car, take trail no. 1, which is the gravel path leading up the mountain to the Seceda summit cross and lookout point. From here, follow the trail toward the spear-tipped peaks and then take trail no. 6 to the left, which leads you up to the Forcella Pana (Furcela Pana | Pana-Scharte) where it will seem as if you are at the abyss of Earth.
When you are ready to continue the hike, take trail no. 1/6 downslope. At the bottom of the descent, begin heading back towards the lift station by staying on trail no. 1/6. Eventually, you will take trail no. 6 and then trail no. 1A in the direction of the Baita Sofie Hütte. If you have the time and appetite, we recommend enjoying a meal or a drink at Sofie before making the short trek upslope to return to the lift station.
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Alternative Options for Reaching Seceda
Col Raiser Gondola – If the lifts to Seceda in Ortisei are closed for maintenance or if you want to try another way to reach Seceda, take the Col Raiser gondola from St. Christina. Note: It is a steady 40+ minute trek uphill to the Seceda summit if you go this route. To avoid the uphill climb, you can make a short trek to the Fermeda chairlift, which will carry you to the summit.
Resciesa Funicular – Another possible option to reach Seceda is the Resciesa Funicular from Ortisei. Note: This is a challenging hike and the trails may not always be accessible. If you intend to visit Seceda via the funicular, we recommend stopping in the tourist office in Ortisei to map out the ideal route with staff.
Additional Tips & Considerations for Hiking Seceda
- Download an easy-to-follow PDF of our Seceda hike to bring on your trip.
- The Ortisei-Furnes gondola and Furnes-Seceda cable car operate from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Both open in early June and close in mid-October. Mountain weather can impact opening and closing dates so make sure to review the lift schedule.
- If you are planning to hike in Val Gardena for more than one day, save money by purchasing the Gardena Card. This card allows unlimited use of specific lifts and cableways.
- If you plan to hike down Seceda, make sure to schedule your hike when you will still have daylight.
- If you want to experience Seceda at sunrise or sunset or are a landscape photographer looking to shoot Seceda at night, we recommend booking an overnight stay at the Fermeda Hut, Almhotel Col Raiser, or Rifugio Firenze. The other option for a sunrise view is to start the day early with a hike up from Ortisei.
- Camping on Seceda is technically not allowed, but some hikers still choose to risk a potential fine and pitch a tent so they can experience an epic sunrise and sunset. If you plan to camp, be sure to pitch your tent away from private property unless you have permission. A one-man tent is a nice compact option. See our Camping in the Dolomites post for more tips.
- The best time to see Seceda beaming with wildflowers and greenery rivaling Ireland is in July.
- If you plan to hike Seceda in spring or fall, but are not sure about the conditions on the summit, visit the tourist office in Ortisei. Staff will be able to advise you on the conditions and what gear you should have for your hike.
- For tips on hiking gear and clothing to wear for hiking Seceda, get our South Tyrol + Dolomites Travel Guide. Be sure to pay attention to the weather forecast as mountain weather can change quickly.
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IF WE FOLLOW THIS HIKE THAT YOU OUTLINED, WE HAVE TO HIKE DOWN TO ORTESEI IN PARKING LOT. DOES WE HAVE THE OPTION TO TAKE THE CABLE CAR TO GO TO THE PARKING AREA ?
Hi Mary – Yes you can take the cable car to Seceda and back down to Ortisei if you wish. You would take the same cable car to return to the Seceda parking area.
Hello. How long is the hike down, typically, in July, from the top of the Secada down to St. Jakob Church? And then again from there to the base where the secada leaves from? thank you in advance!
Hi Tom – Plan on 5 to 7 hours to do this specific Seceda hike. From the St. Jakob Church to Ortisei is about 30 minutes. Enjoy your Seceda adventure!
Hi,
for the hike down, do you remember the total time, without stops, please? 🙂
thx
It was around 2 1/2 hours.
thx!
Hello,
We are planning to visit the Dolomites April 26-April 28. Do you know if Seceda is still accessible? Is it even possible to see the area in this time frame?
Thank you,
Lisa
Hi Lisa – Seceda is accessible then, but the lift from Ortisei will likely not be operating until the end of May. When you are in town, we recommend visiting the tourist office in the center of Ortisei to find out the best way to reach Seceda. The staff will be up to date on recommended routes given snowfall amounts, weather conditions, etc.
We will be there May 23. I think that is too early for any of the gondola rides. They dont seem to open until last of May or Mid june if Im readying this correctly. Is there anyway to get up other then the Gondola ride? What is the length of the hike up?
Hi Kim – Sorry for the late reply on this. Just saw your comment. While the cable cars will not be open yet for Seceda, you can take the Resciesa funicular from Ortisei to the Resciesa high-altitude plateau where you can hike among the summits while enjoying stunning views of Sassolungo, Sella and Marmolada (the highest peak in the Dolomites) massifs. The 2020 schedule for the Resciesea funicular has not been published yet, but it typically opens mid-May. Here is the website: https://www.resciesa.com/en/info.asp Have a wonderful time in South Tyrol!
I love the details and description for this hike. Can’t wait to do it in a couple of weeks!
Question: If we follow this whole hike that you’ve outlined, it seems to take us back down to Ortesei. Does that mean we only need a one way cable car/lift ticket?
Hi Alice – Very excited to hear you’re hiking Seceda! Yes, you only need to purchase a one-way ticket if you’re hiking down. Hope you have an amazing adventure and lovely weather!
I have heard about Dolomites earlier. I am completely sold on the breathtaking landscapes. Though I am not a trekker, but for these teasing views I would trek. Thanks for the detailed guide.
You cannot ever have enough mountains. I wonder if you can go on a bicycle there. After last mountain trip, I officially decided I would cycle if there is an opportunity. My cameras are too heavy to have a comfortable hike.
Hi Alexander – You can definitely mountain bike in the Dolomites. The lifts up allow you to bring a bike for an extra fee. Biking there would be incredible.
Hiking up the Dolomites is definitely going to my bucket list. It is good to know that there is a gondola ride option but you will miss out a lot of natural beauty if you do not hike. Thanks for all the details of the route. I may hike one way up and come down by gondola.
You’re welcome Shreya! Glad to hear hiking the Dolomites is going on your bucket list. You’ll love it!
I’ve only spent a week hiking in the Dolomites and cannot wait to return one day. The landscape is so magnificent, as are some of the landmarks like the Church of San Giacomo. That view is incredible. This is a very helpful guide to hiking across Seceda, I’ll have to bookmark it for future reference when we return to the South Tyrol.
These are good to know facts about Dolomites. I haven’t seen one yet and have no idea that they are actually coral reefs.
I would love to take this hiking trip in the future. Thank you for sharing this detailed guide.
Thank you for introducing me to this UNESCO site. It is indeed heartwarming to know that the place is well-preserved in spite of its age. That church location looks spellbinding and so do the other captures of this hike of yours.
The view looks perfect especially in the high grounds. It was nice that you experience it with a beautiful glaring of sun, and I bet the air breeze is also lovely. Thanks for sharing us your adventure, and looking forward for the next one!
Wow, those jagged crags of the Dolomites do not look easy to hike through… but they sure are pretty! I’m all about the cable car and a glass of wine at the top
It’s good to hear that you can buy a round trip gondola ride ticket to Dolomites. But I think you will miss a lot if you don’t do the hike, at least going down. The view are amazingly beautiful! I can stay hours at the top just to take in the beauty of the earth.
Dolomites is listed under UNESCO WHS I read somewhere. Reading up how it took its present form it fully deserves that spot in UNESCO. A church fighting out against time for 8 centuries is equally a good reason to hike up in addition to the grand sights.
Wow! I’ve never even heard of The Dolomites before. I can’t believe it! I love the timber sculpture, that would make for a great instagram photo >.<
I don’t do much hiking, but this looks like a beautiful places to do it! I would definitely be making that wine and pasta stop!
We love taking hikes where ever we travel. The Dolomites look stunning! Is this trail family or kid friendly?
Hi Astrid – Sorry missed your question. Yes, this trail is kid friendly; however, you would want to make sure they are capable hikers before trekking down Seceda.
Wow, it looks like you were there on a picture perfect day and what spectacular views from so many different vantage points. I would love to be there on a day like this and do some exploring and easy hikes on the top of the ranges there.
Wow, that landscape is incredible. I think I would definitely take the gondola up as far as I could, a 4-6 hour hike is pretty long for me! But the views at that restaurant, totally worth it!
These saw-toothed mountains are such great sights. And so with the little chapel and the WOOOW sign. They would be the great rewards of the hike!c
It was such a beautiful day and your photos look amazing! The mountain has breathtaking scenery, and the church and sparkling wine is an absolute beautiful add on to your journey.
I had never heard the Dolomites or Seceda before I came across your post. So, thank you for that.
The hike takes 4-5 hours which is not too long and kind of hike I would like to do. Also, the landscapes are beautiful, seems like a very enjoyable hike
Glad we could help introduce you to this beautiful corner of the world! Hope you can hike here someday.
The Dolomites with the ragged edges certainly does look prehistoric. The Seceda hike looks like an amazing way to see them. I am a rock geek, so I love to see the stratification layers. And the gondola ride must be great. Great to know that a beginner and do the hike. And see the beautiful Church of St Jakob.
I can’t believe that the Dolomites were just a mere inches tall millions of years ago. It’s absolutely incredible to learn that its over 28 million years old and used to be under a pre-historic ocean. I can imagine the incredible fossils you might find here from pre-historic coral reefs! No wonder they are now protected by UNESCO. What incredible beauty to explore here!
The Dolomites are so impressive! I’d never heard of the Fermeda Towers before, but wow, what a view – I’d love to take the cable car up to see these. I would love to taste a Hugo Cocktail, although hiking afterwards maybe not!
Ha! Well if you end up enjoying one too many Hugos you can always take the cable car back down;-)
You had me at Hugo Cocktail! I’d love to get to the Dolomites – either skiing or hiking. Is there any point going mid to end of May? I saw on your tips that they open early June, but I’m headed to that region a bit earlier…
Hi Jody – You can certainly visit in May. It’s one of our favorite months in South Tyrol. Just plan for the possibility of cooler weather when into venturing into the mountains. Suggest checking with the local tourist office prior to hiking so you have a clear understanding of the conditions at various elevations. Hope you have an amazing trip! Go easy on the Hugos!
I am all game for the hike. As difficult it looks, it seems like the best way to reach there given the lovely sights. Especially the church. 1280s is quite a long back and it seems quite well preserved given its age. Did you spot any critters along the way?
We certainly did spot some critters.
This sounds like quite the adventure! It looks like the scenery and views were worth all of your hard work and hiking. My favorite part would be the pasta and wine!
The Dolomites are incredible. Such beauty. I wonder what is in the Hugo Cocktail? Great place to enjoy one. I would enjoy seeing the frescoes at St. Jakob’s church. Thanks for the information.
You’re welcome Jane. A Hugo Cocktail is a delicious blend of Prosecco sparkling wine, sparkling water and Elderflower syrup along with fresh mint leaves and a slice of lime or lemon. Hope you get to enjoy in South Tyrol!