Hiking

At 2,500 metres Seceda is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Val Gardena. The panorama opens the moment you step out of the top station: the Sassolungo, the Sella group and above all the Odle.

Take the higher path first, the one that leads to the well-known lookout. Along the way alpine meadows and mountain flowers cover the slope like a carpet.

Past the platform you reach a fork: follow the signs for Pieralongia. About 45 minutes brings you to the Pieralongia hut, at the foot of the "stone teeth", two rock formations that rise straight up.

From there the path passes the World Heritage terrace at 2,200 metres and continues to the Odles hut: a family-run refuge with a farm kitchen, a petting zoo and a playground. It is the right place to stop for lunch.

After the break the path descends gently to the Fermeda chairlift valley station. You ride up — looking down on the Odle group from above — and in about ten minutes you are back at the cable car.

This loop also starts at the top station, at 2,500 metres, and with the view of the Sassolungo, the Sella and the Odle.

Again take the higher path towards the lookout; at the fork take the branch that drops gently past the Trojer hut. This is worth a stop for an aperitif with the Dolomites in front of you.

After the break the path passes the small alpine lake Lech da Iman and reaches the Fermeda hut, where South Tyrolean specialities are on the table.

From the hut it is a quarter of an hour to the Fermeda chairlift valley station. You ride up, look down at the Odle, and ten minutes later you are back at the cable car.