A full guide to Seceda, Dolimites + the best route for scenic views
Seceda is what most people would define as the beauty of the Dolomites. The mighty mountains with an impressive overview over the summits and the rocks. The place became famous due to social media and its incredible photogenic appearance. Many photographers hike up to the peak in the early hours of the day to catch the best possible light. But Seceda is actually much more than just the one photo spot at the peak. Learn about the best route to Seceda in Italy and all you need to know about visiting the mountain. This is a Seceda guide full of must-knows for both photographers, travellers and other tourists planning a trip to the breathtaking Dolomites.
Get to know Seceda
First things first: what is Seceda? If you have not yet heard of it, Seceda is a mountain in the Dolomites. It is located above the small town of St. Ulrich, about 30 minutes outside of Bolzano. Seceda is mainly known as a photography spot, a hiking and skiing paradise. During the winter time, the area is home to ski and snowboard lovers, while during the summer months, you can hike on some stunning trails all around the mountain.
To sum it up: Seceda is actually worth a visit during the whole year. But for the hiking fans and photographers, the time from April to October is best for a visit to get your own view of the place.
How to reach Seceda
As mentioned, Seceda can be reached from St. Ulrich, Ortisei. You can either book an accommodation directly in St. Ulrich (which is highly recommended, as the area in general offers quite a lot to do) or you can travel from Bolzano to the starting point.
The easiest (and of course, most comfortable way) to reach Seceda is by gondola. You can buy the ticket directly at the “Seceda Gondola” in St. Ulrich. Depending on your time and route, you can either book a one-way ticket only or with the return down the mountain.
Prices:
- One-way (only up the mountain): approx. 25 Euros per person
- Return: approx. 35 Euros per person
Of course, there is also the option to hike up to Seceda. Be aware though that this is quite a long hike (3-4 hours) and it takes quite some time to reach the top. This is especially important if you intend to do a sunrise hike and need to reach the summit just in time for the first light.
If you want to do a mixture between both hiking and taking the gondola, you can hike up to the mid-station (where you normally would change the gondola) and take the final route up to the mountain. This will save you some money as well as providing a deeper experience by hiking in the Dolomites.
After reaching the summit you simply have to follow the signs to the photo spot. You can already see the unique rock formation from the distance and it is about 5 minutes walk from the official summit and 10 minutes walk from the gondola.
The route mentioned in the Seceda Guide can be done independently of where you are staying or from where you are travelling. The starting point remains the same.
The best time to visit Seceda
When is the best time to visit Seceda? Of course, some of the best pictures can be taken during the sunrise. The early morning hours up in the Dolomites always guarantee a magical atmosphere. If you research Seceda, you will as well find many sunrise shots. But of course, the sunrise on the top of the mountain means either getting up in the middle of the night (and hiking for 3 hours) or camping at the top. The latter is not forbidden at Seceda, but also not very welcome. Many photographers still put up their tent during the summer months when the nights are still warmer. If this is something you are in to, you might consider this option.
But always remember: you are in the Dolomites. The weather has its own mind and always does what it wants. This could mean that you might not be blessed with sunny weather when visiting Seceda. But you know what? A moody day in the moutains is a as well a great time to go to Seceda. The fog hugging the summits and the mountains creates a mystic atmosphere which is really impressive.
As Seceda is a popular place and well-known in the area, it is best to not visit during the midday. Make sure to arrive as early as possible (take the first gondola) or during the off-season when there are less tourists in South Tyrol.
A full Seceda hiking guide: The best route to experience Seceda at its best and see even more of the Dolomites
Are you ready for the ultimate experience on the Seceda guide? Because the area is so much more than just the photo spot close to the summit. You can spend an entire day just hiking around the area and exploring more and more of the stunning Dolomites. If you are up to a new adventure and would like to get a closer experience of Seceda, this route is your best choice.
Take the gondola from St. Ulrich up to the top of Seceda. Then follow the signs to the famous photo spot to take your own shot of the place.
From there, follow the trail down the mountains, passing multiple small wooden huts. Follow the signs for Regensburger Hütte, which is a beautiful hut east of the summit. The trail will lead you through a stunning landscape and incredible views over the whole mountain range.
Continue to follow the signs for the Regensburger Hütte until you´ve reached the hut. This is a perfect place for a rest. They have delicious meals and drinks which you can enjoy on the panorama terrace outside with a view over the mountains. Can it even get any better? This part of the route, leading to the Regensburger Hütte is definitely the highlight. You will get the best views over the mountains and be right in the middle of the stunning surroundings.
After having your break at the hut, continue your path and follow the signs to the Col Raider Alm. This is actually a luxury hotel during the winter season. From here, you follow the signs to the Gamsblut Hütte, which will lead you down the hills and slowly back to the valley. If you want, you now have another option to sit down for a drink or a meal. From Gamsblut, you can now follow the path to either St. Christina or St. Jakob. From St. Christina you can take the bus back to St. Ulrich and from St. Jakob you can continue to walk down to the St. Ulrich (which takes about 20 minutes).
Be aware, that the walk back might feel a little long. No wonder, your feet are getting tired and sometimes the end is the worst when hiking. But its all worth it and you´ll be filled with the magical experiences up in the mountains.
Your ultimate packing list for Seceda
And of course, what can not be missing on a Seceda Guide? Right, a small packing list for you to be on the safe side. Do not forget to pack the following into your backpack:
- Good hiking shoes
- Warm jacket
- Water
- Snacks
- Your camera
You really want to bring something warm to wear. The wind can get quite cold on 2.500 m and especially in the months of April or September and October, the weather is unpredictable. What feels warm and sunny down in the valley can be cold and windy on the summit. Be prepared and as well bring some good shoes if you plan to hike the full route.
Good to know before visiting Seceda
This Seceda Guide is your full preparation for your trip. There are a few things you should know before planning your visit.
First of all, the gondola usually closes for a short break in the middle of October. Depending on the weather of course, it re-opens around December for the winter time.
For all updates, click here to visit the offical Seceda site.
To hike up to Seceda is a long way and not the best choice for some great views. It is better to take the gondola (or drive up, if you have connections) and then spend your time wandering around in the area. This will guarantee some of the best views ever and you will save some of the sweat from hiking all the way up. Do not worry, there are plenty more peaks in the area you can hike up to, but this is really better to be done with a gondola.
And now: enjoy your Italian adventure in the mountains!
Click here for more Italian adventures.
