Seceda / Puez Odle

Route Description

From the parking lot, take the Col Raiser Cable Car to the Col Raiser Almhotel. The hike starts from there. Follow the signs to Fermede and Seceda. While you walk, you will be able to see the Sassolungo massif on your left in all of its majesty, as well as the Sella Towers.

Keep walking until you reach the Fermeda Rifugio. From there the hike will be steeper as you hike up the Seceda mountain. Following the well-signed path up, you’ll walk near nice cottages and pastures.

After all that elevation gain, it’s not a bad idea to take a break at Baita Sofie, which is a few hundred meters away from your first goal.

Walk along the path that runs next to Baita Sofie, you’ll pass the Ristorante Seceda, gaining elevation on your way to the summit. From here you can also descend to Ortisei, and many people do this circuit starting at Ortisei instead of Santa Christina.

Once you get to a cross you’ll notice you’re at the summit. From there, you will see mountains in every direction. To help you understand what mountains you're looking at, there's an iron circle you can step on that has all the mountain peaks carved into it with their names.

Starting from the South, you will be able to see Sassolungo and Passo Sella and down below the Alpe di Siusi. Then, proceeding clockwise: Catinaccio and Sciliar, the Saretine Alps, the Austrian Alps, The Piccolo and Grande Seceda, and the massive Sass Rigais.

Continue along the path, which from now on will be descending and soon enter the Parco Naturale Puez-Odle. Continue on the path as it proceeds towards Pieralongia cottage, following the signed path. During your walk, you can admire all the Puez Mountains the Sella Towers and the Sassolungo. Below you, you will see some little alpine lakes and some peculiar wooden houses.

After you reach the Rifugio Pieralongia, keep going straight for a little while. Then, you’ll follow the signs that takes you back to the Col Raiser cable car, which will take you to your car.

Insider Hints

• Be sure to walk over the Seceda cable car near the peak and look out through the fence there; from that vantage point, the views are the best.
• Take a rest at Rifugio Fermeda to lunch or just to drink something. The service is great, and they make excellent food and drinks.