Hiking from Resciesa to Rifugio Brogles + Seceda, Dolomites (original) (raw)

The hike across the Resciesa/Raschötz alpine plateau to Brogleshütte/Rifugio Brogles and over Furcela de Mesdi/Mittagsscharte (2597 m) to Seceda is a spectacular introduction to hiking in Puez-Odle Nature Park in the Italian Dolomites.

You’ll start this day hike in Ortisei in Val Gardena, ascending to Resciesa plateau via the Resciesa Funicular.

And, you’ll either end this hike by descending to Ortisei via the Seceda-Furnes-Ortisei cableways, or by descending to Selva di Val Gardena via the Col Raiser gondola.

This is easily one of the best hikes from Ortisei because you get to see the Odle/Geisler peaks from multiple angles and visit one of the most charming huts in Val di Funes.

Also, this is an exciting way to experience the Seceda Ridgeline. Instead of taking the Seceda-Furnes-Ortisei cableways up to Seceda from Ortisei as described in this post, you’ll approach the ridge from the other side: Val di Funes. It’s a more challenging hike, but it’s also a more interesting ascent route.

Important: There used to be an option to cross over the Odle/Geisler Group via the Forcella di Pana (Furcela Pana in Ladin, Panascharte in German). But, this route is still closed, due to a rockfall.

Resciesa - Mittagscharte / Forcella de mesdi - Seceda hiking trail, Dolomites

Resciesa to Seceda Hiking Map

When to Hike from Resciesa to Seceda

Resciesa to Seceda hiking trail, Dolomites

You can hike from Resciesa plateau to Seceda ridgeline from early June until late October, weather permitting.

Because this hike requires cable car and funicular ascents and descents, time your visit accordingly.

Resciesa Funicular Railway

Summer Schedule | Late May until mid-October.

Hours of Operation | Operating times vary by month. Find out exact times on the Resciesa Funicular Website.

Resciesa Funicular Address | 14 Via Resciesa Ortisei Val Gardena | Google Maps

Ortisei – Furnes – Seceda Cableways

Summer Schedule | Late May until mid-October. Find out exact dates on the Seceda Cableway Website.

Hours of Operation | 8:30 am until 5:30 pm

Seceda Cableway Valley Station Address | Val d’Anna str. 2 Ortisei Val Gardena | Google Maps

Col Raiser Cable Car

Summer Schedule | Late May until mid-October. Find out exact dates on the Col Raiser Cable Car Website.

Hours of Operation | 8:30 am until 5 – 5:30 pm, depending on the month

Col Raiser Valley Station Address | Str. Raiser 65 39048 Selva Val Gardena | Google Maps

Getting to the Trailhead

This hike begins at the Resciesa Funicular top station. The Resciesa Funicular (Funicolare Resciesa) valley station is located in Ortisei in Val Gardena.

Funicolare Resciesa Address | 14 Via Resciesa Ortisei Val Gardena | Google Maps

Resciesa – Furcela de Mesdi – Seceda Trail Description

Resciesa Funicular Mountain Station to Rifugio Brogles (1:20 hours)

Rifugio Brogles / Brogles Hütte, Val Di Funes Hike, Dolomites

Rifugio Brogles (Brogles Hütte)

From the Resciesa Funicular (Standseilbahn Raschötz, Funicolare Resciesa) mountain station follow signs to Rifugio Malga Brogles/Brogles Hütte, signed 1 hour 20 minutes.

In the morning, Sassolungo/Langkofel prominently rises above all else, emerging from a sea of clouds.

You’ll cross the Resciesa Alp on a panoramic path in the direction of Val di Funes/Villnösstal. This path unfolds beautifully as you near the prominent Geisler Peaks. There are no significant ascents or descents.

Rifugio Brogles is located on an alpine pasture, surrounded by grazing cows. This is an ideal location for lunch. Service is on the slower side, but with those views, who cares.

Rifugio Brogles to Forcella de Mesdi (2:45 hours)

Ascent from Val di Funes to Mittagsscharte, Puez-Odle Nature

Continue on trail 35 along the Adolf Munkel Trail for 2 kilometers.

After about 30 minutes, turn right onto trail 29 and ascend to Forcella de Mesdi (Furcela De Mesdi in Ladin, Mittagsscharte in German), 2597 m.

This mountain pass in the craggy heart of the Geisler Group links Val di Funes with Val Gardena.

It’s a tough, continuous 710-meter ascent to the saddle, which lies between Sass Rigais and Gran Odle. Side note: the Val di Funes via ferrata entrance to Sass Rigais summit starts at Mittagsscharte.

The terrain is mostly loose scree and gravel. The path is occasionally marked with a red-painted dot.

As you near Forcella de Mesdi, the trail is bolstered with timber reinforcements.

At the saddle, views open up to the Puez Group, including the rounded summit of Col dala Pieres and the Forces de Sieles gully.

Forcella de Mesdi – Pieralongia – Forcella Pana (1:40 hours)

Forcella de Mesdi descent, Val Gardena Dolomites

The descent follows a timber-bolstered path and zigzags down the mountain.

When you reach level ground, turn right in the direction of Piera Longia (aka Pieralongia), signed 30 minutes, and Seceda, signed 1:20 hours.

This easy path crosses meadows and enters the pasture area of Pieralongia, marked by twin spires and a rustic managed hut.

Forcella de Mesdi / Mittagscharte hike, Dolomites

Hike through the pasture and follow trail 1 to Forcella Pana and Seceda.

Forcella Pana – Seceda – Seceda Mountain Station (30 minutes)

Forcella Pana, Seceda, Geisler Peaks, Dolomites

After passing the Pieralongia alpine pasture, continue to Forcella di Pana and the Seceda Ridgeline.

This perspective of the Fermeda peaks is breathtaking. Though it has been captured millions of times, it never gets old. Enjoy!

Most of you will head back down to Ortisei via the Seceda cableways. It’s a 10-minute-walk from the Seceda peak to the Seceda Mountain Station (2453 m).

Seceda to Col Raiser Mountain Station (55 minutes)

Seceda to Col Raiser hiking trail, Dolomites

Seceda to Col Raiser

For those continuing to Col Raiser gondola mountain station (2100 m), follow trail 2 for 3.1 km (370 m descending).

The descent is gentle as you wind through beautiful pastureland, taking in the views of mighty Sassolungo/Langkofel and Sella.

Trail Stats Resciesa – Seceda – Col Raiser

Starting Point: Resciesa Mountain Station (2122 m)

Ending Point: Col Raiser Mountain Station (2100 m)

Distance: 17.5 km point-to-point

Time Needed: 7:05 hours

Elevation Gain: 1095 meters

Elevation Loss: 1099 meters

Difficulty: Difficult

Minimum Elevation: 1879 m

Maximum Elevation: 2597 m

Where to Stay in Val Gardena

We recommend staying in Ortisei, Selva di Val Gardena, or in Santa Cristina for this hike. Here are some great hotel options in Val Gardena. To figure out where to stay, read Best Val Gardena Hotels.

Ortisei

Ortisei, Val Gardena, Dolomites

Midrange | Hotel Garni Walter is a top-rated, family-run accommodation in Ortisei. Guests love the generous breakfast buffet, the views, the location, and the overall cleanliness. It’s a 5-minute walk to the Ortisei village center.

Budget | B&B Lavi Ortisei val Gardena is a clean and comfortable bed and breakfast managed by a very friendly host. The B&B is situated outside of the town center, though within walking distance (~15 minutes).

Midrange | Casa al Sole is a newly renovated bed and breakfast and natural wine bar in the center of Ortisei, only a short walk from the Seceda cableway and the Resciesa funicular. This 12-room B&B is masterfully run by Manuel and Alexandra, who infuse every aspect of their establishment with a genuine commitment to guest satisfaction. Read our Casa al Sole Review.

Midrange | Chalet Hotel Hartmann is a charming adults-only hotel featuring tastefully furnished alpine interiors, a delicious breakfast buffet, a complimentary afternoon snack, and a spa area (bio-sauna, steam bath and solarium). This is an ideal accommodation for couples and anyone traveling without children. It’s a 20-minute walk to reach the town center.

Luxury | Perched high above Ortisei, the newly-renovated La Cort My Dollhouse – Adults Only hotel offers 26 stylish rooms, a rooftop spa and pool, and fabulous views. Given its location, we only recommend staying here if you’re traveling by car. La Cort is a great choice for travelers who want more flexibility during their visit (no rigid eating times, etc..). Breakfast (7:30 am – 11 am) and Linner (4 pm – 7 pm) are included in the rate.

Luxury Apartments | Gran Tubla offers two-bedroom apartments with fully-equipped kitchens and sweeping views of Val Gardena. Guests also have access to a heated indoor-outdoor pool, sauna, and garden. Breakfast can be delivered to your room upon request.

Luxury | Hotel Angelo Engel is situated directly in the village center of Ortisei, walking distance to the Ortisei-Furnes-Seceda cableway. We loved the central location, the courteous staff, the wellness and sauna area, and our spacious room.

Look for accommodation in Ortisei.

Selva di Val Gardena

Budget | Hotel Garni Morene is a clean and comfortable family-run guesthouse, set in an idyllic location outside the town center of Selva. Stay here for the unbeatable price, mountain views, and hospitality. Breakfast included.

Budget | Garni Sunela B&B is an immaculate bed and breakfast with spacious rooms, a spa, bar, parking garage, and a phenomenal breakfast, including fresh eggs from the resident chickens. Check-in is only until 7 pm.

Midrange | Garni Hotel Bel Vert is a B&B in Selva, located on the Biancavieve Slope, outside the town center. Rooms are beautiful and spacious. There’s even a small spa. 3 nights minimum stay.

Midrange-Luxury | Hotel Freina is a welcoming family-run hotel in Selva with an excellent on-site restaurant (serving vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free options), wonderful spa, and free garage parking.

Luxury | Linder Cycling Hotel stands out with its bold architecture, stylish urban accents, and laid-back atmosphere. Beyond the captivating design, Linder Cycling Hotel boasts excellent facilities, including a rooftop terrace, indoor pool, bar and the à la carte Luis Eatery restaurant.

Luxury | Hotel Tyrol is a traditional alpine hotel centrally located in Selva. The hotel’s restaurant offers creative interpretations of Ladin tradition with a Tuscan twist. Stay here for the cozy ambience, the wellness area (saunas, indoor and outdoor heated pool, indoor and outdoor whirlpool, salt cave with chromotherapy), and comfortable rooms. Outdoor parking is free and garage parking is an extra charge.

Luxury | The charming Hotel Rodella occupies a peaceful location above Selva di Val Gardena. From the hotel garden, terrace, and outdoor pool, guests can enjoy life-affirming views of Sassolungo/Langkofel Group and the Sella Group, towering above Selva. The spa area is brand new and absolutely stunning. Hotel Rodella is only a 10-minute walk to the Col Raiser gondola valley station.

Look for accommodation in Selva di Val Gardena.

Santa Cristina

Budget | Smart Hotel Saslong is a no-frills hotel in Santa Cristina featuring modern, minimalist interiors decorated in local wood. Guests have access to a self-service bar, free parking (indoor and outdoor), and on-site restaurant serving local cuisine. This is a perfect place to stay if you’re traveling with friends. Book breakfast!

Midrange | Charme Hotel Uridl is a family-run hotel set in a mountain chalet dating back to the 17th century. Stay here for the cozy and quaint atmosphere and delicious breakfast buffets and dinners.

Luxury | Dorfhotel Beludei is the finest hotel in Santa Cristina. With inspiring mountain views, gorgeous alpine-style rooms, hiking trails right on the doorstep, and a chef that puts ingenious and creative riffs on regional cuisine, this darling hotel is quite the Dolomites dream. Breakfast, an afternoon snack, and dinner are included in the rate. When I say this is the best place to stay and eat in Val Gardena, I mean this is THE BEST PLACE TO STAY AND EAT IN VAL GARDENA. Learn more: Best Hotels in the Dolomites.

Look for accommodation in Santa Cristina.

More Val Gardena Travel and Hiking Guides

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Hiking Trails:

Via Ferratas:

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Dolomites Trip Planning Essentials

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When to Visit the Dolomites

Winter Season. For skiing and winter activities, the best time to visit is between mid/late December and March. Read Dolomites in December.

Summer and Fall Seasons. The best time to road trip and hike in the Dolomites is between mid-June and mid-September. If the weather is stable, the hiking season can easily continue until late October. Read Best Time to Visit the Dolomites, Dolomites in September, and Dolomites in October.

Spring Season. Most accommodations in the Dolomites shut down in spring, between the main winter and summer seasons. Spring is too unstable and risky for hiking, due to snow conditions. Learn more: Dolomites in May.

How to Get to the Dolomites

Read How to Get to the Dolomites to find out how to travel to the Dolomites from the closest airports, train stations, and bus terminals.

If you’re traveling without a car, also check out How to Visit the Dolomites Without a Car.

Car Rental

The easiest way to travel between hiking destinations in the Italian Dolomites is with your own car. Check out our itineraries for trip inspiration:

We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals. This easy-to-use booking platform compares car rental deals from 500+ trusted providers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.

Tip: If you can only drive automatic transmission cars, as opposed to manual transmission cars (stick shift), book your car rental as early as possible.

Check car rental rates here.

Best Places to Stay

Figuring out where to stay in the Dolomites is probably the biggest hurdle to planning a trip to the Dolomites. We’ve created three guides to help you decide where to stay:

We suggest choosing 2-4 bases for your Dolomites trip and spending 2-4 nights in each base.

What to See & Do

During your trip to the Dolomites, you can go via ferrata climbing, culinary hiking, hut to hut hiking, cycling, paragliding, and so much more. We’ve highlighted our favorite experiences in Best Things to Do in the Dolomites.

Wherever you decide to stay, you’ll be surrounded by glorious mountain scenery and incredible natural landmarks.

In Best Places to Visit in the Dolomites, we’ve outlined the most iconic attractions as well as lesser-known destinations across the Dolomites, including Alpe di Siusi, Lago di Braies, and Lago di Sorapis.

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Dolomites Hiking Guides

Hiking in the Dolomites is our passion. Year after year, we love discovering new trails and expanding our knowledge of the area. For day hiking, check out Best Day Hikes in the Dolomites. For trekking, take a look at our guide to Hut to Hut Hiking in the Dolomites and Alta Via 1.

For region-specific hiking trails, check out:

Recommended Hiking Guidebook: Shorter Walks in the Dolomites (Cicerone Guide)

Recommended Via Ferrata Guidebook: Via Ferratas of the Italian Dolomites: Vol 1: 75 routes-North, Central and East Ranges

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