Our favorite hikes in Val Gardena | Dolomites
Discover the most beautiful hikes in Val Gardena and experience the breathtaking mountain scenery of the Dolomites with its unique panoramic views. From famous highlights such as Alpe di Siusi and Seceda to hidden viewpoints and lesser-known hiking trails, unforgettable experiences await you in one of the most stunning alpine landscapes in Europe.
All hikes can be individually adapted to your personal fitness level, wishes, and hiking experience — from relaxing panoramic walks to more challenging mountain tours. Whether you want to enjoy the peaceful alpine meadows, discover hidden and exclusive spots, or experience the most iconic highlights of the Dolomites, Val Gardena offers the perfect hike for everyone.
Get inspired and discover our personal selection of the 7 most beautiful hikes of Val Gardena in the Dolomites.
Seceda & Odle Peaks

Seceda Hike – Panoramic Circular Tour in the Dolomites
The hike around Seceda is considered one of the most beautiful panoramic hikes in the Dolomites, offering breathtaking views of the famous Odle/Geisler peaks, idyllic alpine lakes, and scenic mountain trails within the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Surrounded by dramatic Dolomite peaks, wide alpine meadows, and traditional mountain huts, this tour allows you to experience one of the most spectacular landscapes in South Tyrol.
The tour starts in Ortisei, Val Gardena, where the Seceda cable car comfortably takes you up to nearly 2500 meters above sea level. Already during the ascent, stunning views open up over Val Gardena and the surrounding Dolomite mountains.
Once at the top, the hike begins along the famous Seceda Ridgeline, one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Dolomites. The panoramic trail follows the dramatic mountain ridge with unforgettable views of the Odle peaks, the Sassolungo massif, and the Sella group.
At the end of the ridgeline, the trail descends towards Troier Hut and continues to the peaceful Iman Lake. The route then passes through beautiful alpine meadows and mountain landscapes towards Fermeda Hut, passing traditional mountain huts along the way. Another special highlight of the tour is the small alpine lake Lech Sant, beautifully nestled within the stunning Dolomite scenery.
The final section gradually climbs back towards the upper station of the Seceda cable car, perfectly completing this scenic circular hike. Along the route, several mountain huts invite hikers to stop and enjoy traditional South Tyrolean dishes and regional specialties.
The hike can easily be shortened or extended at any time and adapted to individual fitness levels and preferences. This makes the tour suitable both for leisure hikers and more experienced mountain lovers looking to discover the most beautiful panoramic trails around Seceda.
Duration: approx. 4–6 hours
Elevation gain: approx. 500–700 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Start & finish: Seceda cable car, Ortisei
Discover Seceda together with a private hiking guide and experience some of the most beautiful panoramic trails in the Dolomites in a completely personalized way.
Alpe di Siusi

Panoramic Trails on Alpe di Siusi
The hike on Alpe di Siusi, Europe’s largest alpine meadow, is one of the most beautiful scenic hikes in the Dolomites. Surrounded by gentle alpine meadows, traditional mountain huts, and breathtaking panoramic views of the Sassolungo, Sasso Piatto, and the surrounding Dolomite peaks, you will experience one of South Tyrol’s most iconic landscapes.
The starting point of the tour is the upper station of the Mont Sëuc cable car in Ortisei. From there, the trail initially heads right through a small forest section before reaching the wide alpine meadows and ski slopes of Alpe di Siusi.
The route then continues past the charming Contrin Hut towards Icaro and Ritsch, where stunning views of the Sassolungo massif and the surrounding mountains open up along the way.
Depending on personal fitness levels and preferences, the hike can easily be adapted individually. For a more relaxed option, the trail already returns towards the starting point, passing the well-known Sanon Hut before reaching the Mont Sëuc mountain station again.
Those who would like to extend the hike can continue down towards Saltria and either enjoy a peaceful walk through the idyllic Jender Valley or return towards the starting point. This makes the route very flexible and easy to shorten or extend according to individual wishes.
Along the trail, several traditional mountain huts invite hikers to stop and enjoy typical South Tyrolean cuisine and regional specialties. Alpe di Siusi is not only famous for its unique panoramic views, but also for its peaceful atmosphere and vast landscapes in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites.
Duration: approx. 3–5 hours
Elevation gain: approx. 300–600 m
Difficulty: Easy – Moderate
Start & finish: Mont Sëuc cable car or Ortisei
Discover Alpe di Siusi together with a private hiking guide and experience some of the most beautiful panoramic trails in the Dolomites in a completely personalized way.
to the St. Jacobs Church

St. Jacob Church Hike – Panoramic Trail from Ortisei
The hike tothe St. Jacob Church is one of the most beautiful and relaxing panoramic trails in Val Gardena, combining stunning Dolomite views with a special cultural highlight. The small church is considered the oldest church in the valley and is idyllically located among alpine meadows and forests in the peaceful hamlet of St. Jacob, above Ortisei.
The tour starts in the center of Ortisei in Val Gardena. From there, the trail gently climbs towards St. Jacob along quiet walking paths and small forest sections. Along the route, hikers pass the panoramic viewpoint of Col de Flam, where a small chapel offers beautiful views over Ortisei and the surrounding mountains.
The trail mainly continues through peaceful forests and scenic paths until reaching the historic St. Jacob Church with its characteristic bell tower. The church is a popular photo spot and stands out thanks to its unique location surrounded by nature. Around the church, breathtaking views open up towards the Sassolungo group and the surrounding Dolomite peaks.
For the return, hikers can either follow the same hiking trail back to Ortisei or choose a relaxing walking path towards Santa Cristina. From there, the famous promenade along the old railway line leads comfortably back to Ortisei while offering more beautiful views across Val Gardena.
This hike is especially suitable for families, leisure hikers, and anyone looking to combine nature, culture, and panoramic scenery in a relaxing tour. Thanks to the easy trails and moderate elevation gain, the route can easily be adapted or extended according to personal preferences.
Duration: approx. 2–3 hours
Elevation gain: approx. 300–450 m
Difficulty: Easy
Start & finish: Ortisei town center
Discover St. Jacob Church together with a private hiking guide and experience the quieter and more authentic side of the Dolomites.
Friedrich-August Trail

Friedrich-August Trail & Città dei Sassi
The hike along the famous Friedrich-August Trail is considered one of the most beautiful panoramic hikes in the Dolomites and offers breathtaking views of the impressive Sassolungo Group and the surrounding Dolomite peaks. This tour combines spectacular mountain scenery with pleasant alpine trails and is ideal both for leisure hikers and experienced mountain enthusiasts.
The starting point of the hike is the Sella Pass. Shortly after the start, you reach the fascinating Città dei Sassi (stone city) – an extraordinary natural area filled with huge boulders and striking rock formations that give this landscape its unique character. Surrounded by the towering rock walls of the Sassolungo, this area offers one of the most impressive panoramic views in the Dolomites.
From there, the route follows the scenic Friedrich-August Trail towards the well-known Friedrich-August Hut, famous for its traditional and popular krapfen (doughnuts). The trail gently ascends and descends through wide alpine meadows and beautiful mountain landscapes. Technically, the hike is not particularly difficult and can therefore be adapted individually to the level and experience of the participants.
Continuing along the trail, hikers eventually reach the Rifugio Sassopiatto, which is the perfect place for a relaxing lunch break surrounded by the stunning Dolomite scenery. From here, the hike can be organized flexibly: leisure hikers may return along the same panoramic trail, while more experienced hikers can continue with the complete circuit around the Sassolungo Group (approximately 6–8 hours, challenging hike).
Alternatively, the hike can continue towards Monte Pana and end there. This allows several possibilities to customize the tour depending on fitness level, weather conditions and hiking experience.
This hike is especially suitable for nature lovers, families and leisure hikers who wish to experience the impressive Dolomite landscape in a relaxed atmosphere, while also offering ambitious hikers several possibilities to extend the route.
Duration: approx. 3–5 hours
Elevation gain: approx. 350–600 m
Difficulty: easy – moderate
Start: Sella Pass / Stone City
End: Sella Pass or Monte Pana
Discover the Friedrich-August Trail together with a private hiking guide and experience the spectacular panoramic trails around the Sassolungo Group in a completely personalized way.
Rasciesa & Brogles

Rasciesa – Brogles Panoramic Trail with Views of the Odle Peaks
The hike from Rasciesa to the Brogles Hut is considered one of the most beautiful panoramic hikes in the Dolomites and impresses with breathtaking views of the majestic Odle Peaks, peaceful alpine trails and stunning natural scenery within the Puez-Odle Nature Park. This tour combines scenic high-altitude paths with traditional mountain huts and is ideal for leisure hikers, families and nature lovers who wish to experience the unique mountain landscape of the Dolomites in South Tyrol in a relaxed atmosphere.
The starting point of the hike is the Rasciesa funicular in Ortisei, Val Gardena, which comfortably takes visitors up to the sunny plateau of Rasciesa.
Once at the top, the hike follows peaceful alpine trails towards the small chapel at the far end of the Rasciesa Alp. Along wide alpine meadows, hikers can enjoy beautiful panoramic views of the Dolomites. The trail then climbs to the Rasciesa Cross, offering a spectacular 360° view of the surrounding peaks of the area.
The hike then continues towards the Brogles area. The trail remains pleasant for most of the route and does not present major technical difficulties while crossing the impressive alpine scenery of the Puez-Odle Nature Park.
Eventually, hikers reach the cozy Brogles Hut, which is the perfect place for a relaxing lunch break or a traditional South Tyrolean snack. Surrounded by alpine meadows and the impressive Odle Mountains, the hut offers a unique atmosphere in the heart of the spectacular mountain landscape of the Dolomites.
For the return, several options are available: hikers can either comfortably return along the same panoramic trail back to the Rasciesa funicular, or continue the tour and walk back down into the valley to Ortisei. This allows the hike to be adapted individually depending on fitness level, weather conditions and hiking experience.
The Rasciesa – Brogles Panoramic Trail is one of the most beautiful scenic hikes in Val Gardena and offers the perfect combination of panoramic views, nature, tranquility and authentic Dolomite scenery.
Duration: approx. 3–4 hours
Elevation gain: approx. 350–500 m
Difficulty: easy
Starting point: Rasciesa funicular
End point: Rasciesa funicular or Ortisei
Discover the beautiful Rasciesa and the impressive Odle Peaks together with a private hiking guide and experience the unique mountain landscape of South Tyrol in a completely personalized way.
Vallunga & Puez-Odle Nature Park

Spectacular Dolomite Hike through the Puez-Odle Nature Park to Lake Crespeina
This spectacular hike through the Puez-Odle Nature Park is considered one of the most scenic and varied day hikes in the Dolomites. Starting from the idyllic Vallunga in Selva di Val Gardena, the route climbs up onto the impressive Puez plateau, passes the picturesque Lake Crespeina, and finally continues over panoramic mountain passes down to Gardena Pass. The tour impresses with dramatic mountain scenery, alpine meadows, rocky plateaus and breathtaking panoramic views in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Dolomites.
The starting point of the hike is the peaceful and untouched Vallunga in Selva di Val Gardena. At the beginning, the trail gently follows a small mountain stream through forests and alpine meadows deeper into the valley. As the elevation increases, the landscape becomes more and more impressive and the climb towards the Puez plateau opens up stunning views of the surrounding Dolomite peaks.
After the ascent, hikers reach the impressive alpine landscape of the Puez-Odle Nature Park, characterized by vast plateaus, rocky formations and green alpine pastures that create a truly unique atmosphere. In the middle of this high alpine scenery lies the cozy Puez Hut, which is ideal for a first break or a traditional South Tyrolean meal.
From there, the hike continues towards the beautiful Lake Crespeina, a small alpine lake nestled between the rocky peaks of the Dolomites. Especially on calm days, the surrounding mountains reflect perfectly in the crystal-clear water, creating a unique alpine scenery. This section is considered one of the scenic highlights of the entire tour.
The trail then continues along panoramic high-altitude paths towards Gardena Pass. Crossing several mountain passes offers spectacular views of the Sella Group, the Cir Peaks, the Odle Group, and many other iconic summits of the Dolomites. The varied descent towards Gardena Pass makes this hike an unforgettable experience for mountain lovers and nature enthusiasts alike.
This tour is particularly suitable for experienced hikers looking for a varied day hike with impressive landscapes, alpine nature and spectacular panoramic views.
Duration: approx. 5–7 hours
Elevation gain: approx. 800–1,000 m
Difficulty: moderate – challenging
Starting point: Langental Valley, Selva di Val Gardena
End point: Gardena Pass
Discover the spectacular mountain world of the Puez-Odle Nature Park together with a private hiking guide in the Dolomites and experience one of the most beautiful panoramic hikes in South Tyrol in a completely personalized way.
Stevia

Stevia & Piza Saddle Hike – Panoramic Trails above Val Gardena
The hike across the impressive Stevia plateau is one of the most beautiful panoramic hikes in Val Gardena and is especially popular among locals. The route offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks of the Dolomites. This varied tour combines stunning natural scenery, traditional mountain huts and beautiful panoramic trails within the Puez-Odle Nature Park, without being too long or overly demanding.
The starting point of the hike is Daunei above Selva di Val Gardena. From there, the trail follows the scenic La Palota path, steadily climbing through peaceful alpine landscapes. Already during the ascent, hikers can enjoy beautiful panoramic views over the Vallunga, the surrounding Dolomite peaks, and the striking rock formations of the Cir Peaks.
One of the highlights of the tour is the famous solitary tree on the Stevia plateau, which has become a popular photo spots in the area. From here, hikers can enjoy unique views of the majestic Cir Peaks, the wide alpine meadows of Stevia, and the surrounding mountain scenery of the Dolomites.
The hike then continues to the traditional Stevia Hut, which is ideal for a relaxing break or a typical South Tyrolean meal surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. Afterwards, the trail continues towards the highest point of the hike.
From there, the descent begins via the spectacular Piza Saddle. The trail leads through impressive rocky landscapes down towards the Puez-Odle Nature Park, constantly offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Dolomites.
Once reached the bottom, the hike can be adapted individually: hikers may continue towards the cozy Rifugio Firenze for another break, or alternatively descend directly to Santa Cristina in Val Gardena.
This hike is especially suitable for experienced hikers and nature lovers looking for a varied day tour with spectacular panoramic trails, alpine landscapes and the authentic atmosphere of the Dolomites.
Duration: approx. 5–7 hours
Elevation gain: approx. 700–900 m
Difficulty: moderate
Starting point: Daunei, Selva di Val Gardena
End point: Santa Cristina in Val Gardena
Discover the impressive Stevia plateau and the spectacular Piza Saddle together with a private hiking guide in Val Gardena and experience the unique mountain landscape of South Tyrol in a completely personalized way.
