Hike: Forcella Pana to Seceda

The Forcella Pana is a very popular excursion in Val Gardena and can also easily be accessed using lifts. ❗ Attention closed ❗
The hike to Seceda over the Forcella Pana is very popular and varied.
The hike to Seceda over the Forcella Pana is very popular and varied.
Aaron MoroderHiking & Climbing
Table of Contents

Tourinfo

Tot. duration
3 h 30 min
Duration asc.
3 h
Duration des.
30 min
Track
8,0 km
Altitude asc.
620 m
max. height
2495 m
Difficulty
Condition
Technique
Best season
  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • May
  • June
  • July
  • August
  • September
  • October
  • November
  • December

Introduction

❗ Attention: the Forcella Pana is not accessible, due to the danger of rock falls. ❗

The Geisler in the Puez-Geisler Nature Park belong to the most photographed landmarks of the Dolomites. These majestic towers rise elegantly into the sky and can be admired from several different locations. A few particularly nice photographs can be snapped during the Forcella Pana hike, as you will have the Odle mountain range right in front of you for most of the first part of this excursion. One never ceases to be amazed by their beauty!

Drive

Coming from the Autostrada del Brennero (A22) highway, drive through Val Gardena (SS242) to Ortisei. It is advisable to park at the valley station of the Seceda lift, from where it is only a 5 minute walk to the Rasciesa funicular (follow the signs).

If you’re coming by bus, line 350 departs from Ponte Gardena or Chiusa to Ortisei every 30 minutes. From the “Piazza San Antonio” (Antoniusplatz) bus stop it is only a 10 minute walk along comfortable escalators (“La Curta”) to the Rasciesa funicular. For detailed schedules, see SüdtirolMobil.

Description

Once you arrive at Rasciesa mountain station, you’ll already find yourself at a considerable altitude. As you’ll see, the view is incredible at the start of the hike already! To the East you’ll quickly spot the Odle mountains – you are now going to hike to their base and then ascend through the Forcella Pana – a narrow gorge that leads directly to the green pastures of Seceda.

Once you leave the mountain station behind you, start following trail nr. 35 in Eastern direction. The first part of the hike crosses a forest, but you will soon find yourself above the tree line. The trail then proceeds gently among vast green meadows without much altitude change. The closer you get to the Odle, the more impressive they appear.

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The Odle peaks can already be seen on Rasciesa from "Mont dedite".
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On the way from Rasciesa towards the Brogles hut.
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The Brogles hut at the foot of the Odle peaks and just before the ascent.
photo

At the end of the Resciesa alp you will reach Brogles saddle (2,119 m/6,952 ft.) and descend to nearby Rifugio Brogles (2,045 m/6,709 ft.), where you can take a short break before tackling the only difficult part of the hike: the Forcella Pana. By the way, „Odles“ means needles in Ladin – from the view here you’ll understand how they got their name.

As you leave Rifugio Brogles behind, continue along trail nr. 6 through the forest. You will soon find yourself above the tree line again and finally reach the rocky walls of the Odle. That’s where the Forcella Pana begins. The last part of the climb is particularly spectacular - it leads through a gorge surrounded by giant rocks. The trail is kept in excellent conditions, but it is steep and requires confidence. A wooden staircase, as well as the occasional steel rope, help overcome the most difficult parts.

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After the Brogles hut, the ascent of the Forcella Pana through the forest begins.
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The goal is near, the last rock gully to be crossed is already visible.
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And now one last look back, finally the gap is done!
photo

The reward for this challenging climb awaits at the top. As you emerge from the gloomy gorge you’ll find yourself standing above the large green meadows of Seceda. You made it! Here you’ll be able to find several great mountain huts where you can rest and grab something to eat.

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The view at the end of the saddle makes up for every effort of the ascent.
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In the direction of the valley, the view makes every nature lover rave.
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Descent

The easiest way back to Ortisei consists in taking the Seceda cablecar. From the top of Forcella Pana, the mountain station can be reached in 15 minutes. Follow trail nr. 6 and then nr. 1.

Those who aren’t tired yet can head towards Cuca saddle by following trail nr. 6, and then switch to trail nr. 2, which leads all the way back to Ortisei.

You can also reach Col Raiser and the cable car by following trail nr. 1 in the other direction. This descent is shorter and very beautiful and is the best option if you want to get to Santa Cristina or Selva.

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The blooming pastures of the Seceda with some sheep along the way.
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It's the right time to have a break at one of the alpine huts at the end of the hike.
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The way to Col Raiser also offers fascinating views, such the Stevia as here.
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Insider-Tip

The Forcella Pana is a very popular excursion in Val Gardena and can also be accessed using lifts. For this reason it can be very crowded in high season (July-August). Our tip: depart early!

It’s not uncommon for inexperienced hikers to get stuck along the Forcella Pana, not able to continue either up or down. This hike is more difficult than most routes on Seceda and is only suitable for experienced hikers!

Maps

  • Tabacco Nr. 05, Gröden-Val Gardena or Nr. 07, Alta Badia, Arabba, Marmolada. The tabacco maps are available in their app.
  • AV-Map Nr. 52/I