Hiking in the Dolomites: 3 stunning hikes (Seceda, Piz Boè & Rosengarten)

Among friends and family we were often asked: “You love motorbiking and hiking, so how come you’ve never been to the Dolomites?” This summer it finally happened: during our motorcycle trip we made time for both. The Dolomites are known as a popular tourist destination, and with platforms like TikTok and Instagram the trails can feel busier than ever. For us that was the perfect challenge: finding hiking routes that aren’t as well-trodden, or experiencing famous spots from a different perspective. In this blog we share three hikes that stood out most to us this summer.

Where to stay in the Dolomites?

We stayed at Unterpfaffstall Hof, a traditional farm high up in the mountains near Ritten. For the hikes we did in the Dolomites the location wasn’t completely ideal – you first have to go down the mountain and then up again, which means you lose a bit of time on the way. But for visiting Bolzano it’s the perfect base.

Still, we would choose it again without hesitation. The peace and quiet are wonderful, with beautiful mountain views all around. In the mornings we were greeted by the farm animals (which we could cuddle as much as we liked), and there was fresh food straight from the farm or from local producers. A lovely place to unwind after a long day in the mountains.

Hike 1: Seceda Ridge hike – 11.5 km loop

The Seceda Ridge hike is without a doubt one of the most iconic walks in the Dolomites. The striking sawtooth-shaped ridge at 2,519 meters is perhaps the most photographed view in South Tyrol. Many visitors take the cable car from Ortisei (St. Ulrich) and walk just a short stretch to the viewpoint. Beautiful, but often very crowded.

We chose a different and quieter route: an 11.5 km loop starting from the village of Santa Cristina. Taking the Col Raiser cable car brings you up to 2,106 meters in the Puez-Odle Nature Park. From there, it’s a 4–5 hour walk through varied landscapes. The first section goes up a paved road towards the Seceda viewpoint. The panorama there is spectacular, but expect lots of day-trippers who just hopped off the lift.

Luckily, the trail soon becomes quieter and far more beautiful. You walk through wilder mountain terrain with views of the imposing Geisler peaks, across green alpine meadows with grazing cows and blooming flowers. Along the way we even spotted curious marmots and a herd of donkeys with cheerful bells around their necks.

Tip: bring enough layers. The weather at this altitude changes quickly. One moment the sun is blazing and you’re in a T-shirt, the next it’s windy and chilly.

In short: the Seceda hike in Val Gardena is absolutely worth it. While the viewpoint itself is popular, the longer loop from Santa Cristina offers peace and the real charm of the Dolomites.

Hike 2: Climbing the Piz Boè (3,152 m) – the highest peak of the Sella Group

The Piz Boè hike is a must for anyone who loves challenging hikes in the Dolomites. At 3,152 meters it’s the highest peak of the impressive Sella Group. The adventure already begins with the cable car to the Sass Pordoi. In just a few minutes you’re lifted onto a massive rock plateau, in a landscape that looks more like the moon than the Alps: barren, rocky, and mysterious – especially if, like us, you’re walking through the clouds.

From the top station you quickly pass Rifugio Forcella Pordoi, a good place for a short break. We carried on straight towards the summit of the Piz Boè. The first part is relatively easy: a stony path through the lunar landscape. Soon after, the real climb begins. On some sections you need your hands to pull yourself up, but there are steel cables in place for support on the trickier stretches.

After a steep final push, the Capanna Fassa mountain hut suddenly comes into view – sitting right on top of the Piz Boè summit. Here you can enjoy a drink at 3,152 meters. The views are breathtaking, as long as the clouds allow. When we arrived the peak was wrapped in mist, which gave it a special, almost otherworldly atmosphere. But when the clouds parted and the sun broke through, we were rewarded with an unforgettable panorama.

After having lunch at the top, we opted for a loop instead of heading back the same way. This turned out to be a great choice: the trail was quieter, the views stretched far into the distance, and despite some patches of snow the temperature was perfect.

When we returned to the mountain station, the sky had completely cleared. Now we could really see how high and steep the rock face was here, apparently ideal for base jumping. A group of people equipped with wingsuits had gathered around the edge, ready to fly down the steep wall. It was a bizarre sight, especially given the speed at which they flew down! We took the safe option of the cable car..

Hike 3: Hiking in the Rosengarten – to the Passo delle Coronelle with views of the Vajolet Towers

The Rosengarten (Catinaccio) hike is one of the most impressive routes you can take in the Dolomites. From our stay we had already seen the jagged rock massifs in the distance for days, and today it was finally time to explore them up close.

From Nova Levante we took two ski lifts up, saving us a good number of meters in altitude and immediately treating us to spectacular views. From the mountain station the trail leads towards the Passo delle Coronelle. It’s a tough hike: there are sections where you need to scramble, and some passages include light via ferrata elements (with steel cables and footholds for extra grip). Not dangerous, but adventurous and fun if you enjoy a bit of climbing. At one point the path splits: you can continue on a real via ferrata (with harness and gear), or take the regular hiking trail. This time we went for the hiking variant.

It turned out to be the hardest hike of our Dolomites trip, but also the most peaceful. Along the way we met hardly anyone – a rare thing in such a popular region.

At the pass you’re rewarded with a stunning view of the famous Vajolet Towers: three striking rock spires rising straight into the sky. At least… if they’re not hidden in the clouds. For us they were covered most of the time, but with some patience (and a bit of luck) the sky cleared now and then and we could admire them in all their glory.

We returned via the same route, but the descent felt completely different. This time we walked almost the entire way down in thick mist, as if we were in another world altogether.

In conclusion

For us it’s clear: the Dolomites are not only a paradise for hikers, but also a place where you can discover new routes and experiences again and again. We will definitely be back – with motorbikes and hiking boots.