Ultimate Photography Guide: Seceda 2025

Reading time:
15 min
Content:
Max Rive
Editor:
Madison
Date:
March 28, 25

Read time
15 min
Content:
Max Rive
Editor:
Madison

Seceda is one of the most iconic mountains in the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-visit destination for photographers. Several key features make this mountain unique and an exceptional location for photography, which we will explain below.

In this guide, I will tell you everything you need to know about photographing this incredible mountain to capture the most breathtaking shots possible. We will cover the best ways to get there, including hiking trails and cable car routes. Additionally, we will discuss the best seasons for photography, essential gear, camping guidelines, drone regulations, and more. If you are visiting the Dolomites and can’t decide which season to go, you can also read this guide on Autumn vs. Summer Photography.

1 .From Idea to Photo

2.Pre-Work

3. Background Subject First!

How to Get There

There are multiple ways to reach Seceda, which I will describe below. Essentially, you can either take a cable car and gondola all the way to the top or hike up from the north or south side of the mountain.

Cable Car from Ortisei to the Top

Take the Ortisei – Furnes cable car, then transfer to the Furnes – Seceda gondola. Total journey time: 20 minutes.

CLICK HERE for the official website.

Ticket prices:

• Round-trip (both transports): 39.50€ for adults, 21€ for children under 16 years.

• Children under 8 ride for free.

• One-way ticket: 30€ (You can hike back down, but for only 9.50€ more, I recommend getting the round-trip ticket for convenience.)

Parking:

• 1.90€ per hour, with a maximum daily rate of 13€.

• Arrive early (ideally before 9 AM) to secure a spot in the parking garage, as it fills up quickly.

• If the garage is full, there are overflow parking spaces nearby.

• Parking garage location: Google Maps Link

Good to Know: The cable car and gondola system operate between 23rd May 2025 – 2nd November 2025. You can check their website for most up to date information here.

Best Hiking Option to Seceda – South Side

This hike starts from the south side, meaning you will have sunlight for most of the hike. Start from the Cristauta - Praplan Parking Lot (see map below). The elevation is 1,750 meters. Seceda viewpoint is 2,500 meters (750-meter elevation gain). The trail length is 5 km with an estimated hikinh time of 2 to 3 hours, depending on speed and gear

Hiking to Seceda – North Side

The north side of Seceda remains shaded in autumn and winter due to high surrounding mountains. In summer, the sun rises high enough to provide light for most of the day.

Option 1: Start at Parkplatz Zanser Alm. The elevation is 1,680 meters which makes the elevation gain 820 meters. The trail length is 7.5 km with an estimated hikinh time of 3 to 4 hours, depending on speed and gear. The last section is steep, so be well-prepared and in good physical condition. However, the entire trail is a hiking path.

Option 2: Start near St. Johann Church or Hotel Ranuimüllerhof. The elevation is 1,350 meters which makes the elevation gain 1,150 meters. The trail length is 9.5 km with an estimated hiking time of 4.5 to 6 hours. The final section is steep and merges with the same steep trail from Zanser Alm.

Why is Seceda Such a Great Location for Photography?

Seceda is an incredible photography destination primarily due to the unique shape of the mountain. Its many peaks form a striking and distinctive composition unlike anywhere else in the world.

One of the key reasons Seceda is perfect for photography is its natural balance and symmetry. The highest peak is centrally positioned, which enhances composition by creating a strong focal point. In photography, balance is crucial, and having the tallest peak in the center helps achieve a visually pleasing and harmonious image.

Another important factor is the layering effect created by multiple overlapping mountain ridges. These sideways layers add a rare and captivating symmetry that is difficult to find elsewhere.

Lastly, the light at sunrise plays a crucial role in making Seceda an exceptional location. The way the sun illuminates the peaks creates depth and separation between the mountain layers, adding dimension to the scene. Without this dramatic light, the mountain’s shape is still impressive, but the layered effect is far less pronounced.

This combination of striking formations, symmetry, layered depth, and incredible light makes Seceda a must-visit location for landscape photographers.

How to Shoot Seceda in Summer

Foreground Options in Summer

In summer, the main foreground options are flowers. Here are some common types found in Seceda:

• Lupine flowers (Nootka lupine), have vibrant blooms in often purple or dark blue color. They are located in summer in front of the Seceda mountain at the high viewpoint.

• Soldanella Alpina (Alpine Snowbell): This delicate flower is abundant in early spring and is known for its umbels of nodding, violet-flared bells. It can grow on rocks or dead trees.

• Papaver Alpinum (Alpine Poppy): A short-lived, dwarf flower that blooms from late spring to early summer. It is characterized by papery, cup-shaped petals in vibrant shades of orange, red, white, and yellow.

• Cyclamen: Recognizable by its reflexed and twisted petals, this fragrant flower blooms in late winter and early spring. It comes in white and various shades of pink.

Position of the Sun in Summer

Best time to shoot is sunrise. At sunset the light is not nearly as good. This is because in summer, the sun rises to the left of the mountain, which is not ideal for photography as it doesn’t cast the same layered depth of light on the peaks. However, you can still capture great shots before the sun rises or when it is partially blocked by clouds. You should avoid including the sun in the frame, as it may create an unbalanced composition with the mountain.

How to Shoot Seceda in Autumn

Possible Compositions in Autumn

Since foreground flowers are no longer present, you can use the ridge as your foreground. Another option is tall grass for added texture and depth.

Position of the Sun in Autumn

In autumn, the sun rises more on the right of the middle of the mountain, creating strong depth in your photos. A challenge you may face in autumn photography is lens flare when shooting directly into the sun. To avoid this shoot when clouds diffuse the sunlight. If the sun is high, block it with your hand or frame your shot to exclude it.

How to Shoot Seceda in Winter

Foreground Composition in Winter

Use fresh snow as a foreground element for a pristine, wintery effect. Timing is crucial—make sure the snow is fresh for the best results.

Safety Warning: Be extremely careful—the trail is narrow with steep drops on both sides, and fresh snow can make it slippery.

Position of the Sun in Winter

The sun now rises on the right side of the mountain. It rises later than in other seasons, so plan your shoot accordingly.

Cable Car and Ski Lift Availability in Winter

Regular ski lifts operate all day long and are relatively inexpensive, making them a great option for reaching Seceda in winter.

Top Three Photos in Seceda by Max Rive

1. "Clouds Highway" (2016)

This photo was taken during a morning hike in 2016, when a lot of clouds were in the forecast. The clouds moved from one side to the next, creating dramatic conditions often found in autumn. The clouds were low enough to not cover the peaks entirely, but also not too high and far away. To capture the motion, Max used a long exposure—30 seconds in this case— to enhance the movement of the clouds. This photo was taken with my Nikon D800.

2. "Smartphone Shot for Tutorial"

In October, during the autumn season, Max took this photo with a smartphone as part of a tutorial on smartphone photography. Max chose a different spot than most people and used grass as the foreground, which provided a unique perspective. The mountain ridges from this particular spot lead a little more into the distance, which is why he prefers this composition. The sunbeams also added a magical touch as they shone through the clouds, creating a beautiful effect.

3. "The Red Barrier"

This photo was taken on the same morning as my the one, just before sunrise, when the sky began to turn red. Again, Max used a long exposure to capture the clouds forming around the peaks. The deep red sky combined with the mist rising from the mountains created a surreal atmosphere, and that’s why he decided to call this photo "The Red Barrier." This shot was also taken with a Nikon D800.

Lenses

Max recommends using a wide-angle lens for capturing the full scene. When shooting with wide-angle he suggests that you always include something in the foreground to add depth and context to the shot. For a full-frame camera, an 18mm lens works well for wide-angle shots. For a more mid-range perspective, use 40mm or 45mm to get a nice balance between the foreground and the mountain layers. If you want to focus solely on the peaks, a telephoto zoom lens (around 80-90mm) will help you concentrate on the details of the mountains without including too much of the surrounding landscape.

Drone Rules for Seceda

Flying a drone in Seceda is subject to Italian aviation regulations and local park rules. The Dolomites are a great place for Drones and Seceda should be fine to fly your drone. Here are the key guidelines you need to follow.

Best Practices for Drone Photography in Seceda

• No-fly zones: Parts of the Dolomites, including some areas around Seceda, may be restricted or off-limits for drone flying. Always check ENAC's drone map (D-Flight) before flying.

• Altitude limits: The maximum allowed altitude for drone flights in Italy is 120 meters (394 feet) above ground level.

• Avoid strong winds—Seceda is high-altitude, and wind conditions can change quickly.

Can You Camp at Seceda?

Wild camping is not officially allowed at Seceda, as it is part of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has strict conservation rules. However you can stay in mmountains huts and at nearby campsites. Some areas do allow bivouacking (overnight stay in a sleeping bag or tent from dusk to dawn), but only above 2,500 meters and away from marked trails.

Alternative Options

• Mountain Huts (Rifugi): Instead of camping, you can stay in mountain huts like Rifugio Fermeda or Rifugio Seceda. These huts provide accommodation, food, and incredible sunrise/sunset views.

• Nearby Campsites: If you want to camp legally, you can stay at designated campgrounds in Val Gardena and hike or take the cable car up to Seceda.

Enforcement & Fines

• Rangers regularly patrol the area, especially in peak season.

• Fines for illegal camping can range from €100 to €500.

Know Before You Go

General Emergency Numbers

• 112 – European Emergency Number (Works for police, fire, and medical assistance)

• 118 – Mountain Rescue & Medical Emergencies

Specialized Rescue Services

• Alpine Rescue (Soccorso Alpino Dolomiti) – Call 118 and request mountain rescue

• Helicopter Rescue (Aiut Alpin Dolomites) – Also accessed via 118 (only for serious emergencies)

Other Useful Contacts

• Forest and Park Rangers – 1515 (for environmental or wildlife emergencies)

• Carabinieri (Local Police) – 112

• Fire Department – 115

MAX RIVE

PHOTOGRAPHER & PHOTO TOUR LEADER

MAX RIVE

PHOTOGRAPHER &
PHOTO TOUR LEADER

Max Rive is most driven by seeking new perspectives in the natural world and capturing them in his own distinguished style. Max's powerful portrayals of his interactions with the mountains has earned him international recognition in the outdoor community.

MADISON MCCARDLE

PHOTOGRAPHER & PHOTO TOUR LEADER

MADISON MCCARDLE

PHOTOGRAPHER &
PHOTO TOUR LEADER

Madison McCardle is a passionate landscape photographer driven by curiosity and a desire to capture the true essence of each place she explores. Through her lens, she seeks new perspectives that reveal the beauty and authenticity of the world.