Mountains That Scream
Mason O'Donnell
| 16-01-2026
· Travel team
Hey Lykkers! Imagine a place where the mountains don't just stand—they scream. Jagged limestone spires that turn flaming orange at sunset, emerald valleys that drop away beneath your feet, and a silence so profound you can hear your own heartbeat.
That’s the view from Seceda, overlooking the Odle Group in Italy's Dolomites. This isn't just a pretty sight; it's a spiritual reset for your soul. I'm here to give you the blueprint for your own epic adventure.
Your Gateway to the Giants: Must-See Points & Practicals
This area is a hiker's paradise, but you don't need to be a pro to feel its magic. Here’s your hit list of the best viewpoints and experiences, with estimated costs per person in USD. Remember, costs can vary by season (peak is July-August), how you book, and your appetite for mountain cheese.
1. Seceda Summit & The Iconic Ridge View
The Vibe: The money shot. From the top of the Seceda cable car, a 5-minute walk brings you to the edge of a sheer cliff, staring directly at the Odle Group's jagged teeth—Furchetta and Sass Rigais. Sunrise or sunset here is life-altering.
How to Get There: Cable car from Ortisei (Val Gardena).
Estimated Cost: $40 round-trip for the cable car. Cost may vary for one-way tickets or if you hike part of the way.
Seceda
2. The Adolf Munkel Weg Trail
The Vibe: The best ground-level, jaw-dropping hike. This easy-to-moderate path takes you right to the base of the Odle spires. You'll walk through flower-filled meadows and pine forests with uninterrupted, neck-craning views.
How to Get There: Start at Zanser Alm hut, reachable by car/bus from St. Magdalena village.
Estimated Cost: ~$5 for trail parking. Cost may vary; consider a local Gardena Guest Card for free bus transport.
Adolf-Munkel-Weg
3. Rifugio Firenze (Regensburgerhütte)
The Vibe: Your essential mountain hut lunch with a front-row seat. Perched on a plateau, its terrace faces the entire Odle Group. Order a plate of Schüttelbrot with speck and a cold Forst drink.
How to Get There: A scenic 1.5-hour hike from the Seceda cable car top station.
Estimated Cost: $20-$30 for a hearty meal and drink. Cost may vary; cash is king at rifugios.
Regensburgerhütte
4. Santa Maddalena Chapel Viewpoint
The Vibe: The classic postcard view. This tiny chapel in the valley frames the Odle peaks perfectly. It’s a short walk from the village and is utterly magical at dawn when the peaks glow pink (Alpenglow).
How to Get There: Drive or bus to St. Magdalena (Val di Funes), then a 15-min walk.
Estimated Cost: $0 for the view.
5. Alpe di Siusi (Europe's Largest Alpine Meadow)
The Vibe: A sprawling, high-altitude sea of green with the Dolomites as a backdrop. Accessible early morning or late evening (no cars during the day), it's perfect for cycling, easy walks, and photos of the Odle from a new angle.
How to Get There: First cable car from Ortisei or very early drive to Compatsch.
Estimated Cost: $25 for the cable car, or $0 if you hike up before dawn. Cost may vary for bike rentals.
The Lykker's Bottom Line
A perfect 2-day itinerary: Day 1: Cable car to Seceda for sunset, hike to Rifugio Firenze for dinner (book ahead!). Day 2: Early morning at Santa Maddalena, then hike the Adolf Munkel Weg.
Total Estimated Cost (2 days, excl. hotel): $100-$150 for transport, meals, and cable cars. Costs can vary massively—hostels vs. luxury hotels, picnics vs. multi-course rifugio meals.
This landscape is raw, powerful, and humbling. Book your accommodation in Ortisei or Santa Maddalena well in advance. Pack layers, good boots, and a camera with a full battery. The Dolomites aren't just a destination; they're an emotion. Go feel it.