The 20 Most Amazing Peaks around Selva

Selva di Val Gardena is surrounded by several stunning mountain groups. The most prominent include the Sassolungo Group, featuring the iconic Sassolungo (3,181 m) and Sassopiatto (2,958 m); the Sella Group, a plateau-shaped massif with its highest point Piz Boè (3,152 m); and Seceda (2,519 m), known for its dramatic ridgeline and views of the Odle peaks.

The Sassolungo Group is a paradise for climbers and hikers, offering routes of varying difficulty. Its majestic appearance, especially from Val Gardena, makes it one of the most photographed mountains in the Dolomites. A unique 'coffin' gondola lift transports visitors from Sella Pass up to Forcella del Sassolungo, providing thrilling views and access to higher trails and a refuge hut. In winter, ski areas like Plan de Gralba and Monte Pana are located at its foot.

Yes, several areas offer family-friendly experiences. For instance, the round-trip hiking path around the base of Sassopiatto, known as the Friedrich-August-Weg, is suitable for all abilities. Seceda is also easily accessible via a direct cable car from Ortisei, making it ideal for families to enjoy panoramic views without demanding climbs. There are well-marked hiking trails, including short loops around the ridge.

The Sella Group is known for its high mountain plateau, which was once an atoll in the ancient Tethys Ocean. A particularly striking phenomenon is 'enrosadira,' where the mountains glow in various shades of pink and orange during sunrise and sunset. The group's distinctive appearance, often described as a 'huge hand-built rock fortress,' also makes it a unique sight.

The best time to visit depends on your preferred activities. Summer (June to September) is ideal for hiking and climbing, with pleasant temperatures and open trails. Autumn (September to October) offers stunning fall foliage and clear views. Winter (December to March) transforms the region into a ski paradise, with areas like the Sellaronda offering extensive ski circuits. Spring can be beautiful but may still have snow at higher elevations.

Seceda is highly accessible via a direct cable car connection from Ortisei in Val Gardena. From the cable car station, it's a short walk to the summit viewpoint and the dramatic ridgeline. Activities include a network of well-marked hiking trails, from short loops for effortless views to longer routes into the Puez-Odle Nature Park. It's also a popular spot for sunrise photography and transforms into a ski area in winter.

Yes, the region offers numerous challenging options. The north face of Sassolungo features complex and long climbing routes. The Sella Group is known for its extensive network of via ferratas, such as the Vallon, Pisciadù, Mesules, and Piazzetta via ferratas, which are popular among climbers seeking more demanding ascents.

Beyond hiking, the region is a hub for various outdoor activities. In winter, the Sella Group is home to the famous Sellaronda, one of the longest ski circuits in the world. This circuit can also be enjoyed by mountain bikers in summer. The area around Selva also offers excellent opportunities for road cycling and mountain biking, with routes like those found in the Road Cycling Routes around Selva and MTB Trails around Selva guides.

While the primary focus is on natural beauty and outdoor activities, the Dolomites region itself is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich history. The ancient coral reef origins of the Sassolungo Group, formed millions of years ago, offer a geological 'history.' The traditional Ladin culture of Val Gardena also adds a unique cultural dimension to your visit.

The views are consistently breathtaking. From Sassolungo, you'll see panoramic vistas of the surrounding Dolomites. Piz Boè in the Sella Group offers fantastic views of the surrounding Val di Fassa. Seceda provides one of the most iconic and photographed landscapes in the Dolomites, with its dramatic ridgeline dropping sharply towards the jagged Odle peaks, showcasing a striking contrast between soft grasslands and sharp pinnacles.

Yes, there are options suitable for beginners. The circuit trail around the base of the Sassolungo Group is accessible, offering majestic views without extreme difficulty. Similarly, Seceda, with its cable car access and network of well-marked, shorter hiking loops, is an excellent choice for those new to mountain hiking or looking for less strenuous walks.

The Sellaronda is a unique circuit that encircles the entire Sella Group. In winter, it's a world-renowned ski circuit connecting four Dolomite passes and several villages, offering 27 km of slopes. In summer, it transforms into a popular route for mountain bikers, allowing them to experience the stunning landscapes and geological formations of the Sella Group from a different perspective.