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.
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.
On the way from Rasciesa to Brogles Hut
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.
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.
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.
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!
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