Col Raiser and Rifugio Firenze: trekking at the foot of the Odle

The Col Raiser plateau, above Santa Cristina in Val Gardena, offers effortless access to the world of the Odle thanks to a gondola that whisks you into the heights in minutes.

The walk to Rifugio Firenze unfolds across wide, open meadows with the Odle peaks always centre-stage — perfect for families looking for a rewarding day in the mountains.

How to get there — Arrivo cabinovia Col Raiser (2.106 m)

The starting point is the top station of the Col Raiser gondola (2,106 m), which climbs from Santa Cristina in Val Gardena. Santa Cristina is reached by car by driving up Val Gardena from Bolzano or over the Dolomite passes; there are paid car parks near the valley station. The gondola quickly takes you up to altitude and removes the effort of the initial climb, which makes the route perfect for families. From the top you take straight away the comfortable trail number 4 which, in about twenty-five minutes, crosses the Cisles meadows to Rifugio Firenze, the Regensburger Hütte, at 2,040 m.

The trailhead is in the Val Gardena area. Check the travel guide for lift schedules, parking and access rules.

Stage by stage

When to go & weather

The ideal period runs from June to October, when the gondola is running, the meadows are in bloom and Rifugio Firenze is open. June brings lush flowering, while September and early October tint the plateau with warm colours and offer crisp light on the Odle, with far fewer people than in the heart of summer. Being an easy and scenic route, it is a good choice for families and for days of less than perfect weather. It is still worth setting off in the morning, to admire the Odle in the best light and return before the afternoon thunderstorms.

Recommended gear

• Light trekking shoes: the route is easy, but you walk on meadows and a mountain trail
• A windproof or light waterproof jacket for the climate at altitude
• Water and a snack, even though a stop at the hut is planned
• A hat, glasses and sun cream for the sun-exposed meadows
• Layered clothing even in summer, because at over 2,000 m the air stays cool

Useful tips

• Use the Col Raiser gondola to carry even the children up to altitude effortlessly and save your energy for the panoramic walk alone
• Keep your phone or camera ready: the Odle accompany the whole route in the foreground, a backdrop that changes at every bend
• At Rifugio Firenze the little ones find a playground and even rabbits: a stop here pleases the whole family
• Check the gondola timetable and the hut's opening to plan the day and the break well
• If you have time and energy, extend the walk into the Puez-Odle Nature Park: the plateau at the foot of the spires invites exploration

Huts and rest points

• Rifugio Firenze (Regensburger) (2037 m) — Rifugio sull'altopiano del Col Raiser, ai piedi delle Odle, raggiungibile in cabinovia. Details →