Seekofel (Croda del Becco) is a beautiful mountain, although in some sense not very typical for Dolomites. It is situated on the very northern part of Dolomites, that is why one of it's distinctive features is a magnificent panorama.

Towards north Seekofel falls with a high wall, at the bottom of which lies a romantic Pragser Wildsee (Prags Wild Lake). Towards NW and SE the peak sends main ridges of this Dolomites group. A very special is Seekofel's south side. South wall is not very high, but it is carved into millions of carst channels and edges. On the southern side of the mountain a broad high plateau lies.

Because of it's comfortable and marked approach by the SE ridge, Seekofel is often climbed. From the nearby hut you need just a bit more than an hour.

Summit Panoramas

Getting There

Seekofel can be best reached from south and north. The northern approach starts in Pustertal, from where you follow the road south to Pragser Wildsee (parking). From the lake (cca 1490m) you'll need around 4 hours to reach the top (marked).

The southern approach starts in Rautal (Valle di Tamores), which is accessible by car from Val Badia. Near Rif. Pederu (Pederu Hut, 1548m) there is a big parking place. From there you ascend first the Sennes Plateau and finally the summit. Because of it's long distance this is rather than one day a two day tour. In the routes section I recommend a bike-and-hike tour.

The Sennes Plateau can also be reached from SE, from Cortina d'Ampezzo side.

You can orient by Tabacco map (Carta topografica), No. 03 - Cortina d'Ampezzo and Ampezzo Dolomites.

Red Tape

No limitations.

On mountain maps you will see roads, but keep in mind that they are not open for public traffic. From SE side the approach to Rif. Ra Stua (1668m) is allowed for public traffic only outside the main season (from October to June). From July to September you must either walk or take a Jeep-Taxi. When we reached the peak we saw on the Sennes plateau mountain-bikers (we were also by bikes) so mountain biking is obviously allowed.

The whole area is a natural park, so many activities which could affect nature are not allowed.

When To Climb

The best months are in summer and fall when the weather is stable (July to October). It's also possible to reach the upper parts of Sennes Plateau in winter and spring by skis and then climb the peak with winter equipment.

Camping

Sitting at Seekofel/Biella hut.

Seekofelhuette (Biella, 2327m), open from July to September. Tel.: 04 36/86 69 91. This hut lies on the main crest of Prags Dolomites and is accessible by a mountain bike.
Rif. Ra Stua (1668m), open June to October. Tel: 04 36/ 57 53.
Rif. Pederu (1548m).
Hotel Pragser-Wildsee (1493m).

I'm almost sure that camping is forbidden in wilderness (because of a natural park). In valleys there are official camps, but anyway you'll need a car (or bike) to get closer to the mountain.

Mountain Conditions

Some information can be obtained on:

www.apt-dolomiti-cortina.it.

Images



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