Great Saint-Bernard Pass

in Grand Saint Bernard, Switzerland (3,917 mi)

The Great Saint-Bernard Pass, with the Hospice of the St-Bernard Congregation, is one of these spectacular places to visit in Swizterland. Located at about 2500 meters, on the mountain crest between Switzerland and Italy, it is a place where history, religion, sport and fun meet. Originally built in the 11th century by St-Bernard de Menthon, the small hospice has since then been hosting a small community of canons who have devoted their life to God, the poors and giving assistance to the travelers crossing the pass. The building complex includes a 17th century church, a library, in which are kept illuminated bibles and old manuscripts, a museum for the church treasures, dormitories and restaurants for the travelers, and a breeding kennels for the now worldwide famous St-Bernard dogs as well as a museum recounting their history. Stemming from a cross-over between Terre-Neuve and an Abyssinian race, the St-Bernard were brought up in the Hospice in the 18th century to protect the monks and help them in their task of rescuing lost travelers. When, in 1800, Napoléon and his army came from Italy through the col, exhausted, frozen and hungry, these very friendly huge dogs helped the weakest soldiers to make it to the hospice and cheered them up during their stay there. Barry I, one of the most famous Saint-Bernard, saved the life of about 200 people! Nowadays, they are mostly raised for the preservation of their race and as company animals. Indeed, other more efficient dogs are now used for rescue operations in the mountains, but St-Bernard dogs, because of their friendly, extremely calm (actually, I would call it outright stoic) and gentle behavior, despite their weighting between 80kg and 100kg, can help in many other ways: cheering up old and sick people in retirement homes, taking tourists in a nice walk in the mountains around the Hospice (you don't take a 100kg-dog to walk, he is the one dragging you along), and, well, posing for pictures! I assure you, they do it in a very professional way!

I would recommend to spend at least 2 days at the Hospice. There are very nice walks to do around the area and quite a lot to see. Nature and landscapes up there are just breathtaking! And, as said above, you can go in the mountains with a couple of these dogs and a dog trainer, which should be quite fun. You only have to make reservations a bit ahead of time. You can access it by car, by public transportation (train and buses from Martigny) or by feet, following the traditional pilgrinage paths.

Other Websites:
http://www.gsbernard.ch/
http://www.gsbernard.net/