Top 20 Mountain Passes around Saint-Bernard

The Great St. Bernard Pass is renowned for its rich history as a major trans-Alpine route, used by Romans and even Napoleon. It's home to the famous Great St. Bernard Hospice, founded in the 11th century, which is the birthplace of the St. Bernard dog breed. Visitors can see these iconic dogs and learn about their history at the hospice's museum. The pass also offers stunning Alpine scenery, including a beautiful mountain lake, and traces of a Roman road.

The Little St. Bernard Pass boasts ancient history, with evidence of pre-Roman activity, including a large stone circle (cromlech) at the summit. A Roman road, built around 45 BC, enhanced its importance, and it's even thought that Hannibal used this route. Like its larger counterpart, it has a historic Hospice du Petit Saint-Bernard, and notable monuments such as a 1902 Statue of St. Bernard and the Roman-era Colonne Joux.

Both the Great and Little St. Bernard Passes offer breathtaking natural beauty. The Great St. Bernard Pass features rugged alpine landscapes and a picturesque mountain lake. The Little St. Bernard Pass is characterized by a flat wetland plateau with three small lakes (Lac Longet, Lac sans fond, and Lac Verney) and diverse geology, providing panoramic views, including those of the Mont Blanc massif.

The historic road over the Great St. Bernard Pass is typically open from June to October. The Little St. Bernard Pass is also generally accessible during the warmer months. These periods are ideal for scenic drives, hiking, and other outdoor activities, as the passes are often covered in snow for the rest of the year.

Yes, both passes are accessible by car during their open seasons. While a tunnel bypasses the Great St. Bernard Pass for year-round travel, the historic road over the pass itself offers a scenic route. Parking facilities are available at both passes, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding areas and trails.

Yes, the historic hospices at both the Great St. Bernard Pass and the Little St. Bernard Pass still operate, offering refuge and accommodation for travelers. These hospices provide a unique opportunity to experience the historical tradition of hospitality in the Alps.

The Saint-Bernard region offers a variety of outdoor activities. In summer, both passes are popular for hiking, mountain biking, and scenic drives. The Little St. Bernard Pass area is also known for trekking along historic trails and paragliding. In winter, the Little St. Bernard Pass is central to the Espace San Bernardo ski area. You can find numerous hiking, MTB, and road cycling routes in the wider Saint-Bernard region. For hiking, explore options like L'Aulp du Seuil or the Marcieu Pass loop by visiting Hiking around Saint-Bernard. For mountain biking, check out routes like the Mountainbike loop from Lumbin at MTB Trails around Saint-Bernard. Road cyclists can find routes such as the Col de Porte loop at Road Cycling Routes around Saint-Bernard.

While some trails can be challenging, there are family-friendly options available. The hospices offer an educational experience, especially regarding the St. Bernard dogs. Shorter walks and scenic viewpoints can be enjoyed by families. Always check the difficulty and length of trails before embarking on a hike with children.

The region offers several passes with excellent viewpoints. Col du Cucheron provides magnificent views of the North Chartreuse. Col du Coq offers a superb view of the Dent de Crolles. Additionally, Bellefont Pass, at 1,902 meters, provides a breathtaking view of Mont Blanc and the highest peaks of the Chartreuse massif.

The Great St. Bernard Pass is higher (2,469m) and connects Switzerland with Italy, historically known for its hospice and St. Bernard dogs. The Little St. Bernard Pass (2,188m) connects France with Italy and is notable for its ancient stone circle and being part of a major ski area in winter. Both share a rich history and offer stunning alpine scenery, but their specific historical landmarks and recreational focuses differ.

Yes, the Saint-Bernard region offers challenging treks for experienced hikers. For example, the Col du Coq is described as a challenging mountain pass. The area around the Little St. Bernard Pass is popular for trekking along historic trails, some of which can be demanding. You can find difficult hiking routes like the Marcieu Pass – Aulp du Seuil Cross loop or the Tour Isabelle Natural Arch – Aulp du Seuil Cross loop in the Hiking around Saint-Bernard guide.

The hospices at both the Great and Little St. Bernard Passes were founded in the 11th century by Saint Bernard de Menthon. Their original purpose was to provide shelter and assistance to travelers crossing these treacherous Alpine routes. The Great St. Bernard Hospice is particularly famous for its role in breeding and training the St. Bernard dogs for rescue operations, a tradition that continues to this day.