Großer Sankt Bernhard | 2469 METER | Martigny Aosta

The Great Saint Bernard Pass is an Alpine pass in the Valais Alps, connecting the Rhone Valley in the Swiss canton of Valais at an altitude of 2,469 metres with the Aosta Valley and the Italian region of Piedmont. The route is winding, well paved and offers a variety of beautiful viewpoints. A car park just below the pass summit (see picture) on the north ramp offers a great view down into the Valais towards Martigny. There is also a beautiful viewing platform below the pass summit on the south ramp.

At the pass summit there are several restaurants, bars and the hospice. The small lake is also very picturesque.

Since 1964, the route can be shortened all year round by taking the 5.85 km long, toll-paying Great St Bernard Tunnel (18 euros, as of 2025). Coming from the north, the old pass road can be reached via a descent shortly before the tunnel (well signposted). Coming from the south, the exit is less well signposted. Between the villages of Saint-Oyen and Saint-Rémy-en-Bosses, the SS27 federal highway branches off towards Martigny. If you stay on the previous road, you will automatically be on the feeder road to the tunnel, with no further turnoffs. Only shortly before the toll booth is there an opportunity to turn around and drive back the approximately 10 kilometres.

Tip: you can include the relatively unknown but very exciting Alpine pass Col de Champex in a tour to or from Martigny. Just below the pass, there is a beautiful swimming lake with the village of Champex Lac.