Great St Bernard Lake

Great St Bernard Lake (Lac du Grand-Saint-Bernard) sits at the top of the Great St Bernard Pass, above Bourg-Saint-Pierre in the Swiss canton of Valais, at roughly 2,470 m above sea level. The border between Switzerland and Italy runs across the water, so the shore is shared by both countries.

Where is the lake?

It lies just south-west of the pass summit in the Pennine Alps. Although it is high in the mountains, it drains south into the Dora Baltea basin on the Italian side. Its German name is Grosser-St.-Bernhard-See. On the Swiss side the nearest village is Bourg-Saint-Pierre, the last settlement before the road starts climbing to the pass; beyond the border lies the Aosta Valley.

How do you get there?

From Martigny, follow the Entremont valley to Bourg-Saint-Pierre, then take the switchbacks up. The pass road is usually open from about June to mid-October, depending on snow, and sources quote slightly different dates, so check conditions before you set off. Outside the season, vehicles use the tunnel beneath the pass, while the summit itself is reachable only on skis or snowshoes. There is parking near the hospice, a few minutes on foot from the water.

What can you see nearby?

The lake's neighbour is the Great St Bernard Hospice, said to date from around 1050 and still home to a community of canons. For centuries the monks sheltered travellers crossing the Alps. The hospice is tied to the famous Saint Bernard dogs: the Barry Foundation breeds them in Martigny, and in summer some of the dogs stay at the pass and join guided walks. A small museum covers the pass's history and natural setting, with Roman-era archaeological finds and displays on local wildlife, plants and geology. The finds show the route was already in use in antiquity.

Can you hike here?

Yes. The area belongs to the Valais network of walking routes, including the Cols du Grand-St-Bernard itineraries, and a longer trail climbs from Bourg-Saint-Pierre to the hospice. At this altitude the wind is cool even in midsummer, so pack warm layers and sun protection.

When should you visit?

July to September is the best window: the road is clear and the hospice and museum welcome visitors. Early in summer, patches of snow can linger on the slopes. In winter, access is limited and the area belongs to ski tourers and snowshoers.

Frequently asked questions

Is the lake in Switzerland or Italy? Both. The national border crosses the water; the Swiss base village is Bourg-Saint-Pierre.

How high is it? About 2,470 m, roughly the same as the pass itself.

Will I see Saint Bernard dogs? In summer the Barry Foundation's dogs stay at the pass and take part in walks; the rest of the year breeding is based in Martigny.

Can I come in winter? You can drive through the tunnel under the pass, but the mountain road and the lakeshore are accessible only on skis or snowshoes.