Les cols du Grand-St-Bernard

A spectacular Alpine hike along the border between Switzerland and Italy, with a view of the Mont Blanc massif and the neighbouring peaks. Highlights include three picturesque Alpine passes, mountain lakes and the Great St. Bernard with its hospice and the famous St. Bernard dogs.

The approximately five-hour circular hike starts at the Le Grand-St-Bernard, Hospice bus stop on the Col du Grand-St-Bernard. The ascent begins at the Hospice du Grand Saint-Bernard, which welcomes travellers and pilgrims. The mountain path leads through open, increasingly rocky terrain to the Pas des Chevaux and on to the Col du Bastillon. The highest point is reached there at around 2,760 m.

Beyond the pass, the path descends to the three Lacs de Fenêtre. These small mountain lakes lie on a mossy plateau covered in cottongrass and are fed by several streams. The mountain path then climbs again, reaching the rocky Fenêtre de Ferret, the next prominent pass.

From here, a longer unmarked section descends steeply across open, rocky terrain. A final climb leads close to the Lac du Grand Saint-Bernard, whose waters are divided between Switzerland and Italy. After twelve kilometres and a total ascent of around 1,050 metres, the circuit ends back at the Col du Grand-St-Bernard.