Alpine Passes

Mountain Roads of Europe

Great St Bernard Pass

Great St Bernard Pass

Col du Grand-Saint-Bernard

Switzerland / Italy · Valais / Aosta Valley

2,469m

Key Facts

Elevation
2,469m
Route length
40 km
Max gradient
11%
Hairpins
13
Driving difficulty
Demanding (4/5)
Surface
Good
Open
June - October

Route & Map

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Route

SMartigny
40 km · max 11%
Great St Bernard Pass (2,469m)
Descent
ESaint-Rhémy-en-Bosses
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One of the oldest Alpine crossings, used since the Bronze Age. Famous for the hospice founded in 1050 AD and its St. Bernard rescue dogs. Napoleon crossed with his army in 1800.

Weather & Conditions

Driving Experience

Elevation Profile

475m981m1,486m1,992m2,497m0 km20 km40 km2,497m
2,080m gain
849m loss
475m → 2,497m → 1,706m

Difficulty

Demanding

4/5 — car driving difficulty

Based on steepness, elevation gain, hairpins, road length & surface quality

Hairpin Turns

13

Plenty of switchbacks to test your line

When to Drive

June - October (Best: July - September)

  • Open June - October. Check locally for exact opening dates as conditions vary each year.
  • Drive early morning (before 8 AM) for clear views, ideal light, and less traffic.
  • Snow may linger into June at this elevation. Check webcams before departing.

Photos

Coordinates

Summit
45.8692°N, 7.1706°E
Start (Martigny)
46.1028°N, 7.0722°E
End (Saint-Rhémy-en-Bosses)
45.8417°N, 7.1833°E
#historic#napoleon#monastery#dogs#border-crossing

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Image: Σπάρτακος / CC BY-SA 3.0