Hospice du Grand-Saint-Bernard – Historic Alpine Hospice & Legendary Mountain Crossing

The Hospice du Grand-Saint-Bernard is one of the most historic and culturally significant mountain refuges in the Alps. Located on the Grand-Saint-Bernard Pass, at the border between Switzerland (Valais) and Italy (Aosta Valley), it has provided shelter to travelers, pilgrims, and mountaineers for nearly a millennium. More than a hut, it is a living institution at the crossroads of alpine history, spirituality, and high-mountain travel.

• Hospice Overview

  • Location: Grand-Saint-Bernard Pass, Switzerland / Italy border

  • Altitude: 2,469 m

  • Type: Historic alpine hospice / mountain hostel

  • Capacity: Approx. 150 sleeping places

  • Season:

    • Open year-round (access dependent on snow conditions)

  • Management: Congregation of the Canons of the Great St. Bernard

• Access & Approaches

  The hospice is uniquely accessible for its altitude.

  • Main access:

    • By road (summer months)

    • On foot via historic alpine trails

    • Ski touring routes in winter

  • Terrain: Alpine pass, open plateau, exposed to weather

  • Difficulty: T1–T2 (summer access)

  In winter, access requires winter-mountain skills due to snow and wind exposure.

• Facilities & Comfort

  Comfort levels are high compared to classic alpine huts.

  • Heated dormitories and private rooms

  • Hot meals served daily

  • Drinking water and showers

  • Indoor toilets

  • Electricity and lighting

  The hospice also hosts a museum and cultural spaces.

• Food & Atmosphere

  The atmosphere is unique—calm, welcoming, and international.

  • Simple but generous meals

  • Communal dining

  • Mix of hikers, pilgrims, cyclists, ski tourers, and travelers

  Hospitality is central to the hospice’s mission.

• Prices & Booking

  • Rates: Moderate (excellent value for altitude and services)

  • Booking: Recommended, especially in summer

  • Payment: Cash and cards accepted

• Routes & Alpine Context

  The Hospice du Grand-Saint-Bernard is embedded in major alpine routes:

  • Historic Grand-Saint-Bernard crossing

  • Long-distance pilgrim and trekking routes

  • Winter ski touring traverses

  • Day hikes around the pass and lakes

  It is not a technical mountaineering base but a major transalpine hub.

• When to Go

  • Summer: Hiking, cycling, cultural visits

  • Winter: Ski touring and snowshoeing

  • Main risks: Extreme wind, sudden weather changes, whiteouts

  Even in summer, weather can be harsh.

• Who Is This Place For

  • Hikers and trekkers

  • Pilgrims and cultural travelers

  • Ski tourers

  • Families and groups

  • Not intended for technical mountaineering objectives

Why This Place Is Worth Visiting

At 2,469 m, the Hospice du Grand-Saint-Bernard stands as a symbol of alpine solidarity and endurance. Famous worldwide for the Saint Bernard dogs, it embodies the human side of the Alps—where survival, hospitality, and passage meet. Staying here is not just an overnight stop, but a direct connection to centuries of mountain history.