Saint Bernards at the pass of the same name in the Alps
Saint Bernards have long been bred near the pass of the same name at a kennel founded in the Middle Ages by Augustinian monks known for their hospitality. It was they who first began using Saint Bernards initially for transporting small loads and later for searching for travelers caught in avalanches.
It is said that the most famous dog of this breed, the legendary Barry, saved the lives of more than 40 people
Nowadays, dogs are rarely bred at the monastery. Nevertheless, in summer you can meet the best representatives of the breed here. And those who are seriously interested in these friendly dogs are always welcome at the Barry Foundation and the St. Bernard Museum in Martigny.
You can learn about the history of the legendary Saint Bernards at the museum in Martigny
This charming museum is entirely dedicated to the history of the legendary dog breed, the Saint Bernard. Visitors are offered skillfully made models, films, 19th-century paintings, and works from Brienz, the Swiss capital of wood sculpture.
The town of Martigny in the canton of Valais is also the departure point for the unique railway expresses "Mont Blanc" and "Saint Bernard". The "Mont Blanc" express follows the route Martigny – Châtelard Frontière – Chamonix (France), crossing the wild Trient Gorge and ascending to the breathtaking heights of Chamonix (France). Tourists can admire roaring waterfalls and the majestic mountain range on the horizon. Dense forests alternate with cozy villages and then give way to the magnificent Mont Blanc glacier, the highest peak in Europe. You must have valid documents for entry into France and for re-entry into Switzerland. Swiss Travel system tickets are valid for travel to Chamonix and back.
Railway express "Saint Bernard"
The "Saint Bernard" express departs on the route Martigny – Orsières – Grand Saint Bernard and passes through the Entremont Valley to Orsières, from where a bus will take you to Champex-Lac, La Fouly, and in summer (June to the end of September) to the Grand Saint Bernard Pass. Here you can visit the famous kennels where Saint Bernards are bred, as well as a small local museum that houses artifacts from Roman times.