Eight thousand feet up in the Swiss Alps is probably not the usual spot to walk the dog. But when it's Switzerland's national dog, the St Bernard, living during the summer months in kennels at an isolated 11^th century monastery, it's an absolute joy.

Nestled amongst majestic snow-covered mountains, two austere stone buildings stand impressively overlooking Lac du Saint Bernard which links Switzerland to Italy at the Great Saint Bernard Pass.

To reach the monastery – or hospice, means a spectacular drive up a narrow road that winds its way 8,100 feet up into the mountains each twist and turn providing fantastic panoramic views that leave you breathless.

A warm welcome awaits you, with one building of the monastery converted into a hotel with a cafe, a restaurant and spotless bedrooms for guests. Or you could make prior arrangements to stay in the hospice itself with the Catholic monks.

Meet the Barry Dogs

The hospice and the dogs – known originally as Barry dogs, are now under the control of The Barry Foundation, an organization that upholds the country's pride in these beautiful dogs, who for 300 years have been saving and rescuing travellers lost in the snow.

If you are planning a visit however, be sure it's between June and August, as before and after, the monastery is cut off from the outside world by snow, with the only access being by helicopter, skis or snowshoes.

From June to August however, visitors can arrange to go out with the dogs and their handlers and walk with them as they romp and play along the rocky slopes that surround the lake.

By the end of August, the purpose-built kennels at the hospice are collapsed and stored away, so as not to be crushed under the weight of the snow, and the dogs are taken down to the town of Martigny – the cultural capital of the Valais region where they will live in warmth and comfort at kennels attached to the Musee et Chiens du Saint Bernard (Saint Bernard Museum).

Musee et Chiens du Saint Bernard

This is no normal museum, and don't image the dogs are kept there as museum pieces. They have state of the art heated kennels, large grassy paddocks and handlers who love them like their own. Here the dogs enjoy long forest walks as well being involved in a variety of activities, such as being trained as demonstration dogs, therapy dogs and of course to meet the public.

Additionally, visitors can enjoy the museum, discover the long history of these wonderful Saint Bernards, see artwork and imagery of these magnificent dogs and learn more of their heroic rescues.

Further details

Grand St-Bernard Hospice,

Col du Grand-Saint-Bernard.

1946 Bourg-St-Pierre,

Switzerland

Useful links

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https://www.saint-bernard.ch/

https://www.valais.ch/