Top 15 Mountain Passes around Allein
Mountain passes around Allein are characterized by high-altitude Alpine terrain, featuring historical routes and panoramic viewpoints. This region includes significant trans-Alpine crossings that have been used for centuries. The landscape offers a mix of challenging trails and accessible natural monuments. Allein is known for its mountain passes, historical sites, and viewpoints.
Best mountain passes around Allein
- The most popular mountain passes is Col du Grand Saint-Bernard, a mountain pass that has been a significant Alpine crossing since the early Iron Age. It features a historical hospice and offers views of the surrounding mountains.
- Another must-see spot is Col de Champillon, a mountain pass and viewpoint. From its altitude of 2,709 meters, visitors can observe peaks such as Mont Blanc and the Grand Combin.
- Visitors also love Horses' Pass, a mountain pass overlooking the Great Saint Bernard Monastery. This pass offers an excellent climb and panoramic views of the region's many lakes and valleys.
- Allein is known for mountain passes, historical sites, and viewpoints. The region offers a variety of mountain passes to explore, ranging from historically significant routes to natural viewpoints.
- The mountain passes around Allein are appreciated by the komoot community, with 65 upvotes and 30 photos contributed by users.
Last updated: July 10, 2026
Col du Grand Saint-Bernard
Highlight • Mountain Pass
And then you enter the tunnel, there you start to realize you've made it, you come out, follow the road that turns slightly to the left and, as if in a dream, the lake appears.
You reach the top and think about how many people throughout the centuries have traveled this road: Salassi, Romans, monks, migrants, Napoleonic soldiers... you realize you are in a place where History is dense and nature is stunning, and there you can only love this hill
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Col de Champillon
Highlight • Mountain Pass
The terrain gets steep in some sections on both sides, but the trail is easy and non-technical, so you can definitely sprint on the way down.
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Lac de Grand Saint Bernard
Highlight • Lake
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Horses' Pass
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Great St. Bernard Pass
Highlight • Mountain Pass
Until the Middle Ages
Despite its great height, the pass has been walked since the early Iron Age, as is shown by finds along the access road in the north. At the time of the Roman Empire it was one of the most important alpine crossings from Italy to Gaul and the Rhine provinces. The name of the mountain appears for the first time in Gaius Julius Caesar's report on the war in Gaul. Later other Roman and Greek authors such as Titus Livius and Strabo wrote about the pass road. Until it was expanded as a road under Emperor Claudius, there was only one mule track across the mountains. One advantage of the route was that there were no difficult-to-pass gorges at the entrances, such as the Gotthard Pass, for example.
At the top of the pass there was a temple in Roman times, in which the native (Celtic) god Poeninus was worshiped, who was equated by the Romans with Iuppiter Optimus Maximus in the sense of the Interpretatio Romana. In the Middle Ages, the pass was still called Mont-Joux (from Latin mons Iovis).
The mountain crossing served secular and spiritual dignitaries, traders and crusaders, warbands and refugees as a route from the north to northern Italy and vice versa. It was a central section of a network of pilgrimage routes from the Franconian Empire and its successor states to Rome, which was bundled there and then branched out again. These routes were known as Via francigena, German: Way out of the Franconian Empire. A good source for the route is the 994 travelogue of Archbishop Sigeric the Serious of Canterbury.
In the middle of the 11th century a hostel was built on the top of the pass. According to tradition, Bernhard von Aosta and Irmingard († 1057), the wife of the last Burgundian king Rudolf III, founded this institution on the border between the diocese of Sion and the diocese of Aosta. From this the Bernhardshospiz developed, from which the pass got its current name. It has been documented as a house of Augustinian canons since 1125. On the mountain, members of the hospice bred the St. Bernard dog breed, which proved itself as rescue dogs in the search for avalanche victims. She became known worldwide through Barry, who is said to have saved the lives of over 40 people.
Since the 11th century, the Alpine pass was under the control of the Counts of Savoy. As a connection between the Savoy region in the Lake Geneva region and south of the Alps, the route over the Great Saint Bernard with the hostel was important for the counts, dukes of Savoy since the 15th century. When the Valais conquered the Chablais and the Martigny area during the Burgundian Wars, the Savoy lost control of the northern foot of the pass road. Access from the north was via the Rhone bridge at Saint-Maurice, which led across the river at an easily controllable narrow point in the Rhone Valley, which was fortified with the Saint-Maurice Castle after the Burgundian Wars.
Modern times
On May 14th, 1800 Napoléon Bonaparte crossed the Alps here on his way to Italy. He also entrusted the canons of the Bernhard Pass with the hospice on the Simplon Pass.
In the 1850s, Switzerland and the Kingdom of Sardinia planned a winter-proof variant for the connection between the Val d'Entremont and the Aosta Valley. The Menouve Tunnel a few kilometers east of the summit of the Great St. Bernard Pass would have shortened the route significantly. Shortly after the construction work began, the project was abandoned again.
In 1905 a drivable road over the pass was completed.
From 1940 to the 1990s, the pass formed the south-western boundary point of the Swiss Redoubt; the entrances in Entremont were secured against potential attackers by terrain obstacles and barriers; Artillery supported the blocked positions.
In the past, the path over the high mountain pass was only passable in summer. Since 1964, the road connection between the Valais and the Aosta Valley has led through the 5.85 km long, toll-based Grosser St. Bernhard tunnel and the historic pass road forms a detour to the hospice and through the beautiful mountain landscape. The Oléoduc du Rhône oil pipeline, which was closed in 2015, runs through the road tunnel from the port of Genoa to the Collombey refinery in Valais.
Text / Source: Wikipedia
de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grosser_St._Bernhard
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Tips from the Community
Stunning landscape, very gusty winds
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The highest road pass in the Aosta Valley and a place that has always fascinated the writer for its thousand-year history, the austere Mauritian hospice and the profound beauty of the landscape.
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This climb is something incredible: it doesn't have difficult gradients but it's long, very long, endless. You reach a point where you almost hate it: you've been cycling for well over an hour and still can't see the summit, you're running out of energy and the wind keeps whipping your face, you'd like to throw your bike away and say "Enough! I'm stopping here"... but it's only for a moment, because you're the one who chose to face it and you knew perfectly well what you were getting into; you set off again with more grit than before and tackle those last few km of road with all your remaining strength. And then you enter the tunnel, there you start to realize you've made it, you come out, follow the road that turns slightly to the left and, as if in a dream, the lake appears. You reach the top and think about how many people throughout the centuries have traveled this road: Salassi, Romans, monks, migrants, Napoleonic soldiers... you realize you are in a place where History is dense and nature is stunning, and there you can only love this hill
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Very panoramic hill, reachable only with bike on your shoulder
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A wonderful sight after a long climb - in early summer, when the lake is just waking up from hibernation, you can sometimes see very beautiful pictures of melting ice, snow marbled with Sahara dust and blue water.
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The austere buildings of the hospice of the Great Saint Bernard are located in a rocky pass through which an icy wind almost always blows, on the edge of a lake that is frozen on average 265 days a year and where winter lasts almost eight months. For nine centuries, canons regular of the order of St. Augustine, who settled here through the help of St. Bernard of Menthon, have maintained a tradition of helpfulness and hospitality. Travelers who want to relax for a while in that peaceful place are welcome all year round.
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Drive past and enjoy, definitely too cold for swimming
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A mountain pass overlooking the Great Saint Bernard Monastery. The summit of this pass is rocky and wild, worn and battered by the brutal winters for which the Alps are known. This pass, however, offers an excellent and captivating climb, while being involved in some superb and intuitive routes in the region. You can expect brilliant panoramic views of the region's many lakes and valleys, as well as a vast expanse of mountains stretching into both Italy and Switzerland.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What historical significance do the mountain passes around Allein hold?
The region's mountain passes, particularly the Col du Grand Saint-Bernard, are steeped in history. This pass has been a crucial trans-Alpine crossing since the early Iron Age, used by Romans, pilgrims, traders, and even Napoleon Bonaparte. The Great St Bernard Hospice, located at the pass, has maintained a tradition of hospitality for centuries and is famous for its St. Bernard dogs.
Which mountain passes offer the best panoramic views in the Allein region?
For breathtaking panoramic views, consider visiting Col de Champillon. From its altitude of 2,709 meters, you can admire legendary peaks such as Mont Blanc, the Grand Combin, and the Gran Paradiso massif. The Col du Grand Saint-Bernard and Horses' Pass also offer expansive views of the surrounding mountains, lakes, and valleys stretching into both Italy and Switzerland.
Are there family-friendly mountain passes or activities around Allein?
Yes, the area around the Great St Bernard Hospice and Lac de Grand Saint Bernard is considered family-friendly. While some trails can be challenging, there are accessible natural monuments and the hospice itself offers a unique historical experience that can be enjoyed by families.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near the mountain passes around Allein?
The mountain passes around Allein are excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including challenging routes like the 'Fenêtre Lakes – Hospice du Grand-Saint-Bernard loop'. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes, such as the 'Great St Bernard Pass from Aosta', and gravel biking options like the 'Giro dei Ru di Roisan'. You can explore more routes in the Mountain Hikes around Allein, Road Cycling Routes around Allein, and Gravel biking around Allein guides.
What is the best time of year to visit the mountain passes?
The mountain passes are generally best visited during the summer months, typically from late spring to early autumn (June to September), when the snow has melted, and the pass roads are fully open. During this period, the weather is more stable, and trails are accessible. Winter brings heavy snow, and while some areas might be suitable for winter sports, many pass roads close, and conditions can be very challenging.
Are there accommodations or places to eat near the mountain passes?
Yes, the Great St Bernard Hospice offers rustic accommodation and hospitality, maintaining a centuries-old tradition. It's a unique place to stay right at the pass. There are also settlements and huts in the vicinity of the passes where you might find services.
Can I bring my dog on the trails around the mountain passes?
Many trails in the Alpine regions are dog-friendly, but it's always advisable to check local regulations for specific areas or protected zones. Generally, dogs should be kept on a leash, especially in areas with livestock or wildlife, and owners are expected to clean up after their pets. The St. Bernard dogs themselves are a famous part of the Col du Grand Saint-Bernard's history.
What natural features can I expect to see at these mountain passes?
You will encounter high-altitude Alpine terrain, including rocky summits, vast mountain ranges, and stunning valleys. The Lac de Grand Saint Bernard is a prominent natural feature, a mountain lake located at 2,447 meters above sea level, shared between Italy and Switzerland. The passes also offer views of glaciers and diverse Alpine flora and fauna.
How challenging are the hikes around the mountain passes?
The difficulty of hikes varies. Passes like Col de Champillon feature steep sections, making them challenging, but the trails are often non-technical. The Col du Grand Saint-Bernard is known for its long and demanding climbs, especially for cyclists. There are intermediate options available, but many routes are considered difficult, requiring good physical condition and appropriate gear.
Is public transport available to reach the mountain passes?
While specific public transport details for 'Allein' are not readily available, major mountain passes like the Great St. Bernard Pass often have seasonal bus services connecting them to nearby towns in Italy and Switzerland. It's recommended to check local transport schedules for the Aosta Valley region before planning your trip, especially outside of peak season.
What do visitors enjoy most about the mountain passes in this region?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning panoramic views, the rich historical significance, and the challenging yet rewarding outdoor experiences. The unique atmosphere of the Great St Bernard Hospice and the sense of traversing ancient routes are also highly valued. The region is appreciated for its blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Are there any hidden gem mountain passes or less-known viewpoints?
While the Col du Grand Saint-Bernard and Col de Champillon are popular, exploring the trails leading to and from these passes can reveal less-trafficked viewpoints. For instance, the Horses' Pass, while overlooking the Great Saint Bernard Monastery, offers a wilder, more rugged experience with superb panoramic views that might feel more secluded.
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