Lausanne to Great Saint Bernard Pass Walk on the Via Francigena Pilgrims Trail

Walking the Via Francigena: Lausanne to the Great Saint Bernard Pass – 9 Days

The Via Francigena, the ancient pilgrim trail from Canterbury to Rome, threads through some of Europe’s most spectacular landscapes. One of its most rewarding sections is the seven-day stretch from Lausanne on the shores of Lake Geneva to the legendary Great Saint Bernard Pass, gateway to Italy. This journey blends lakeside promenades, vineyard terraces, alpine villages, and high mountain trails, while also weaving in a deep sense of history with abbeys, castles, and centuries-old pilgrim hospitality.

Day 1: Arrive in Lausanne

Arrive in Lausanne, a vibrant university and cultural city on the shores of Lake Geneva. Explore its medieval Old Town and Lausanne Cathedral before meeting the group for a welcome dinner. Overnight in Lausanne.

Day 2: Lausanne to Vevey (25 km)

Follow the shoreline of Lake Geneva along flat pathways and vineyard terraces in the Lavaux Vineyards (UNESCO World Heritage). These slopes have produced wine since the 11th century, mostly Chasselas, a crisp white unique to the region. End the day in Vevey, a charming lakeside town once home to Charlie Chaplin.

Day 3: Vevey to Aigle (30 km)

A spectacular stage along the lake leads to Montreux, with its cosmopolitan flair, Freddie Mercury statue, and musical heritage. Visit the medieval Château de Chillon, Switzerland’s most visited castle, before continuing past Villeneuve. Begin climbing into vineyards before arriving at Aigle, with its fairy-tale Château d’Aigle and wine museum.

Day 4: Aigle to Saint-Maurice (15 km)

The path winds through vines and woodlands toward Ollon before dropping into the Rhone Valley. Arrive in Saint-Maurice, home to the Abbey of Saint-Maurice, a place of Christian worship for more than 1,500 years. Dinner tonight is a traditional Swiss fondue.

Day 5: Saint-Maurice to Martigny (20 km)

The day begins with a short walk to the Bains de Lavey, famed thermal baths—saunas, whirlpools, and healing hot springs. Later, the trail climbs to Evionnaz for a picnic lunch, passes the Pissevache Waterfall, and descends into Martigny, a lively town rich in Roman history and modern art galleries.

Day 6: Martigny to Orsières (20 km)

Today the landscape grows more dramatic, with steep mountain slopes and alpine hamlets along the Dranse River valley. Cross a suspension bridge before reaching Orsières, a rustic alpine town known for its baroque church and Valais specialties like raclette.

Day 7: Orsières to Bourg-Saint-Pierre (15 km)

A steady climb through green alpine pastures leads to the village of Liddes, a hub of dairy farming and pastoral traditions. Continue to Bourg-Saint-Pierre, a picturesque medieval village once used by pilgrims and Napoleon’s army during his Alpine crossing.

Day 8: Bourg-Saint-Pierre to the Great Saint Bernard Pass (15 km)

The final climb takes you above the treeline into stark alpine beauty. At 2,469 m you reach the historic Great Saint Bernard Hospice, founded in the 11th century to shelter travelers. It is here that the famous Saint Bernard dogs were bred to help rescue lost pilgrims. Overnight stay at the Auberge.

Day 9: Tour Ends

Enjoy a final breakfast at the Great Saint Bernard Pass. The tour concludes, with onward travel into Italy or back into Switzerland.

 

Accommodation & Meals

  • Comfortable local hotels or auberges throughout (twin share, private bathroom).
  • Breakfast included daily.
  • Picnic lunches provided during walking days.
  • Dinners in local restaurants, highlighting regional specialties such as fondue, raclette, Valais wines, and alpine dairy products.

Key Information

  • Walking days: 7
  • Daily distances: 15–30 km, moderate to challenging (with big elevation gains later in the week).
  • Best suited for: Fit walkers who enjoy a blend of history, culture, and alpine hiking.

Tour Dates

  • 23 August 2026 – Arrive Lausanne, welcome dinner
  • 24–30 August 2026 – Walking days (Lausanne to the Great Saint Bernard Pass)
  • 31 August 2026 – Breakfast at the Auberge –  tour ends

 

  • 23 August 2027 – Arrive Lausanne, welcome dinner
    24–30 August 2027 – Walking days (Lausanne to the Great Saint Bernard Pass)
    31 August 2027 – Breakfast at the Auberge –  tour ends

✅ Included

  • 9 nights’ accommodation in local auberges, hotels, and B&Bs
  • Twin-share rooms with private bathrooms
    Single rooms available on request
  • 8 breakfasts
    8 picnic lunches featuring local produce, fresh salads, local meats, cheeses, and fresh bread
    8 two-course dinners with regional cuisine (alcohol not included)
    Entrance fees, tickets, and admissions where specified
    All local taxes

❌ Not Included

  • Travel insurance
  • Transport to Lausanne and from Great Saint Bernard Pass
  • Alcohol
  • Any extra food required during the trip
  • Transport on any days you are not walking with the group
  • Any extras not specified in this brochure

Baggage Transfer:

If you prefer not to carry your backpack, a local bag transfer service can be arranged for a small additional fee

✨ Final Thoughts

This 7-day section of the Via Francigena captures the essence of pilgrimage: breathtaking scenery, cultural immersion, and a journey through living history. From vineyards to high mountain passes, every step tells a story centuries in the making.