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Valais side valleys: St Bernard, Dixence and Anniviers
The monks and dogs of the Great St Bernard, the earth pyramids of Euseigne, the world’s tallest gravity dam and a turquoise reservoir above Grimentz.
- Distance
- 169 km (105 mi)
- Driving
- 2 h 20 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 8
- Countries
- Switzerland
- Updated
- July 27, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 169 km (105 mi) with 8 stops, from Martigny to Zinal. About 2 h 20 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Switzerland · More road trips from Martigny
Route description
From Martigny follow the E27 south through Orsières towards Italy. After Bourg-Saint-Pierre the road enters long snow galleries; follow the signs for the pass (col) rather than the toll tunnel. At the top, at 2,469 m, the hospice has sheltered travellers since the 11th century and still keeps St Bernard dogs in summer. The pass is open roughly June to October. Allow half a day and return the same way.
Drive up the Rhône to Sion, 30 km from Martigny, with its two castle hills. South of Sion the road climbs into the Val d’Hérens. At Euseigne it passes in a short tunnel right under the earth pyramids, pillars of glacial debris capped with boulders. Then drive up through Hérémence into the Val des Dix to Le Chargeur at the foot of the Grande Dixence dam.
The dam is 285 m high. In summer a cable car takes you to the crest, and a path follows the lake shore to glacier views. The Val des Dix road is narrow with some tunnels but manageable in a motorhome. Back in the Rhône valley, drive to Sierre, about 40 km, a sunny wine town where the language switches from French to German.
From Sierre, climb into the Val d’Anniviers by a road with tunnels and hairpins to Vissoie. Turn off at Grimentz for the Moiry dam, whose road continues to the snout of the glacier, then return to finish in Zinal under the peaks of the Imperial Crown. The side valleys are best from late June to September, when the high roads and cable cars are open.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Martigny
Switzerland - 234 km
Great St Bernard Hospice
HistoryBourg-Saint-Pierre, SwitzerlandA hospice at 2,469 m run by Augustinian canons since the 11th century, beside a lake on the Italian border, with St Bernard dogs in summer. The pass road is open roughly June to October; the tunnel below is toll.
- 354 km
Sion
Switzerland - 410 km
Earth Pyramids of Euseigne
OdditiesHérémence, SwitzerlandPillars of glacial debris topped by boulders, left standing as rain washed the rest away; the valley road runs through a tunnel beneath them. Small lay-bys on the road let you stop for a closer look.
- 513 km
Grande Dixence Dam
OdditiesHérémence, SwitzerlandAt 285 m, the tallest gravity dam in the world, closing the end of the Val des Dix. Drive to Le Chargeur, then walk or take the cable car to the crest; the road is open summer only.
- 632 km
Sierre
Switzerland - 721 km
Moiry Dam
ViewsGrimentz, SwitzerlandA curved dam above Grimentz holding a milky-turquoise lake, with a road on to the foot of the Moiry Glacier. The narrow road is open in summer; walks from the upper car park reach the glacier lake.
- 85 km
Zinal
Switzerland
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Martigny → Great St Bernard Hospice · 34 km · 0 h 28 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping des Glaciers (9 km); Gran Combin (13 km).
- Day 2: Great St Bernard Hospice → Sion · 54 km · 0 h 45 minOvernight nearby, for example: TCS Camping Sion (4 km); Camping Alp Safari (5 km).
- Day 3: Sion → Grande Dixence Dam · 23 km · 0 h 19 minOn the way: Earth Pyramids of Euseigne.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Molignon (8 km); TCS Camping Sion (16 km).
- Day 4: Grande Dixence Dam → Zinal · 58 km · 0 h 48 minOn the way: Sierre, Moiry Dam.Overnight nearby, for example: Camping Molignon (10 km); Camping d'Anniviers (10 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–July. Still fine, with some compromises, in August–September. Cold, short days in November–March. Mountain passes on this route are usually open June–September. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Switzerland: Vignette needed for motorways. Vehicles over 3.5 t pay the heavy vehicle charge instead of the vignette. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
- Col du Grand-Saint-Bernard (2,469 m). Usually open June–September; outside that window the road can be closed by snow. Alternative: The Great St Bernard tunnel is open all year.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Valais side valleys: St Bernard, Dixence and Anniviers?
4-day road trip of about 169 km (105 mi) with 8 stops, from Martigny to Zinal. About 2 h 20 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Valais side valleys: St Bernard, Dixence and Anniviers?
We suggest 4 days: about 2 h 20 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Valais side valleys: St Bernard, Dixence and Anniviers start and end?
It starts in Martigny and ends in Zinal.
Which countries does Valais side valleys: St Bernard, Dixence and Anniviers pass through?
Switzerland.
Where can you camp along Valais side valleys: St Bernard, Dixence and Anniviers?
OpenStreetMap lists 79 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camping de la Sarvaz, Camping du Glacier D'Argentiere and Camping des Glaciers.
When is the best time for Valais side valleys: St Bernard, Dixence and Anniviers?
The most pleasant months are usually June–July. Still fine, with some compromises, in August–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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