Barryland reopened on June 26
29 June 2025
How proud, trim and shaven they looked after their manicures, brushed teeth and brushed hair on June 26 at their new home, Barryland in Martigny (canton Valais)!
It was, after all, their party because of the opening of the new Barryland complex. The Bernadiners are known for their empathetic and friendly nature, so they invited many guests.
The name Barry refers to the most famous Bernadiner, Barry I. Barry I lived with the Capuchin monks on Great St Bernard from 1800 to 1812. He rescued more than 40 people in cold, snowy, and foggy conditions on the Great St. Bernard.
This story, a blend of historical facts, legends, and myths, continues to shape the image of Saint Bernards as loyal, courageous, and philanthropic companions and rescuers in times of distress. For generations, these dogs have helped travellers, especially those who wandered (far) at high altitudes in cold, snow and fog.
Barryland
Barryland is shaped like an imprint of a Bernadiner dog’s paw and measures 2,400 m² within a 22,000 m² park.
In five different themed areas, visitors, young and old, can explore the history and myths surrounding Saint Bernards through interactive exhibits and discover their unique character traits.
Visitors will also have the opportunity to observe the dogs and witness their daily care and attention.
Barryland replaces the former museum, which was located in the nearby arsenal, now serving as a café-restaurant and staff building.
Fondation Barry
Since January 2005, the Fondation Barry has been responsible for breeding, raising and caring for the world-famous Saint Bernards. Before that, these tasks were performed for 300 years by the Order of Canons on the Grand St Bernard Pass (Congrégation des chanoines de l’Hospice du Grand-St-Bernard).
Napoleon at the Grand Saint-Bernard Pass, May 1800
Most of the approximately 30 Bernardiners remain on the Grand Saint-Bernard Pass from June to October. The museum at this pass not only explores this age-old tradition but also the history of the Capuchins, their hospice, and the significance of the Great St. Bernard Pass from Roman times to the present.
Le Musée de l’Hospice du Grand-Saint-Bernard
The Fondation Barry is committed to continuing a breeding tradition that goes back more than 300 years. The core of its work is to provide these dogs with a healthy, species-specific and balanced life.
Today, dogs are no longer used to rescue people on the Great St. Bernard Pass or elsewhere but instead serve as companions, for example, to older people and children.
At the same time, the foundation aims to foster the relationship between humans and animals by allowing the public to encounter these legendary creatures. The Barryland theme park is, therefore, a place of encounter and exchange between the St Bernards and children, adolescents and adults.
(Source and further information: Fondation Barry)
Impressions from Barryland
Impressions from the opening ceremony
From left to right: Mélanie Glassey-Roth (Directrice de la Fondation Barry), Damian Constantin (Président de Valais Wallis Promotion), Alain Dubois (Chef du Service de la culture du Valais), David Martinetti (Vice-Président de Martigny), Patricia Constantin (Présidente du Grand Conseil du canton du Valais), Jean-Maurice Tornay (Président du conseil de la Fondation Barry)
Picture: Fondation Barry