Information
Landmark: Bern Bear ParkCity: Bern
Country: Switzerland
Continent: Europe
Bern Bear Park, Bern, Switzerland, Europe
Overview
The Bern Bear Park (Swiss German: Bärenpark Bern) sits in the heart of the city, just steps from Bern’s Old Town, where the Aare River curves past its grassy enclosures.The park’s known for its bears-lumbering, brown-furred residents that symbolize the city and have roamed Bern for centuries.One.Bern’s connection to bears goes back to the 12th century, when its founder, Berthold V of Zähringen, chose the name after the animal-“Bär” in German-said to have roamed the nearby forest.Since then, bears have stood as a proud emblem of the city, their presence marked by the Bärengraben, a bear pit built in 1857 where the animals padded over packed earth.The bond runs deep-Bern’s flag carries a black bear, statues guard street corners, and whole districts borrow its name.In 2009, the city opened the Bear Park, a green, open space that gives its bears room to roam and breathe fresh alpine air.Before that, the bears lived in a cramped old pit near the Käppelplatz, its stone walls cold and damp.The new park was built to give the bears better living conditions and space to roam among trees and grass, much like they would in the wild.It’s part of a broader push to boost animal welfare and bring the zoo in line with modern conservation practices.When the Bear Park opened, it turned a fresh page in Bern’s centuries-old bond with its bears.Just beyond the Old Town, tucked near Gurten Hill and the curve of the Aare River, the park offers a leafy, riverside home where visitors can watch the animals roam.It’s easy to get to, and from here you can take in sweeping views of the old city’s rooftops.The park covers 6,000 square meters-about 1.5 acres-with craggy rock outcrops, a broad pond ringed with reeds, shady trees, and open lawns.The enclosure is built to mimic the bears’ natural habitat, giving them space to climb rocky cliffs, splash into cool water, and forage among scattered plants.It’s divided into distinct areas with caves, ledges, and streams, and the bears can wander straight down to the Aare River for a swim-a rare feature in their modern home.Today, the park is home to several brown bears, the same species long linked to the city of Bern.Most of these bears are European brown bears (Ursus arctos arctos), often living in pairs or small groups where they nudge and pace together, keeping the social rhythm nature intended.Over the years, Bern’s bears have included well-known residents like Jungfrau, Björk, and Canton-names woven into the city’s living history.Today, the Bear Park offers them a home while giving visitors a place to learn and connect with the city’s culture.It helps raise awareness about animal welfare and why protecting natural habitats matters, from the song of a forest bird to the shelter it calls home.Visitors can read clear, well-placed signs and try hands-on displays that share facts about the species, its habitat, and the long history of Bern’s bears.The park reflects the city’s deep bond with the animal and its symbolic place in local culture, and because entry is free, both residents and travelers can wander in anytime.You can watch the bears from several spots around the park and along the Aare River, where the water glints in the sun.From here, you’ll see sweeping views of Bern’s Old Town-a UNESCO World Heritage site-and the green rise of Gurten hill, perfect for a quiet moment.Stroll the walking paths, rest on a bench, or grab a coffee at the café before heading back to the bears.You’ll find educational panels and viewing decks where you can watch the bears and learn how they roam, forage, and rest in their riverside home.The Bern Bear Park has worked hard to give them a safe, spacious environment that meets today’s standards for animal care and conservation.The park’s earned praise for treating its animals with care and for leading the way in ethical zoo practices.It partners with welfare groups and experts to make sure the bears have what they need-right down to fresh water and regular health checks.The bears’ food, habitat, and daily surroundings are planned to keep them calm and engaged-think fresh apples scattered in the grass for foraging.The Bern Bear Park remains a cherished landmark in Switzerland’s capital, valued for its cultural, historical, and educational significance.Creating a habitat that feels closer to the wild marks real progress in how we treat captive animals, while still honoring Bern’s deep, centuries-old bond with its beloved bears.You can watch the bears roam in a quiet, tree-lined enclosure while picking up stories about the city’s past and its dedication to caring for animals.If you’re in Bern, don’t miss it-it’s where leafy riverside paths meet centuries-old stone bridges and lively cultural spots.
