Bear Park (BärenPark)

The bear is the symbol of Bern, and the city has kept live bears at the same spot for centuries. According to the founding legend, Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen named the city after the first animal he caught on a hunt, and a bear appears on the city arms, in fountains, on souvenirs and even on the name of the canton. The modern Bear Park opened in 2009 on a sloping site beside the Aare, replacing the old stone pit that stood at the end of the Nydegg Bridge. It is a long terraced enclosure with trees, a pool and rocky ground running down to the river, giving the bears far more space than the earlier pit and a much more natural setting. A viewing terrace runs along the upper side, and a path leads down toward the Aare for a different angle. Entry is free and there is no ticket office, so you can drop by at any time of day. The best time to see the bears is often early morning or late afternoon, though they may rest in the shade, so patience helps.

The park is a short walk from the Old Town. Cross the Nydegg Bridge from the end of Gerechtigkeitsgasse, turn right and you will see the enclosure on the slope. A small information point explains the history of the bears of Bern and the current animals, and signs describe their habits.

Remember that these are wild animals living in a large enclosure, so keep your voice low, do not throw food, and follow the signs. Photography is easy from the terrace, and the view of the Old Town across the river is excellent from the same area.

Pair the visit with the Rosengarten, which is a few minutes uphill from the park and offers the classic view of the Old Town and the Minster. A walk along the Aare path below the enclosure leads to quieter riverbanks, and in summer you may see people floating downriver nearby. In winter, the bears may be less active and you may see them near the dens, so the visit is shorter. Children usually enjoy the park, and it suits a short stop, though the slope is steep in places and the paths can be wet.

If you want to learn more about the history of keeping bears in the city, look for the Bern tourist information and the museum displays, which show how the old pit became part of city life and why the animals were kept for so long. Many visitors are surprised to find the park so peaceful, and it is a good first or last stop on a walking route.

Allow thirty minutes to an hour, longer if you walk the riverside path. Wear shoes with good grip, and visit in dry weather for the best experience. There is a cafe nearby for a warm drink, and the Old Town is a short stroll away.

The bear is more than a mascot in Bern. It appears on the city flag, on the weathervanes and gates, on the fountain figures and on a thousand souvenirs, and spotting bears in the Old Town makes a fun game for children. The old pit at the end of the bridge was the home of the city's bears from the sixteenth century, and the redesign gave the animals a more natural life. The park is often paired with a chocolate stop, since several of the best shops are only a few minutes uphill.