BärenPark (Bear Park)

BärenPark (Bear Park) in Bern is a unique urban wildlife attraction that blends centuries of tradition with modern animal care. Situated on the banks of the Aare River, just below Bern’s Old Town and next to the Nydegg Bridge, the park provides a spacious, naturalistic habitat for Bern’s iconic bears. The tradition of keeping bears in Bern dates back to 1513, and for centuries they were housed in the city’s famous bear pit. Since 2009, the bears have enjoyed a much larger, 6,000-square-meter park featuring grassy hills, caves, and even access to the river for swimming—known as the “Bear Bath.”

The original bear pit, now a listed cultural monument, remains part of the visitor experience and is connected to the new park by a tunnel. Visitors can observe the bears as they roam, forage, and play in surroundings designed to mimic their natural habitat, all while enjoying panoramic views of the city and river. The park is fully accessible, thanks to an inclined lift, and is open every day of the year, around the clock, with no admission fee.

Guided tours are available and offer insights into the history of bears in Bern, the transition to modern animal welfare, and behind-the-scenes aspects of bear care. BärenPark is a family-friendly destination that connects Bern’s living heritage with contemporary values of conservation and animal well-being.