BärenPark (Bear Park)

The BärenPark, or Bear Park, in Bern sits on the steep bank of the Aare River, just below the Old Town and beside the Nydegg Bridge. Bern’s name is linked in popular tradition to the bear, and the animal appears on the city’s coat of arms, on fountains and on souvenirs. Bears have been kept in the city for centuries, and the old Bärengraben, the bear pit, was in use from the 19th century until the park replaced it. The new BärenPark opened in 2009 as a much more natural enclosure, with an area of around 6,000 square metres running down the slope between the old pit and the river.

A shallow stretch of river water known as the Bear Bath lets the animals cool off. The enclosure uses real features of the landscape: grassy slopes, rocks, tree trunks, a stretch of riverbank and shallow water the bears can swim in. Hidden caves and a cooler shaded area give the animals shelter on hot days, and a feeding programme encourages natural foraging behaviour. The slope also gives visitors several vantage points: you can look down from the top near the old pit, from the middle terrace, or from the bottom close to the water, where the Aare River runs past. The old bear pit is protected as a cultural monument and still forms part of the enclosure, connected to the new area by a tunnel the bears can use.

Guided tours can add background, and an inclined lift and paths make the park accessible, and the walk from the Old Town down to it is steep but short. The Nydegg Bridge crosses just above the park, and the Nydeggkirche church and the Matte district lie close by. Information panels explain the bears’ habits, the city’s bear tradition and the thinking behind the new design, and the park is a good example of how Bern reworked an old tradition for modern animal care. The Bear Pit, the former Bärengraben, is kept as part of the site. For a view of the whole site, cross the bridge or go up to the Rosengarten, from which the park and the old town appear together.

The bears are the main interest, but how active they are depends on the season, the time of day and the weather. Early morning and late afternoon often bring more movement, while on hot days the animals tend to rest in the shade. As with any zoo-style attraction, patience pays off. The park is also a good starting point for a walk along the Aare through the Matte or up toward the Barenplatz in the centre.

It suits families, wildlife fans and anyone curious about Bern’s symbol. It is free to visit, and it fits easily into a morning in the Old Town.