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Bear Park (BärenPark) in Bern, Switzerland, is one of the most unique and cherished attractions in the city. Located on the banks of the Aare River near the Old Town, the park is a modern and animal-friendly space where bears can roam, climb, bathe, and rest in a natural environment. The bear is an important symbol of Bern, appearing on its coat of arms and deeply embedded in its history. Bear Park offers a blend of cultural heritage, wildlife observation, and beautiful scenic views, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.
Bear Park is conveniently located close to Bern’s Old Town. If you're arriving by train, get off at Bern’s main railway station (Bahnhof Bern). From there, you can either walk for about 20 minutes through the scenic Old Town or take tram number 12 toward "Zentrum Paul Klee" and get off at the "Bärengraben" stop, which is right next to the park. Bus lines and taxis also serve this route. The location is well connected and easy to access via public transportation or on foot.
Bern experiences a moderate climate, which means you can visit Bear Park comfortably throughout the year. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer pleasant temperatures and colorful landscapes. Summer (June to August) is warm with average daytime temperatures ranging between 20°C and 28°C (68°F–82°F), perfect for spending time outdoors. Winter (December to February) can be chilly and occasionally snowy, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. However, the park remains a beautiful place to visit even in winter, with its serene views and quiet ambiance.
Bear Park is open 24 hours a day and every day of the year. Since it is an open-air park and part of the public space, there is no restriction on visiting hours. However, the best time to see the bears is during daylight hours, especially in the morning or early afternoon when the animals are most active. During colder months, the bears may hibernate, so visibility might be limited. Nearby facilities like the visitor center and restrooms follow standard daytime operating hours.
Bear Park is famous because it symbolizes the very identity of Bern. According to legend, the city was named after the first animal hunted by its founder, Duke Berchtold V of Zähringen — a bear. Since the 16th century, Bern has kept live bears as a symbol of strength, courage, and pride. The current Bear Park replaced the old Bärengraben (bear pit) to offer the animals a more natural and humane environment. Today, visitors can see bears up close in a setting that mimics their natural habitat, while enjoying scenic views of the Aare River and Old Town.
One of the most attractive aspects of Bear Park is that it is completely free to enter. There is no ticket required to explore the park, watch the bears, or walk along the terraced pathways and footbridges that connect the area. The park is wheelchair-accessible and family-friendly, with various observation platforms and rest areas. Guided tours may be offered by Bern Tourism at an additional charge, and nearby restaurants, souvenir shops, and the bear-themed gift stalls add to the visitor experience.
The tradition of keeping bears in Bern dates back to at least 1513, when the city first maintained live bears in a pit (Bärengraben). Over time, the practice was criticized for its inhumane conditions, leading to the creation of Bear Park in 2009. The new park replaced the small, circular pit with a spacious, terraced hillside that includes trees, grass, a flowing stream, and rock formations, offering the bears a far better quality of life. The old bear pit still exists adjacent to the park and has been transformed into a visitor attraction with historical exhibits and panoramic viewpoints.
There are many enjoyable activities for visitors to do at Bear Park:
