BärenPark
A bear park on a slope along the Aare River just east of the Nydegg Bridge, where the city’s symbol, the brown bear, lives. Admission is free.
The bear is the coat of arms of Bern, and the city has kept bears since the 16th century. In 2009 the old bear pits were expanded into a bear park on the riverside slope, with trees, ponds and caves. The brown bears can go down to the Aare River to swim. Entry is free, but please do not feed the animals. The old bear pit beside the park has been preserved for display, and there are a restaurant and a tourist centre on the slope. It is about 15 minutes’ walk east from the Clock Tower along the main street, across the Nydegg Bridge, and you can continue uphill to the Rose Garden.
Opening hours
Open all day (bear enclosure area approx. 08:00–17:30)
Nearby sights
- Nydeggbrücke & Matte Quarter
- Rosengarten
- Bern Minster
- Old City of Bern & Arcades
- Einsteinhaus
- Kirchenfeldbrücke
- Museum of Communication
- Bern Historical Museum & Einstein Museum