Bear Park

Bärpark

A modern facility housing brown bears, Bern's historic symbol, in a spacious riverside habitat that respects animal welfare. The park connects to the bear pits where bears have been kept since the 16th century, combining history with contemporary zoo standards.

Things to do

• Watch bears from the riverside terrace — Observe the brown bears in their spacious habitat from the elevated viewing platform overlooking the Aare River, especially active during morning and late afternoon feeding times.
• Explore the historic bear pits — Visit the original 16th-century Bärengraben (bear pits) adjacent to the modern park to understand Bern's centuries-old relationship with bears as the city's heraldic symbol.
• Walk the Aare River promenade — Stroll along the scenic riverside path that connects Bear Park to Bern's old town, offering views of the bears' habitat and the medieval cityscape.
• Learn bear behavior at information stations — Read detailed educational panels throughout the park explaining brown bear ecology, conservation efforts, and the individual bears' histories and personalities.
• Photography from designated viewpoints — Capture images of the bears from multiple vantage points designed for optimal sightlines while maintaining animal welfare standards.

Food to try

• Bernese Rösti — A crispy potato pancake often topped with cheese and onions, a hearty regional specialty found in nearby old town restaurants just a short walk from the park.
• Emmental cheese — The famous Swiss hard cheese with characteristic holes, produced in the nearby Emmental region and available fresh at local markets and cafés.
• Älplermagronen — Creamy alpine pasta mixed with potatoes and onions, a traditional comfort dish reflecting Bern's mountain heritage served at casual local eateries.
• Berner Platte — A massive platter of cured meats, sausages, and potatoes representing Bernese tradition, typically shared among groups at hearty regional restaurants.
• Swiss hot chocolate — Rich, thick drinking chocolate made with real melted chocolate and milk, perfect for warming up at cafés overlooking the Aare and park.

Local customs & good to know

• Bears are Bern's civic identity — The city coat of arms features bears, and locals take great pride in the animals as symbols of Bern; respectful observation is deeply valued.
• Visit during feeding times for best experience — The bears are most active and visible during scheduled feeding periods in the morning and late afternoon, so plan your visit accordingly.
• Observe quiet, respectful behavior — Swiss visitors and locals maintain quiet conversation and avoid sudden movements or loud noises near the habitat to minimize stress on the animals.
• Combine with old town exploration — Many visitors spend a few hours at Bear Park, then cross the Nydeggbrücke bridge to explore Bern's UNESCO-listed medieval old town just minutes away.