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Usitour
Sightseeing

Barengraben

📍 Switzerland, Bern, riverside of the Aare, Bear Park
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Introduction

The bear is Bern's city symbol—the name 'Bern' is said to come from the German for bear (Bär), and the bear appears on the city's flags, coats of arms and fountains. The Bear Park (BärenPark) by the Aare at the east end of the old town is home to these symbols. Bears have been kept here since the 16th century, first in a pit ('Bear Pit'); in 2009 it was rebuilt into a spacious, natural modern bear park along the Aare, where several brown bears have forest, grassy slopes and river water, free to move, swim and forage, much improved in welfare. Visitors can view these beloved Bern 'city treasures' for free from the riverside path. The park is next to the old town; cross the bridge to enter it and overlook the old town embraced by the Aare. Visiting the city symbol—the bear—and feeling Bern's unique city culture is a friendly, fun stop on an old-town tour.

✨ Highlights

01
City Symbol Bear
Bern's name comes from 'bear'; the park is home to the symbolic brown bear.
02
Riverside Natural Bear Park
Rebuilt in 2009 along the Aare, bears can move, swim and forage.
03
Free Viewing
View the beloved Bern 'city treasures' for free from the riverside path.
04
Next to Old Town
Next to the old town; cross the bridge to enter and overlook the Aare's embrace.

🛈 Practical Info

→Free Opening：The bear park is free; view from the riverside path.
→Bear Activity：Bears may not be seen in winter hibernation; more active in good weather.
→Best Time：Bears are more active by day; morning or dusk is good.
→Getting There：At the east end of the old town by the Aare; tram or on foot.
→Combine：Visit with the old town and the Rose Garden.

💡 Tips

• The bear is Bern's city symbol—visiting the bear park is friendly and fun.
• Bears may not appear when hibernating; more active in good weather.
• From the bear park, cross the bridge into the old town and overlook the Aare's embrace.
• Opening and bear activity are per the official announcement.

FAQ

Any practical tips for visiting Barengraben?

The bear is Bern's city symbol—visiting the bear park is friendly and fun. Bears may not appear when hibernating; more active in good weather.

Information on this page is compiled from public sources. Opening hours, ticket prices and other details may change — please verify with official sources before your visit.