The Bears of Bern
Bears are the symbol of Bern – legend says Duke Berchtold V named the city after the first animal he hunted here. Since 1513, live bears have been kept in Bern as living symbols of the city.
Today, three brown bears – Ursina, Finn, and Björk – live in a spacious naturalistic enclosure along the Aare River. The modern Bear Park opened in 2009, replacing cramped historic bear pits with 6,000 square meters of riverside habitat.
Visiting Information
- • Location: Grosser Muristalden (below Old Town)
- • Hours: Open 24/7, free admission
- • Best time: Morning or late afternoon when bears are most active
- • Facilities: Viewing platforms, information panels, nearby Old Bear Pit museum