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, the Bear Park is a riverside visit that pairs perfectly with an Old Town walking loop: bridges, river views, and a classic “Bern symbol” stop in the same area.
Visiting Information
- • Location: Grosser Muristalden (below Old Town)
- • Best time: Morning or late afternoon (and especially nice in softer light)
- • How long: 20–45 minutes is usually enough unless you linger on the river paths
- • Pair it with: a bridge-view photo stop and a slow Old Town loop back to the center
How to fit Bear Park into your day
Bear Park works best as a chapter of a walking day, not a standalone destination. If you’re short on time, treat it as a quick riverside detour — then continue the loop back into the Old Town.
- 1) Do an Old Town loop (arcades + fountains).
- 2) Head toward the river and cross a bridge for views.
- 3) Stop by Bear Park, then climb back to a viewpoint or café.
For a ready-made structure, use the Old Town walking tour and add Bear Park as the riverside stop.
Good pairings nearby
If you want the visit to feel “complete,” add one more nearby stop — either a viewpoint or a riverside walk segment.
Next reads
Keep exploring Bern with guides that pair well with this one.
Accuracy note
Hours, tickets, and seasonal access can change. We link to primary sources where it helps and keep guides updated—but always verify time-sensitive details before you go.