Bear Pit
Bern
The Bear Pit (Bärengraben) in Bern is a historic animal enclosure located at the eastern edge of the old city, adjacent to the Nydeggbrücke and the River Aar. It serves as a symbol of Bern, whose coat of arms features a black bear, reflecting the city's deep-rooted connection to this animal. The current pit, opened in 1857, is the fourth iteration of bear enclosures in Bern and is part of the city's Dählhölzli Zoo. Due to concerns over animal welfare and evolving legal standards, the traditional pit was supplemented in 2009 by the BärenPark, a large, naturalistic habitat that allows bears to roam freely along the riverbank. The BärenPark spans approximately 5,000 square meters and is connected to the original pit by a tunnel, enabling bears to move between the two areas. The site is recognized as a Swiss heritage site of national significance. Visitors can observe the bears in both the historic pit and the modern park, which features natural vegetation, sleeping caves, and feeding areas designed for animal welfare. Accessibility has been improved with the installation of the "BäreBähnli" inclined lift, providing wheelchair-friendly access from the riverbank to the upper park areas. The Bear Pit remains an iconic cultural landmark in Bern, reflecting centuries of tradition and the city's emblematic relationship with bears.
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Consejo: Visit the Bear Pit and BärenPark year-round, as the park is open 24/7. The best time to see active bears is during spring and summer when they emerge from winter rest. Use public transport from Bern's main station (Bus No. 12 to BärenPark) for easy access. Take advantage of the free "BäreBähnli" inclined lift for barrier-free movement between park levels. Purchasing tickets or planning visits ahead is recommended during peak tourist seasons. The small adjacent pit is accessible to the public for events and offers a unique perspective on the historic enclosure.
Datos interesantes
- •The bear is the official symbol of Bern and appears on the city and canton coat of arms.
- •The Bear Pit is a Swiss heritage site of national significance.
- •The BärenPark allows bears to roam freely in a 5,000 square meter naturalistic environment alongside the River Aar.
- •The Bear Pit has appeared briefly in the James Bond film 'On Her Majesty's Secret Service'.
- •The children's book series 'Mary Plain' features the Bear Pit as the home of the titular bear character.
Historia
The tradition of keeping bears in Bern dates back to at least 1513, with the bear as the city's symbol since its founding in 1191.
The first bear pit was located at today's Bärenplatz.
The current Bear Pit, opened in 1857, is the fourth such enclosure.
It was expanded in 1925 with a smaller pit for raising cubs.
Renovations in the 1990s improved conditions, but concerns about animal welfare led to the creation of the BärenPark in 2009, a large naturalistic enclosure along the River Aar.
The historic pit remains part of the bear habitat, linked by a tunnel to the new park.
In 2015, an inclined lift was added to enhance accessibility.
Guía del lugar
Historic Bear Pit (Bärengraben)1857
The original bear enclosure dating from 1857, featuring stone walls and a pit where bears were traditionally kept. It is connected via tunnel to the modern BärenPark and is part of the heritage site.
BärenPark2009
A large, naturalistic bear habitat opened in 2009, covering about 5,000 square meters along the River Aar. It provides bears with sleeping caves, feeding areas, and natural vegetation, allowing them to roam freely.
BäreBähnli Inclined Lift2015
An accessible inclined lift built in 2015 that connects the upper park area with the riverbank, providing wheelchair-friendly access through the park.
Contacto
Teléfono: 031 321 15 25