The picture shows the bear park in Bern, with a bear on the banks of a clear water enclosure. A bridge, river and green hills are visible in the background. There is an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity in the natural surroundings.

City of bears

Published: 26.08.2024

Since its foundation, the city of Bern has been strongly associated with bears. To this day, the bear is still present on flags, fountains and buildings and the real live version can be visited in the freely accessible Bearpark.

A bear from the BärenPark Bern poses in front of the charming backdrop of the old town and the river, a symbol of the city in harmonious coexistence with nature and history.

A bear in the BärenPark Bern is visibly enjoying the cool water as it chases after an apple - a moment of peace and pleasure in the midst of nature.

The picture shows a small group of people chatting at a fountain in a street in Bern. In the background, the Zytglogge tower towers above the scene, surrounded by Swiss and cantonal flags.

The photo shows a close-up of the Zähringerbrunnen in Bern with a bear in armour holding a flag against a background of city buildings and blue sky.

Many bears are roaming the city

In 2009, right next to the bear pit – one of Bern’s landmarks –, the Bearpark was created. It is an environment for the bears to climb around, fish and play in, but it also offers them a space to retreat. The park is open to visitors all year round and admission is free. There are places around the park where you can sit down and take photos.

But the old bear pit, or rather, the new Bearpark is not the only place to see bears. Many bears are roaming the city: They can be found as sculptures on fountains, as decorations on clocks and façades, or even made of hazelnut gingerbread or chocolate, as well as in many more places and shapes.