If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful city of Bern, Switzerland’s capital, one destination that should be on your must-visit list is Bärenpark – also known as Bear Park. The park is an integral part of Bern’s history and culture, offering visitors a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
A Glimpse into History
The story of bears in Bern dates back to the 12th century when Berchtold V, Duke of Zähringen founded the city. Legend says he vowed to name the city after the first animal he killed on his hunt which happened to be a bear (Bär in German). Since then, bears have become a symbol for Bern and are featured prominently on its coat-of-arms.
Starting from 1513 till 1857, live bears were kept at Bärenplatz (Bear Square) right in heart of town. In 1857 they were moved into more spacious quarters -the Bear Pit or ‘Bärengraben’. Over time this became too small and outdated by modern zoo standards so it was replaced with today’s Bärenpark.
Bärenpark: A Modern Haven for Bears
In October 2009, after extensive renovation work costing around CHF24 million ($26 million), Bärenpark opened its doors (or rather gates) as a new home for Bern’s resident brown bears. Covering an area over six times larger than old pit at approximately 6’000 square meters , it provides ample space for Finn and Björk – two Finnish brown bears who arrived here in early years – along with their offspring Ursina born later.
Beyond just being larger though, Bärenpark offers much more natural environment compared old pit did; there are trees providing shade during hot summer days along with a pool for bears to swim in. The park is designed such that it mirrors the natural habitat of brown bears as closely as possible, giving them the freedom to roam around, play and rest.
Visitor Experience
Bärenpark offers an unforgettable experience for visitors too. You can observe these majestic creatures from various viewing platforms located throughout park or even catch sight of them swimming underwater through special glass panels installed near their pool.
Apart from bear-watching, you can learn about history and life of Bern’s bears at information points scattered across park. There are also guided tours available which provide deeper insights into lives of Bärenpark’s residents along with fascinating stories related to city’s long-standing bear tradition.
The entrance to Bärenpark is free making it accessible for everyone irrespective of budget constraints. It remains open all year round except during certain periods when bears hibernate (usually between late November and March).
Location & Accessibility
Bärenpark is conveniently located just a short walk away from Old Town – Bern’s historic center – making it easy reach on foot while exploring city. If you prefer public transport though, there are several bus stops nearby including ‘Bärenplatz’ stop serviced by buses 10, 12, 21 among others.
The park itself is wheelchair-friendly with most areas being easily accessible thanks ramps installed at key spots; this includes viewing platforms as well which have been designed keeping accessibility mind.
In Conclusion
No visit to Bern would be complete without spending some time at Bärenpark – a living testament to the city’s rich heritage intertwined with its love for these magnificent creatures called bears. Whether you’re an animal lover or not, the charm of watching these animals in their natural-like habitat against backdrop picturesque Swiss landscape will surely leave lasting impression on you. So make sure to include Bärenpark in your Bern itinerary!
Frequently asked questions
What is the Bärenpark in Bern and why is it significant?
The BärenPark, also known as the Bear Park, is a major tourist attraction located in Switzerland’s capital city of Bern. It serves as a home to several brown bears and has been part of the city’s history for centuries. The bear has been a symbol of Bern since at least the 12th century, and keeping live bears became a tradition that evolved into what we now know as BärenPark. Today, this modern park provides an enriched habitat for its resident bears where they can climb, fish, and play.
Where exactly is Bärenpark located in Bern? How do I get there?
BärenPark is situated right next to Old Town in Bern. You can easily reach it by foot from most parts of central Bern within 10-15 minutes or via public transportation; tram number 6 (direction Worb Dorf), bus number 10 (direction Ostermundigen Rüti) or bus number 12 (direction Zentrum Paul Klee), all stop at ‘Bärenplatz’. From there you just need to cross Nydeggbrücke bridge and follow signs down towards the river Aare where you will find BärenPark.
What are the opening hours for visiting Bärenpark? Is there any entrance fee?
Bärengarten itself does not have specific opening hours because it’s an open-air park which means visitors can enter anytime throughout day or night. However, if you want to visit during feeding times when activity among bears tends to be high – usually between morning till early afternoon – check out their website for exact timing updates. Entry into Bärengarten is free but donations are appreciated as they help support maintenance costs associated with providing quality care for its residents.
What can visitors expect to see and do at Bärenpark?
Visitors at the BärenPark will have the opportunity to observe brown bears in a spacious, natural environment. The park offers various viewing platforms that provide different perspectives on the bear enclosure. Besides watching bears, there are also educational displays providing information about Bern’s history with bears and conservation efforts. In addition, there is a playground for children and nearby you’ll find Altenbergsteg bridge which offers panoramic views over Aare river.
Is Bärenpark accessible for families or individuals with special needs?
BärenPark is designed to be inclusive and accessible for everyone, including those with mobility challenges or special needs. There are clearly marked wheelchair routes throughout the park as well as disabled parking spaces near the entrance. Additionally, most of the paths within BärenPark are paved making it easy for strollers or wheelchairs to navigate around. Families will appreciate facilities like baby changing rooms available onsite too.