Learn about one of Bern’s major attractions that dates back to the 1800s. Watch brown bears clamber around the park.
The Bear Pits is a historic enclosure in a park where you can see majestic creatures playing, eating and swimming. For many years, the site consisted solely of one large pit and a smaller one for cubs. However, the pits have now been incorporated into a large park along the picturesque setting of the River Aar.
Walk along the circuit on the bend of the river and look up at the bear enclosure, which is on a slanted hill with grass, trees and, in spring, daffodil blooms. Climb the steps beside the park to reach the upper viewing point for an alternative look. Watch the bears climbing over branches and enjoying their spacious habitat. See them playing in the water.
Visit in the summer to see them most active. Like wild bears, they hibernate in the winter, so they hardly move for several months. The pits date back to 1857 and were renovated several times over the years to improve the bears’ conditions. The animals still have access to the old pit, although the small cub version is now used for events, such as cocktail parties.
Take a guided 1-hour tour of the park for a reasonable price. You must book in advance from the park’s website. Learn about the history of the bear and its place in Bern’s culture.
Brown bears have lived in the forests of Switzerland for thousands of years. The bear has been the symbol of Bern for many centuries, with a legend relating to Duke Berthold V of Zähringen in the 12th century.
The trail around the edges of the park and enclosure remains open all the time. You may be able to speak to one of the keepers about the bears in the morning or afternoon near feeding time.
The Bear Pits sit on the eastern edge of the old city, just beyond a bend in the River Aar. Arrive by the bus that stops right next to the bear complex.
