16°
Bern has spared no expense to ensure the welfare of its heraldic animals. It cost millions of dollars to replace the legendary bear pit with a modern park in which they can climb, fish, play and withdraw. The 6,000 square meters large premises range from the erstwhile bear pit on the banks of the Aare (opposite the Old Town) to the river.
The "Bear Pit", which still exists, and remains at the bears' disposal, has been listed as one of the federal cultural objects of national significance and has been included in the highest cantonal preservation category. The pit is connected to the park via a tunnel.
Guests can go on a tour of the old bear pit as well as the new bear park, accompanied by the bear keeper. They get to see the new park with its green hilly terrain, which includes caves and the "Bear Bath" in the Aare River. The highlight is the feeding of the young bear couple - viewed from a safe distance.
The "Bear Pit", which still exists, and remains at the bears' disposal, has been listed as one of the federal cultural objects of national significance and has been included in the highest cantonal preservation category. The pit is connected to the park via a tunnel.
Guests can go on a tour of the old bear pit as well as the new bear park, accompanied by the bear keeper. They get to see the new park with its green hilly terrain, which includes caves and the "Bear Bath" in the Aare River. The highlight is the feeding of the young bear couple - viewed from a safe distance.
4 Comments
Graham in Canberra
We visited this horror some years ago and It shook my belief that Switzerland was a forward thinking country. These poor miserable animals are still treated so poorly. They should be traeted in a much better environment. Swiss myopia at large with no respect for creatures other than for contained space to gawk at and of course the attraction of visitor spending in nthe City. Damned animals!!
Wednesday, Oct 31, 2012 11:25 PM
KT
I agree with Amy. This is so much better than the concrete pits but what would be EVEN BETTER would be to retire the bears to a sanctuary or release them back into the wild. I will be urging everyone I know not to visit Bern until the bears are no longer there.
Thursday, Oct 4, 2012 7:06 PM
amy
Switzerland needs to abolish this park completley. I'm glad it was finally upgraded from the concrete hole in the ground where they used to live, but this is still not right. If Switzerland (Bern) really loves the bear they should be free to roam and live normal bear lives. Put them into rebahilitation or a wildlife sanctuary. Shame on Switzerland. I'm sorry but I will not be visiting the city of Bern.
Friday, Sep 21, 2012 8:16 PM
Christina
Nice. I might like to visit someday.
Tuesday, Dec 27, 2011 4:35 PM