Open-air theater The last bear of Jungtal

After the successes of "Der letzte Sander" in 2003 and "Wir sind Jesus" in 2011, the "Alpenrösli" Zaniglas theater association has decided to produce another open-air theater in 2026. The world premiere will take place on August 21, 2026.

The creation of the play

The story of the shooting of the last bear in the municipality of St. Niklaus, the so-called Jungtalbär, was always on people's lips and was passed on from generation to generation with great fascination. According to oral tradition, it was shot by Alois Pollinger (famous Zaniglas mountaineer and mountain guide). The paw still hangs in the middle of the village center of St. Niklaus, on the old Pollinger house, "Haus Balma", which was built in 1740. Mario Fux, author and director of the "Alpenrösli" theater association, has written a play based on these stories, which is set to premiere on 21 August 2026.

The story

In 1870, the people of Zaniglas live in harsh conditions. The meagre agriculture is barely enough to survive and emigration characterizes everyday life. Only the emergence of tourism after the first ascent of the Matterhorn in 1865 brings cautious hope: the mountain guide trade is established and the first hotels create work.

In the midst of this period are Rafael and Rita, a young couple who work hard to provide a decent life for themselves and their families. But fate hits them hard: Rafael's father is killed by the last bear in the area, the dreaded "Jungtal bear".

The bear terrifies the village. It kills farm animals, raids beehives and threatens the fragile balance in the valley. Everyone agrees that it must be killed. A dangerous hunt begins - a decision that will irrevocably change the village and its people.

Rehearsals have been running since September 2025

This is the third time in its 90-year history that the "Alpenrösli" theater association has ventured into open-air theater. The actors, under director Mario Fux, have been busy rehearsing since September 2025 so that everything will be ready for the world premiere on August 21, 2026.

All information about the open-air theater and tickets can be found on the website www.jungtalbaer.ch.

Ticket prices adults CHF 52, children CHF 32

How to get there

It is possible to travel to and from Grächen by public transport. After the Friday and Saturday performances, the bus leaves St. Niklaus at 11.12 pm. There is an extra bus after the Wednesday and Sunday performances.