Bear pit, Bear pit in Bern, Switzerland
The bear pit in Bern is a deep stone enclosure near the Aare River, connected to a modern park area that extends along the riverbank. The facility spans multiple levels, giving the animals room to move and explore different zones.
Bern's tradition of keeping bears began in 1441, and the current facility opened in 1857 as the fourth location for this practice. The site thus bridges more than 600 years of history with modern animal care standards.
The bear holds a central place in Bern's identity as the city's coat of arms animal, and this connection remains visible in how the space is maintained and presented to visitors today.
The site is free to visit year-round and offers walking paths along the riverbank with good views from multiple vantage points. Guided tours are available if you want to learn more about the animals and how the space is managed.
The park spans multiple elevation levels, a design feature that sets it apart from traditional enclosures where animals are confined to flat ground. This layout lets the bears move between different heights, mimicking how they would naturally use varied terrain.
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