Barenpark
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.0
1,551 reviews
Excellent
557
Very good
565
Average
322
Poor
70
Terrible
37
B1714D
Belgrade, Serbia16,140 contributions
Mar 2022
Bear is the symbol of Swiss capital - it's even on its flag.
Barenpark is a small circular pit set beneath the Rose garden and before the bridge leading to the city center.
However, we waited some 20 min but no bear got out - maybe because it was pretty hot and sunny.
Barenpark is a small circular pit set beneath the Rose garden and before the bridge leading to the city center.
However, we waited some 20 min but no bear got out - maybe because it was pretty hot and sunny.
Written April 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
VinnieLondon
Doha, Qatar9,068 contributions
May 2022 • Solo
The old bear pit looked very pitiful so it is hod to see a more natural large enclosure down to the river on the hillside. Was fortunate to see two of the bears. It was still nice to see the traditional brown bears in the city ..the good news is apparently they are taken to much larger woodland retreats during certain months of the year. Worth a view and a walk Stan to the riverside trails past the enclosures.
Written June 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Fillone
Castel San Pietro, Switzerland201 contributions
Aug 2021
One of the symbols of Bern, the Barenpark is a nice (and free!) spot to visit. If you visit during the the warmer months you may see a family of 3 bears playing and going around their pit and the nicely done park built specifically for them. It's nice to seem relax on a three branch or taking a bath in the water. The bears are well kept and fed and are nice to see for both younger generations as well as older ones.
Since this is not an "attraction" per se, you can visit the bears and spend between 15 and 45 minutes walking around the enclosure.
Since this is not an "attraction" per se, you can visit the bears and spend between 15 and 45 minutes walking around the enclosure.
Written August 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChrisIeuan
The Hague, The Netherlands44 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Three big brown bears bored senseless in a small and dry ‘pit’! The bear is the symbol of the City yet these poor creatures are confined for our entertainment. The city itself is stunning and this has ruined my impression of the place. Please boycott!
Written September 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
swissmiss1
Porrentruy, Switzerland70 contributions
May 2022
Three bears are pretty close up. Arrive just before 12:00 and they are trying to get in the doors to their feeding area. The doors open at 12.:00 and off they go. A bit sad, in terms of the environment (not really big and natural for them), but still something very interesting to see. Kids will love it.
Written May 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JHMTTL
Woodbine, MD1,583 contributions
Jul 2021
Barenpark is a short walk from Old Town across the bridge. You can see the bears relaxing among the trees. You can take stairs or an elevator down to the riverbank to get better views of the bears, their den, or just walk along the waterfront.
Written December 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Traveller48570
Scarsdale, NY56 contributions
May 2014 • Friends
I saw the bears originally about 20 years ago when they were in a cement pit, which is right next to the new place. To the new place, I give kudos to the town for creating a more humane environment for the bears.
As far as it really being an "attraction" I would say that it isn't. It is just a couple of bears wandering around their new green environs. There is nothing special about it. There is also still the question about keeping wild animals in captivity. Is it humane or not? I wonder what Peta would have to say about it? I say no to it, and to the fact that I visited it.
As far as it really being an "attraction" I would say that it isn't. It is just a couple of bears wandering around their new green environs. There is nothing special about it. There is also still the question about keeping wild animals in captivity. Is it humane or not? I wonder what Peta would have to say about it? I say no to it, and to the fact that I visited it.
Written July 27, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hereandsnow
Tel Aviv, Israel38 contributions
Jan 2014 • Solo
Boycott this place. Keeping wild animals in captivity cruelty. Enjoy the medieval architecture and the beautiful sight from the Rosengarten instead.
Written January 22, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Normanta
London, UK530 contributions
Dec 2013 • Couples
The bears (Brown bears) are no longer kept in the traditional pit. Instead they have pleasant paddocks in the steep slopes overlooking the river Aar, opposite the Altstadt (Old Town). When a visiting dignitary comes to Bern, then a couple of bears maybe brought into the old pits for him or her to gaze at.
However there is little point in going there in the winter as the bears are hibernating and hidden from view.
There are two pits as well as the grassed enclosures and with a visitor centre this is called the Bärenpark (bear park). Inside the visitor centre is a tourist information point, cafe and toilets.
However there is little point in going there in the winter as the bears are hibernating and hidden from view.
There are two pits as well as the grassed enclosures and with a visitor centre this is called the Bärenpark (bear park). Inside the visitor centre is a tourist information point, cafe and toilets.
Written December 27, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sagar D
United Kingdom398 contributions
Sep 2019 • Couples
We came across the bear pit on the way down from the Rosegarten in the old district.
I was deeply distressed to see 3 large bears in the ‘pit’. The signs extolled the virtues of the enclosures suggesting the area was ‘extensive’ with opportunities for the bears to dig, climb and swim. Poppycock!
What I observed was 3 large bears in a dry, confined space. There was no soft ground for them to dig. Deeply disturbing to view was one of the bears vainly pawing at a closed door trying to escape the gawping public. There was nowhere for this poor, wretched creature to retreat to.
I was truly shocked and appalled. This is inhumane treatment and should not continue in this day and age. Poor creatures. Shame on you Bern and Switzerland!!!!!
I was deeply distressed to see 3 large bears in the ‘pit’. The signs extolled the virtues of the enclosures suggesting the area was ‘extensive’ with opportunities for the bears to dig, climb and swim. Poppycock!
What I observed was 3 large bears in a dry, confined space. There was no soft ground for them to dig. Deeply disturbing to view was one of the bears vainly pawing at a closed door trying to escape the gawping public. There was nowhere for this poor, wretched creature to retreat to.
I was truly shocked and appalled. This is inhumane treatment and should not continue in this day and age. Poor creatures. Shame on you Bern and Switzerland!!!!!
Written September 11, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
LaDamianina
Milan, Italy74 contributions
Sono ammessi i cani di piccola taglia?
Mirco C
Grosseto, Italy103 contributions
Purtroppo non so rispondere alla sua domanda.
Andy_Berry91
Berlin, Germany
Lohnt sich ein Besuch auch im Dezember oder ist das Gelände im Winterschlaf uninteressant?
olga e
Bern, Switzerland15 contributions
die gehege ist leer, die Bären sind im Winter Quartier,aber es ist trotzdem schön über die Nydeggbrücke zu laufen und auf die Aare zu schauen. ich liebe es zu jede Jahreszeit.
hilfreich?
elainesharkey1
London, UK1 contribution
We are visiting Bern in August 2017 but have been told the bears have been moved and are no longer here. Is this correct?
alexandra s
London, UK55 contributions
They are there for sure - free to roam in a lovely big new enclosure running along the river.
BornToTravel
Blue Bell, PA290 contributions
I want to visit this when I'm in Switzerland late September 2015. When do you expect the bears to be back?
Jen S
10 contributions
There are many other lovely things to see and do in Bern. Most importantly float down the river with the locals....
Shailajaty
Hamburg, Germany11 contributions
Hi can someone tell me how many bears are housed in this bear park. Also is it totally closed for now or are some parts open and we can see a few bears. Thanks.
Fabian S
Karlsruhe, Germany29 contributions
I SAW 2 of them
Barenpark (Bern) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Barenpark
- We recommend booking Barenpark tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 Barenpark tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Barenpark:
- (0.15 mi) Hotel Landhaus
- (0.19 mi) Boutique Hotel Belle Epoque
- (0.18 mi) Bed & Kitchen am Tavelweg
- (0.18 mi) Hotel Nydeck
- (0.22 mi) gg27 Bed & Breakfast
- Restaurants near Barenpark:
- (0.01 mi) Altes Tramdepot Brewery & Restaurant
- (0.03 mi) Eiswerkstatt
- (0.10 mi) Klosterli Weincafe
- (0.06 mi) Brasserie Barengraben
- (0.09 mi) Restaurant Muehlirad