Bear Pit
Local name: Bärengraben
The bear cave together with the Bear Park are a branch of the Dählhölzli Zoological Garden in Bern. It is a place intended for breeding and protection of the bear. Soil conditions have been created here that resemble the natural habitat of this mammal. Animals have access to the Aare River.
The Bear's Cave was opened in 1857, while the Bear's Park was opened in 2009. This place is a Swiss national heritage site and is of particular importance in Bern, because the bear is a symbol of both the city and the canton surrounding it and is found in the coats of arms of these places.
Legend has it that Prince Berthold V Zähringen made vows that the first animal he hunts will become the symbol of the new city and will be given a name derived from this animal. The bear was hunted then, and the city was named Bern, from the German word for bear.
Attractions inside
