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Barenpark, Bern

3.2
#6 of 17 in Sightseeing in Bern
Monument Tourist Spot
See the bears of the capital city at Barenpark, a brown bear shelter on the eastern edge of the city's Old Town. According to local legend, Bern got its name from a bear caught by Duke Berthold von Zahringen, the founder of the city. Bern's bear saga continues at this "bear pit," which underwent a massive reconstruction project in 2009. The spacious riverside park now spans over 6,000 sq m (65,000 sq ft), featuring a hibernation cave and secure areas where the animals can freely roam. Take a self-guided walk through this bear world, or call ahead to book a guided tour with an expert bear keeper. Using our custom trip planner, Bern attractions like Barenpark can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.
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  • It's located at the end of Marktgasse across the bridge, during which you will pass the Clock Tower, Einstein Cafe and Nydeggbrucke. Below the Nydeggbrucke, there is a crystal clear Aare river surroun...  more »
  • As we walked through Bern, it was easy to walk to see the bears. I am not a huge fan of keeping animals in captivity, but if you have never seen bear, this is a great place to go.  more »
  • We were lucky as it was feeding time when we Went down to the river. 2 of the Bears Went to the water to find their food.  more »
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Where to stay in Bern

In historic Bern, the bulk of the accommodation offerings are confined to the peninsula, where the Old Town or "Altstadt" is located. Staying here gives you the convenience of being within walking distance to everything--which will come in handy in this generally car-free area. Throughout the Old Town you'll find a number of mid-range three-star hotels complete with their original 19th-century characteristics. A couple hostels and pensions round out the options here, though these tend to be a bit more expensive than one might expect. Outside of the Old Town, there are a few hotels with cheaper rates, though you compromise on convenience and atmosphere. The city also boasts a few stunning four- and five-star hotels, should your budget be forgiving.
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