🐻 Relaxed Moments at Bern’s BearPark – Watching the City Symbol

Visiting Bern’s BearPark felt like stepping into a thoughtful blend of city tradition and gentle wildlife. The park sits at the edge of the Old Town, overlooking the Aare River and ancient stone walls. It offers a spacious hillside habitat where the city’s iconic bears—mother Björk, father Finn, and their daughter Ursina—roam, swim, and nap in full view of visitors. What I really liked was how accessible and open the park is. It’s completely free, and you can visit any time of day. We took the inclined panoramic lift (called the BäreBähnli) down to the lower riverside path, which gave us a different angle of the bears and the scenic Aare River flowing through Bern. We were lucky to spot one of the bears basking in the sun, climbing around on rocks and foraging—so calm and natural. Even when they’re not visible, the surrounding area is peaceful and great for a quiet walk or photo stop. There are also signs explaining the history of the bear in Bern’s coat of arms and their presence in the city’s history. The old bear pit (Bärengraben) nearby is now an educational space and makes for a nice detour, especially if you’re curious about how bear care has evolved over time. I’d say this is a must-visit if you’re exploring Bern’s Old Town—it’s not just about seeing bears, but also soaking in the serene vibes along the Aare with the iconic bridges and terraced city backdrop. #summervacay #switzerlandtrip #berntrip #bern #bearpark #urbanwildlife #swisstravel #aareview #bernoldtown