Family Fun in Bern: Saying Hello to the Brown Bears
**Family Fun in Bern: Saying Hello to the Brown Bears**
Bern is renowned for its picturesque medieval streets, crystal‑clear lake, and friendly inhabitants. Yet a lesser‑known gem of the city is the chance to encounter the gentle brown bears that live in the nearby hills. Families looking to blend culture, nature, and wildlife will find this adventure unforgettable.
Bern’s suburban outskirts and surrounding forested hills are home to a small but thriving population of brown bears. These bears are typically shy, preferring the tranquility of the woods to the bustle of the city. Visitors rarely see them up close, but the municipal wildlife sanctuary offers safe viewing opportunities.
Bern Bear Sanctuary
The official Bern Bear Sanctuary sits in the Blumenau district, just a short tram ride from the city center. Managed by the Bern City Council, the sanctuary provides a naturalistic enclosure for the bears, a visitor center, and educational signage that tells the story of the animals’ history in the region.
- Operating hours: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Wednesday–Sunday)
- Guided walks: Available every 2 hours, led by knowledgeable rangers.
- Ticket price: CHF 8 for adults, CHF 5 for children (6‑15), free for children under 6.
Nearby Forest Trails
For families who enjoy hiking, the Waldweg (Forest Path) offers scenic trails that pass close to the bear habitat. Keep a respectful distance—15 m is the recommended safe zone. The forest is also home to other wildlife such as deer, foxes, and numerous bird species, making for a rich nature experience.
| What to Bring | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Good walking shoes | Durable soles keep you comfortable on uneven terrain. |
| Water & snacks | Hydrate and snack between guided stops. |
| Camera/phone | Capture memories; remember to respect privacy of animals. |
| Notebook | Jot down interesting facts for kids to remember. |
Family‑Friendly Tips
- Arrive early: Popular on weekends; early arrival reduces crowd and gives a calmer atmosphere.
- Respect nature: Stick to marked paths; refrain from feeding the bears (they are carnivorous and trained to avoid human food).
- Keep quiet: Soft voices help maintain the bears’ natural behavior and protect the tranquility of the surroundings.
Although bears in the sanctuary are habituated and safe, it’s important to follow basic guidelines:
- Never approach the enclosure gates.
- Stay on designated walkways.
- Maintain a respectful distance at all times.
- Follow ranger instructions.
- Keep pets leashed or remove them during the visit.
1. Are the bears in the sanctuary fully wild?
Yes, the bears are naturalized and are not domesticated, though they are accustomed to human presence in their protected environment.
2. Can children see the bears from the outside of the enclosure?
Yes, the enclosure is designed for clear visibility while protecting both visitors and animals.
3. Is there a guided tour that includes the surrounding forest?
The sanctuary offers short guided walks that discuss both the bears and forest ecology; additional forest tours are available through local tour operators.
4. Do I need to bring a stroller?
Strollers are permissible, though they should be kept on path edges to avoid disturbing wildlife.
5. How does Bern protect the bears?
Bear preservation is part of Bern’s environmental policy; the sanctuary funds conservation projects and educates the public on responsible wildlife stewardship.
- Bern Bear Sanctuary Official Site – https://www.bernbear.ch
- City of Bern Tourism Guide – https://www.bernswiss.ch/en/activities/animals-and-nature
- Swiss Nature Organization – Wildlife Conservation – https://www.swissnature.ch/en/wildlife/
- Bern Public Transport – Tram Timetables – https://www.bvg.admin.ch/en/plan-train-tram.html
- Guided Tours & Local Activities in Bern – https://www.bernswiss.ch/en/activities
Enjoy a day where history, culture, and wildlife intertwine – a perfect adventure for the whole family.
