Barenpark

If legends are to be believed, the Swiss capital earned its name when Berthold V, the Duke of Zahringen and the founder of Bern, captured a bear during one of his many hunting trips. The mighty bear serves as a symbol of this historical city and one of the best places to spot these deceptively cuddly wild animals is at the Barenpark. A 6000 sq m park in the heart of Bern, this place is replete with towering trees, grassy landscapes and excellent views of the Aare River. There are woody areas for the bears to live in and move around and massive pools to plunge into. These animals can fish, climb, play and relax and live the kind of life they would in the jungle. Two brown bears called Björk and Finn call the park home and so do their cubs Ursina and Berna.
Visitors can explore the park along a special trail that runs through it and audio guides are available to enhance your experience. There is also a tilted elevator connecting the riverbank and the top-end of the arena that offers guests full access to Barenpark. Opened in 2015, it is free of cost. There is a museum near the old Bear Pit for those interested in the history of the place.