Bear pit

The Bärengraben — bear pit — at the foot of the Nydegg Bridge is one of Bern's most recognizable landmarks, rooted in the city's founding legend: the bear has served as Bern's heraldic animal since at least the 12th century. Bears have reportedly been kept on this site since 1513, and the current masonry pit dates to 1857, now protected as a Swiss cultural heritage site of national importance. In 2009 the facility was transformed into the Bärenpark, giving the resident brown bears a 6,000-square-metre riverside enclosure with direct access to the Aare, replacing the old sunken pit design. Entry is free and the site is open around the clock, with a viewing terrace offering views across the river toward the medieval old town.