Bärengraben

The Bear Pit, as well as the Bear Park, which was established in 2009, are a significant attraction throughout Bern, which belongs to Switzerland. Until recently, these funny animals could even be fed, as well as photographed against their background.

The existence of a Bear Pit in Bern has been known since 1857. If you go through the history of the city, you will discover some facts about how the city got its name. Bern was established in 1191 by the Duke, who decided to name the area after the first animal he found in the surrounding forest. It turned out to be a bear, which in German sounds like Bar. Believing this belief, the city of Bern will exist as long as bears live in it. It is this animal that has been the symbol of this area for more than one century in a row. It can be seen on the city coat of arms, many sculptures of a bear serve as decorations for city streets, and the image of a clubfoot is often found on locally made gingerbread.

The bear Pit is simply an integral part of the city. Bears are supplied here from the most bearish region of Russia. In 2009, Switzerland was presented with two bears with Russian names – Misha and Masha by Russian President Medvedev himself and his wife, during a business visit.

The city's living mascots have been known since 1513. It is this date that the documents referring to the purchase of bear food are dated. The first animals lived in a specially designated area, which was located on the Barenplatz square, which is still called Medvezhaya. The Bear Pit was already the fourth place where they were identified, and they could not decide on the housing of the club–footed mascots.

The bear pit had the appearance of a circular concreted, recessed enclosure, which is enclosed from above by a stone barrier. Curious tourists could watch the bears' lives up here. Visitors loved to feed the animals by buying food at a local convenience store. Sometimes the bears demonstrated their skills, which amused the gathered crowd.

In 2009, a whole Bear Park was organized near the Bear Pit, which covers 6,000 ^m2. Here, animals are provided with special conditions, now they have the opportunity to wander even along the bank, where a special path leads. Clubfoot people feel much more comfortable, but tourists just don't have the opportunity to feed them.

This park is open daily and completely free of charge. In the bear pits, where animals used to live, various events are now being held, for which you need to arrange in advance.