Bärengraben

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

The existence of the Bear Pit in Bern has been known since 1857. If you go through the history of the city, then some facts of how the city got that name are revealed. Bern was arranged in 1191 by the duke, who decided to name this area in honor of the first animal to come across in the adjacent forest. They turned out to be a bear that sounds like Bar in German. Believing this belief, the city of Bern will exist as long as bears live in it. It is this animal that has been a symbol of this area for several centuries in a row. It can be seen on the city coat of arms, many sculptures of the bear serve as decoration of city streets, as well as an image of the Kosolapogo is often found on local gingerbread.

Bear pit is simply an integral part of the city. Bears are delivered here from the very least bear edge – of Russia. In 2009, Switzerland was donated by two teddy bears with Russian names – Misha and Masha, Russian President Medvedev himself with his wife, during a business visit.

The living talismans of the city have been known since 1513. It is this date that documents are dated, which are about the purchase of bear food. The first animals lived in a specially designated area, which was located on Barenplatz Square, which is still called Bear. With the housing of oblique talismans could not decide, and the Bear pit – is already the fourth place where they were determined.

The bear pit had the appearance of a round concrete recess, which is fenced from above with a stone barrier. Here, above, curious tourists could watch the life of the bears. Visitors loved to feed animals by buying food at a local store. Sometimes the bears demonstrated their skills than they amused the assembled crowd.

In 2009, near the Bear Pit, they organized a whole Bear Park, which occupies 6000 m². Here, animals are provided with special conditions, now they have the opportunity to wander even along the shore, where a special path leads. The lackeys feel much more comfortable, but only tourists do not have the opportunity to feed them.

This park works daily and completely free. In bear pits, where animals previously lived, various events are now being held for which you need to negotiate in advance.