Since the bear is the symbol of Bern, it's perhaps no surprise that the city has kept bears in a large compound for years.
The area around the bears' compound is graced by an array of walking paths, many of which lead down to the river, and an inclined elevator now connects the lower area by the river to the top of the enclosure.
The bears' habitat was modernized in 2009 with the addition of a second, larger green enclosure that connects to the original one through a tunnel.
