Zähringerbrunnen
A 16th-century Bern landmark featuring an armored bear statue, honoring the city's founder and its legendary namesake.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Zähringerbrunnen
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 16th-century Bern landmark featuring an armored bear statue, honoring the city's founder and its legendary namesake.
"A must-see stop on Bern's UNESCO walking tour, rich with history and legend."
📸 Selfie Spot Alert!
It's a popular selfie spot, so be patient or visit during off-peak hours for unobstructed photos.
🗺️ Part of a Walking Tour
This fountain is one of many on Bern's UNESCO World Heritage walking tour. Allow time to explore the surrounding old town.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Armored Bear Statue
Center of the fountain
A striking 16th-century statue of a bear in full armor, symbolizing the city's legendary namesake.
The Bear Cub
At the bear's feet
A smaller bear cub at the base of the main statue, adding a touching detail to the historical narrative.
Zähringen Lion Shield & Flag
Held by the bear
The bear clutches a shield and flag, both emblazoned with the Zähringen lion, a key symbol of the city's heritage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
Understanding the Legend
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Selfie Spot Alert!
It's a popular selfie spot, so be patient or visit during off-peak hours for unobstructed photos.
🗺️ Part of a Walking Tour
This fountain is one of many on Bern's UNESCO World Heritage walking tour. Allow time to explore the surrounding old town.
🐻 Legend of the Bear
Learn the story of Berchtold von Zähringen and the bear that inspired the city's name for a richer experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Selfie Spot Alert!
It's a popular selfie spot, so be patient or visit during off-peak hours for unobstructed photos.
🗺️ Part of a Walking Tour
This fountain is one of many on Bern's UNESCO World Heritage walking tour. Allow time to explore the surrounding old town.
🐻 Legend of the Bear
Learn the story of Berchtold von Zähringen and the bear that inspired the city's name for a richer experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Zähringerbrunnen as a charming and historically significant landmark in Bern's beautiful Old Town. Its detailed statue and connection to the city's founding legend are highlights, though some note it can get crowded due to its popularity on walking tours.
"This area of the city is a must see whenever you go to Bern.
Enjoy and take care of the environment!"
Mansour Mansouri
"The Zähringerbrunnen was built in 1535 as a memorial to the founder of Bern, Berchtold von Zähringer. The statue is a bear in full armor, with another bear cub at his feet. The bear represents the bear that, according to legend, Berchtold shot on the Aare peninsula as he was searching for a site to build a city. The armored bear carries a shield and a banner, both emblazoned with the Zähringen lion. The basin below the fountain bore the date 1542 until 1889 when the entire basin was replaced. At the same time the column and figure were repainted.The current basin is an exact replica of the Pfeiferbrunnen's basin."
antonios varzakis
"Observe this: a giant bear in full cosplay. The Legend goes that city founder Berchtold von Zahringer was out hunting for the perfect spot to build a city when he stumbled upon a bear on the Aare peninsula and thought, “Why not shoot it?”
The bear was probably too heavy to carry back to the car, so he figured this spot was as good as anywhere for a city.
When you’re in Bern, check out this epic statue/fountain and raise a glass to Berchtold and his bear-y funny legacy."
Christopher Hunter
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Zähringerbrunnen is located in the heart of Bern's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's easily accessible on foot from Bern's main train station (Bern Bahnhof) as part of the city's historic walking route. Simply follow the signs for the Old Town or the main pedestrian streets.
Yes, the Zähringerbrunnen is very close to public transport. Bern Bahnhof is a major hub with numerous tram and bus lines. From the station, it's a pleasant 5-10 minute walk through the charming streets to reach the fountain.
Driving directly to the Zähringerbrunnen is not recommended as it's located in a pedestrianized area of the Old Town. There are several parking garages nearby, such as the Rathausgasse parking garage or the Kursaal parking, from which you can walk to the fountain.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Zähringerbrunnen is a public fountain and landmark in Bern's Old Town. There is no admission fee, and you can view it at any time of day.
As an outdoor public fountain, the Zähringerbrunnen is accessible 24/7. However, the best experience for viewing and photography is during daylight hours.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Zähringerbrunnen. It is a freely accessible historical monument in the city center.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Zähringerbrunnen is famous for its 16th-century statue of an armored bear, honoring Berchtold von Zähringen, the legendary founder of Bern. It's one of Bern's iconic figure fountains and a key stop on the UNESCO World Heritage walking tour.
You can admire the Zähringerbrunnen in just a few minutes. However, many visitors spend longer to take photos, read about its history, and soak in the atmosphere of Bern's Old Town, often combining it with visits to nearby attractions.
Yes, the Zähringerbrunnen is a very photogenic landmark, especially the detailed statue of the armored bear. Visiting during the 'golden hour' in the early morning or late afternoon can provide beautiful lighting for your photos.
The fountain commemorates Berchtold von Zähringen, who founded Bern. Legend has it that he named the city after the first animal he encountered while hunting in the area – a bear. The statue depicts this legendary bear in armor.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Absolutely! The Zähringerbrunnen is situated in Bern's vibrant Old Town, which is packed with cafes, traditional Swiss restaurants, and international eateries. You'll find plenty of dining options just steps away.
While you can't eat or drink directly from the fountain, there are many cafes and restaurants surrounding it where you can enjoy refreshments. It's best to be respectful of the historical monument and consume food and drinks in designated areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for photography are early morning or late afternoon. These times offer softer light, fewer crowds, and can create a more atmospheric shot of the fountain and its detailed statue.
Focus on the detailed armored bear statue, the bear cub at its feet, and the shield/flag bearing the Zähringen lion. Capturing the fountain in its context within Bern's charming Old Town also makes for great shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it a game to find all the 'bear' symbols around Bern after seeing the fountain. The surrounding Old Town is also very walkable and has plenty of open spaces for children to move around, making it a pleasant experience for the whole family.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Walkers
As part of the UNESCO World Heritage site, it's a must-see that requires no special planning or tickets, allowing for spontaneous exploration and photography at your own pace.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Legend of Bern's Name
This historical connection is why the bear is so prevalent in Bern's iconography, from its coat of arms to its many bear-themed attractions. Understanding this legend enriches the experience of seeing the Zähringerbrunnen, transforming it from a mere monument into a storyteller of the city's past. It's a detail that many visitors find particularly engaging when exploring Bern's UNESCO World Heritage Old Town.
Bern's Iconic Figure Fountains
Each fountain tells a story, from the dancer and the child to the justice figure and, of course, the Zähringer bear. The Zähringerbrunnen, being one of the most prominent and historically significant, is often the starting point for many visitors embarking on the UNESCO World Heritage walking tour. The continuity of these fountains through centuries highlights Bern's commitment to preserving its historical character and offering a unique glimpse into its past.
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