Скачать или смотреть Bärengraben - Bern, Switzerland

In 1191, Duke Berthold the Fifth swore to name his newly founded town after the first animal he killed on a hunt in the surrounding forest, which turned out to be a bear. In 1513, the first bear pit was set up in the city near the Käfigturm (Cage Tower) in what is present-day called Bärenplatz (Bear Square.) This bear pit was relocated in 1764 to the Schanzengraben (Moat) in Bollwerk, in front of the gateway to the city. The final, still visible bear pit was opened on May 27, 1857, though it was far too small and was remodeled in the 1990s (though found to be too small again).

In 2009, the last two remaining bears were put down due to health problems and for the first time in 496 years, bears ceased to have a presence in the city of Bern. Then, on October 25, 2009, the renamed Bärenpark opened to the public. The bears of Bern now live in a 6000-square-meter park along the banks of the River Aare. The large bear pit is still accessible to the bears for their continued use and the smaller bear pit now is open to the public and is used as a concert venue from time to time.

For more information on Bern or to plan your own trip: www.inspiruption.com/the-travel-lounge/bern