Arosa Bärenland (Bear Sanctuary)
Perched in forested enclosures above the town, Arosa Bärenland is one of Switzerland's most unexpectedly moving attractions — a genuine sanctuary where rescued brown bears roam terrain that actually looks like bear country. It is worlds away from a zoo cage.
A Sanctuary With a Story
Every bear at Arosa Bärenland has a biography — rescued from circuses or inadequate zoo conditions across Europe. Informative panels along the viewing platforms tell each animal's story, turning a casual stroll into a genuinely educational experience about wildlife ethics and conservation.
The enclosures are spacious and richly structured with pools, climbing logs and forested slopes. Watching a 200-kilogram brown bear wade through a stream or forage in long grass is a reminder of what these animals are supposed to look like in the wild.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
The sanctuary sits above Innerarosa and is most easily reached by combining a cable-car ride with a short forest walk — tickets can be bundled at the cable-car station. The trail up through the spruce forest is pleasant in its own right and takes about 20–30 minutes on foot from the village.
Visit on a weekday morning for the best chance of seeing the bears active. Late afternoon in summer is feeding time, which draws the animals out into the open and makes for dramatic sightings from the viewing platforms.
Arosa Bärenland (Bear Sanctuary) on video
More of Arosa
Discover where to stay, what to do and the best deals for your trip.
Explore Arosa →
