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...
Read moreIntriguing and a landmark full of history for everyone visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site of Bern. One of the most impressive Memorial Fountain in the Old City of Bern. Can't miss this historic fountain as you explore the old part of this city. It is dedicated to Berchtold von Zähringer the founder of Bern. It has a very interesting information especially the base of the fountain with the dates when the entire basin was replaced. The figure of the armored bear is also tied in with the founder and the...
Read moreObserve 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...
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