Bärengraben

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Lonely Planet review

Bern sounds like it has something to do with bears, and indeed it does. Founded in 1191 by Berthold V, a powerful Duke of Zähringen, the city derived its name from his first hunting success in the area - a bear, or Bärn in the local dialect. Today, there are still Bärengraben in the city, where five animals live. They're very cute and undoubtedly well cared for, but animal lovers might not approve. Even the authorities are considering a replacement 'bear park'.