Arosa Bärenland

Arosa Bärenland is a bear sanctuary in the Swiss Alps, set at about 2,000 metres above sea level above the resort of Arosa in the canton of Graubünden. It was Switzerland's first bear conservation centre, giving animals rescued from poor captivity a large mountain habitat. For visitors it combines an alpine walk, a chance to watch big carnivores and a lesson in animal welfare.

What is Arosa Bärenland?

The centre opened in August 2018 as a joint project of the animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS, Arosa Tourism and the Arosa Bears Foundation. It is not a traditional zoo. The enclosure is a wide stretch of mountainside with slopes, rocks, trees and water, and the goal is lifelong care for bears that previously suffered in captivity. It has room for up to five animals.

Which bears live here?

The first resident, Napa, died in November 2020. Three bears live here today:

• Meimo and Amelia – former restaurant bears kept in a private mini-zoo in Albania. They arrived in Arosa in 2019.
• Jambolina – a former circus bear from Ukraine, brought to Switzerland in 2020.

Panels along the route tell each animal's story, which shows why places like this exist.

What is the visit like?

You watch the bears from a viewing platform and from an elevated path with several observation points. Information panels explain how brown bears live, what they eat and how they hibernate. The animals move freely, so a close sighting is never guaranteed. Sometimes they rest among the trees, so leave yourself some time.

Families get extra attractions: a bear-themed minigolf course and an adventure playground. Together they make a comfortable half-day outing.

How do I get there?

The sanctuary stands next to the middle station of the Arosa–Weisshorn cable car. From the centre of Arosa you ride the lift and then walk a short stretch to the enclosure. Arosa itself is easiest to reach on the Rhaetian Railway line from Chur. A special themed train with a carriage shaped like a tree trunk on rails runs on that route as a nod to the bears.

When should I go?

The sanctuary is open all year, but opening hours and access depend on the season. In summer it fits neatly with hikes around the area, in winter with skiing around Weisshorn. Check the current hours and conditions on the official website before you set out.

Frequently asked questions

Is Arosa Bärenland a zoo? No. It is a sanctuary and education centre for bears rescued from poor captivity, with a large natural-style enclosure.

How many bears live there? Three at present: Meimo, Amelia and Jambolina. The site can house up to five.

Where is it? At about 2,000 m above sea level, by the middle station of the Arosa–Weisshorn cable car.

Is it good for children? Yes. Besides watching the animals there are a minigolf course and a playground, and the panels help explain why wild animals should not live in captivity.

Who runs it? It was created together by FOUR PAWS, Arosa Tourism and the Arosa Bears Foundation.

Will I definitely see a bear? There is no guarantee. The animals have plenty of space and choose whether to appear near the observation points.

Final thoughts

Arosa Bärenland suits anyone who loves the Alps and wants more than scenery. A visit takes a few hours and supports the idea of better treatment for animals kept in captivity. Bring warm clothes, sturdy shoes and binoculars, because weather at 2,000 metres can change quickly.