Guide to Bern Animal Park Winter Opening Hours for Families
Planning a trip to Switzerland involves knowing the Bern animal park winter opening hours for families. This beautiful park offers a magical experience during the snowy months of 2026. You can see unique wildlife and enjoy the fresh Alpine air with your children. It is one of the top family winter activities in Bern for locals and tourists alike.
Bern Animal Park Winter Opening Hours for Families
For practical details and last-minute changes, use City of Bern.
The Tierpark Bern remains open throughout the cold winter months of 2026. Most outdoor areas stay accessible from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM daily. These hours apply to the main Dählhölzli section where most animals live. Always check the official website for any sudden weather-related closures.The Bear Park operates on a slightly different schedule for winter visitors. While the bears hibernate, the park grounds remain open to the public. You can walk through the area 24 hours a day for free. However, the visitor center usually closes by 4:00 PM during the winter season.
Families should arrive early to maximize their time in the natural daylight. Winter days in Switzerland are quite short and get dark by 4:30 PM. Plan your visit between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM for the best views. This timing ensures you see the animals during their most active periods.
Special holiday hours may apply during late December and early January. Check the Bern Welcome website for specific 2026 holiday schedules. Most facilities stay open on Christmas and New Year's Day for families. This makes the park a reliable choice for holiday entertainment.
Best Winter Activities for Families at the Zoo
Winter offers a unique chance to see cold-loving animals in action. Look for the wolves and snowy owls in their natural winter habitats. These creatures are often more active when the temperatures drop below freezing. Kids will love seeing the muskoxen grazing in the fresh snow.
The petting zoo remains a favorite spot for younger children during winter. Sheep and goats are usually happy to meet visitors in the cold. Ensure your children wear warm gloves while interacting with the animals. It is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in 2026.
Warm up inside the vivarium if the Swiss air gets too chilly. This indoor area hosts many reptiles, fish, and tropical birds. It provides a nice break from the freezing outdoor temperatures for parents. Families can spend an hour exploring these colorful and warm indoor exhibits.
The park also features several playgrounds that stay open during the winter. Some equipment might be slippery if there is ice or heavy snow. Always supervise your children closely while they play in the winter landscape. The snowy forest backdrop makes for wonderful family holiday photos.
Planning Your 2026 Family Visit to Bern
Visiting the Tierpark Bern is very affordable for families on a budget. The Dählhölzli forest area is actually free for everyone to enter. You only pay for the specific zoo section and the indoor vivarium. Children under six years old usually enter the paid areas for free.
Adult tickets for the main zoo cost around 10 CHF in 2026. Teenagers and students can often get a discounted entry rate at the gate. You can buy tickets at the entrance or use local transit passes. If you are visiting the Bern Bear Park in winter months, that section is free.
The park is easy to reach using Bern's excellent public transport system. Take bus line 19 from the main station directly to the park. The ride takes less than ten minutes through the city center. This makes it a perfect stop during your winter holiday trip.
Stroller access is generally good throughout the main paths of the park. Some forest trails might be difficult to navigate after heavy snowfall. Wear sturdy winter boots with good grip for the best experience. Most families find the park very accessible even with young toddlers.
More Family Winter Activities in Bern Nearby
After seeing the animals, explore more of what the city offers. Bern has many wonderful spots for children to play during the winter. You might enjoy visiting the best indoor playgrounds in Bern for more warmth. These spots are perfect if the snow gets too heavy for walking.
The Aare river walk near the Bear Park is beautiful in winter. You can see the historic Old Town covered in a light frost. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage site with amazing views. It is a great place for a family stroll in 2026.
Don't forget to visit the local cafes for some hot Swiss chocolate. Many spots near the park offer kid-friendly menus and warm seating. It is the best way to end a day of winter exploring. Check out other Bern winter events 2026 to fill your itinerary.
Bern truly caters to families throughout the entire winter holiday season. From animal sightings to festive markets, there is always something to do. The city is safe, clean, and very easy to navigate with kids. Plan your winter adventure today to see the best of Switzerland.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see the bears at the Bern animal park in winter?
No, the bears are not visible during the winter months. They hibernate in their dens from late autumn until early spring. However, the Bear Park grounds remain open for visitors to walk through and enjoy the views of the Aare river and Old Town.
Are there places to eat inside the Bern animal park during winter?
Yes, the Restaurant Dählhölzli and the Bistro remain open during the winter season. They offer warm meals, snacks, and hot drinks for families. The restaurant provides a cozy atmosphere to warm up after exploring the outdoor animal enclosures in the snow.
Is the Tierpark Bern stroller-friendly when there is snow?
The main paths in the Tierpark are paved and usually cleared of heavy snow. This makes them accessible for most sturdy strollers during the winter. However, some smaller forest paths may be slippery or difficult to navigate if the snowfall is very deep.
Knowing the Bern animal park winter opening hours for families helps you plan a perfect trip. The park offers a wonderful mix of outdoor nature and indoor warmth. Enjoy the unique Swiss wildlife and beautiful forest scenery in 2026. Start planning your family winter adventure in Bern today for an unforgettable holiday experience.