This picturesque Swiss train and gondola ride take you to a hidden bear sanctuary—the perfect family adventure in the Alps

High in the Swiss Alps, above the village of Arosa, lies a sanctuary where four retired circus bears roam free from the confined cages they once knew.

Arosa B?renland is a peaceful refuge that allows visitors to witness rescued former performance bears in a setting that mimics their natural habitat and fosters rehabilitation after years of mistreatment.

Accessible by one of Switzerland's most scenic train rides, followed by a gondola float and a short rolling hike, Arosa B?renland provides a unique tourism experience for families, adventurers and wildlife enthusiasts.

Sadly, the bears at Arosa B?renland share a heartbreaking past. Currently, you'll find Meimo, Amelia, Sam, and Jamila meandering through the sanctuary's meadows.

But before arriving at the haven, each spent years living in small cages, forced to perform unnatural tricks in circuses or public shows.

The bears' handlers trained them with painful fear tactics, explained wildlife biologist Stefanie Franke, who works closely with the bears at Arosa B?renland.

Some were made to walk on hot metal plates to "dance" or perform other tricks.

Others rode bicycles, wore tutus and "tiptoed" along balance beams or tightropes.

This constant stress and confinement left lasting effects on the bears, including coping mechanisms known as "stereotypies," or repetitive behaviors.

But thankfully, after years of mistreatment, these animals have finally found refuge in the sanctuary, where they can rediscover their natural instincts and live without the pressures of human entertainment — only human observation from a safe, respectful distance.

Visiting Arosa B?renland is both an educational tourism experience and a pledge of support for animal rights. It's not all doom and gloom, either: The train and gondola rides are breathtaking in their own right, as are the warm-weather hikes along peaks and valleys that, in winter, transform into a winter wonderland.

The journey to Arosa B?renland

In August 2024, I journeyed to see this hidden bear sanctuary for myself.

The adventure started with a scenic train ride along the historic Rhaetian Railway, which is comprised of a network of interconnected railways recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

To give you an idea of the impressive engineering behind Switzerland's public transit system, the Rhaetian Railway broke records in 2022 for the world's longest passenger train, with a 25-car locomotive stretching 1.2 miles long.

I rode the iconic red train along the 26-kilometer stretch from Chur to Arosa, which crosses the 100-year-old Langwieser Viaduct.

Spanning 931 feet and hovering above the babbling Plessur River, the bridge offers awe-inspiring views of the valley below.

Seeing the views from the train alone was an adventure, during which I stood Golden Retriever-style with my nose smushed against the window to marvel at my surroundings.

Upon arriving in Arosa village, visitors can take a gondola ride to the Weisshorn lift station. This scenic ascent provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

From the gondola station, it’s a short and pleasant hike to Arosa B?renland, where you can tour a small visitor's center before walking along the wooden observation decks and "floating" pathways that position you safely above the bears' grassy home.

If you're lucky, you might see one of the four bears roaming through their spacious alpine enclosures, foraging for food or otherwise interacting with their environment.

The elevated view allows for an up-close experience without disturbing the animals. Interactive signs and displays provide additional insights into the lives of the bears and educate visitors on the sanctuary’s work in rescuing and rehabilitating them.

A new life of freedom for circus bears

Meimo, Amelia, Sam and Jamila were all rescued from lives of captivity. They therefore have to learn all over again "what it means to be a bear," said Franke.

Many bears arrive at the sanctuary with odd, repetitive behaviors that result from the stress of their confinement. For example, some bears pace in tight circles, a habit developed from years spent in small cages.

The staff at Arosa B?renland works to help the bears overcome these behaviors by encouraging their natural instincts.

Eventually, when they aren't forced to perform, the bears find their way back to natural behaviors like foraging, climbing and hibernating.

"Each day, we see progress," Franke told us. Visitors have the rare opportunity to witness this transformation and learn about the ongoing efforts to rehabilitate these animals.

A family-friendly destination

For families, an on-site playground lets children burn off their energy. The minigolf course is another fun attraction that adds a playful element to the visit.

Visitors can extend their experience by exploring the surrounding area, which is full of hiking trails and scenic picnic spots.

At the summit, look for the Weisshorn Bear, a large wooden statue that’s become a popular photo spot, along with a few sweeping lookout points.

Practical information for visitors

Arosa B?renland is open year-round, although the bears are most active during the warmer months. Day admission, including the return gondola trip, costs CHF 20 (Swiss francs) for adults and CHF 10 for children ages 6 to 15.

For those wanting to go to all the way up to the Weisshorn summit, the price is CHF 30 for adults and CHF 15 for children. In winter or during off-peak months, prices are slightly lower, and children under 6 are admitted free.

The weather in the Alps can change quickly, so it’s important to dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes.

While the trails around the sanctuary are well-maintained, they do require some light hiking, so prepare as you would for any outdoor activity.

Don’t forget a camera; you'll definitely want to capture the stunning mountain views and record videos of the bears in their new habitat.

Why visit Arosa B?renland?

Arosa B?renland offers visitors a rare opportunity to witness the rehabilitation of animals who have spent years in captivity.

It’s a place where visitors can learn about the impacts of the entertainment industry on wildlife and the efforts being made to give these animals a second chance at life.

Seeing the bears roam freely, forage and interact with their environment is a moving and educational experience.

And for families, it’s a chance to combine adventure with education. Children can engage with the bears' stories, learn about conservation and enjoy the outdoor activities the sanctuary has to offer.

If that's not enough, the scenic train to Arosa and the gondola ride make for a full and rewarding day.

Learn more about traveling to Arosa by train and admission to Arosa Bear Sanctuary.

The author’s passion for every trip she writes about is sincere. Some trips may be hosted, but hosting organizations have no control over articles before they're published.