BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach
BEAR SANCTUARY Arbesbach is a project run by animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS, and offers a new home to former circus bears and caged bears
Situated in a forest area of 1.6 hectares, our bears are offered a well thought out programme of activities. Along a circular route, visitors can gain an insight into the bears’ everyday lives. The behaviour of the animals, their fates and traits are at the forefront of the lovingly designed facility.
The walk along the visitor’s path, about 500 m in length, is livened up by a variety of playing facilities. There are exhibitions, a low ropes course, a movie room, an obstacle course and a souvenir shop – all of which offer original insights into the world of bears and other animals.
The Arbesbach BEAR SANCTUARY is also a show garden about berries. The bears share their surroundings with raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. Outside the bear forest, the Bear Trail offers opportunities for extended multi-day rambles or shorter walks in the unique pristine landscape around Arbesbach.
Highlights
Dog-friendly Destination:
Four-legged guests are welcome! In the originally designed dog zone, your dog can roam free while you learn about the VIER PFOTEN foundation’s animal welfare projects related to dogs. In addition, a water station offers the right bowl for every dog.
Combine a Visit to the Bears with Enjoyment of Nature on the Bear Trail:
Nestled in one of the most pristine corners of the Waldviertel, the Bear Trail network of hiking trails invites you to extensive forays beyond the BEAR SANCTUARY. Further information about multi-day trekking tours on the Bear Trail, but also about our shorter, family-friendly hiking tours – the so-called Teddy Bear Trails – can be found on: www.baerentrail.at
We will also send you a map on request.
Trilingual Information:
The BEAR SANCTUARY can be experienced live, or via our website, in English, German and Czech.
School Programmes:
At the BEAR SANCTUARY we offer biology-related content in age-appropriate children’s and youth programmes (duration approx. 4 hours). We offer information regarding these programmes as well as teaching material for downloading at:
www.baerenwald.at or also at www.waldviertel.at/baerenwald-arbesbach
Infrastructure
- We offer a wide variety of culinary options: both a gourmet restaurant and a kiosk, for small snacks, are available in the immediate vicinity (kolm.restaurant)
- Accessible by public transport (Bus)
- Facilities for motorcyclists to clean their helmet visors
- Parking directly in front of the entrance
Opening Times
Open:
25th of march – 1st of November 2023
Daily: 10:00 – 18:00
Guided Tours (duration approx. 60 – 75 minutes):
- private tour: Must be booked in advance! – Possible at any time (please book at least 3 days before the desired date)
Individual or Group (max. 25 people)
Flat Rate: € 30.00 - public scheduled tour (no booking required):
Wednesdays & Fridays: 3 pm
Saturdays: 4 pm
Sundays: 10:30 am
Tour Tickets: Adult: € 3,50; Child (over 6): € 2,-
Prices
Adult: € 8,-
Child (aged 6 – 14): € 5.50
Child (U6): FREE
Discount (Student, Pupil, Senior, Austrian National Service Personnel): €6.00
Family Ticket (2 adults + 1 child): € 18.00
Each Additional Child: € 4.50
Group: (10 people or more) *
Adult: € 6,-
School Class, Youth Group: € 4.50
Children’s and Youth’s Programme: € 10.00
Kindergarten (price per person): € 1.00
* Groups may be joined by 2 accompanying persons for FREE!
FREE – with the NÖ CARD
NÖ Cards cannot be bought or renewed at the Arbesbach BEAR SANCTUARY
Impressions
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