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BÄRENWALD Arbesbach: A Sanctuary for Rescued Bears

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Observe rescued bears in a natural habitat at this unique sanctuary in Lower Austria, offering education and a fun day out for all ages.

BÄRENWALD Arbesbach, located in Lower Austria, is a unique animal sanctuary dedicated to providing a safe and natural home for rescued bears. Established in 1998 by FOUR PAWS, it was the first bear project of its kind, offering bears rescued from circuses and inadequate living conditions a new life. Visitors can observe the bears in their natural habitat and learn about bear conservation.

A brief summary to BÄRENWALD Arbesbach

  • Monday 10 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-6 pm
  • Friday 10 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-6 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring BÄRENWALD Arbesbach.

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the 500-meter circular route.
  • Check the BÄRENWALD Arbesbach website for updated opening hours and possible restrictions due to ongoing renovations.
  • Combine your visit with a hike on the nearby Bärentrail.

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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Zwettl, take bus 735 towards Arbesbach. The bus stops directly at BÄRENWALD Arbesbach (stop "Arbesbach Bärenwald"). Bus 735 operates Monday to Friday. From Linz (Chemiepark), take bus 348 which operates daily. Present your bus/train ticket at the front desk for a 50% discount on admission. A single bus fare from Zwettl to Arbesbach is approximately €3 - €6.

  • Driving

    From the town center of Arbesbach, follow the B124 in the direction of Linz. After approximately 3 km, you will find BÄRENWALD Arbesbach. Parking is available directly in front of the entrance and is free. There are no tolls on this route.

Discover more about BÄRENWALD Arbesbach

BÄRENWALD Arbesbach is a unique sanctuary in the Lower Austrian woodlands, providing a safe haven for rescued bears. Established in 1998 by the animal welfare organization FOUR PAWS, the sanctuary spans over 14,000 square meters of forested land, offering bears a natural environment to roam and rediscover their instincts. The sanctuary is home to several brown bears, each with a unique story of rescue from circuses or other forms of captivity. Visitors can observe the bears from a 500-meter-long, barrier-free circular route, gaining insight into their daily lives. The enclosures are designed to mimic the bears' natural habitat, complete with ponds, digging areas, and dens. BÄRENWALD Arbesbach is not only a sanctuary but also an educational center. Visitors can learn about bear biology, conservation, and animal welfare through guided tours and exhibits. The sanctuary also features a playground for children and a berry show garden. The sanctuary is undergoing expansion and renovation in 2025, including new educational stations and an enlarged bear house.

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Visit BÄRENWALD Arbesbach, a unique bear sanctuary in Lower Austria, offering rescued bears a natural home and educating visitors about animal welfare.

BÄRENWALD Arbesbach

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