The Bear Park Worbis, Germany: An Ethical Bear Rescue Experience.

Discover Bear Park Worbis, Germany- where rescued bears and wolves find freedom in natural surroundings in Thuringia

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You’ll find bears everywhere in Germany. On city emblems, flags, logos. The star of the show in Berlin is the famous ‘Welcome Bear’ and you wont go far without spotting one. The image of the bear is celebrated here.

This is the post for you if you want to know about the most unique, bear-themed thing you can do in the Harz region in Germany: visiting a sanctuary for bears that is doing things a bit differently.

Sadly, real bears don’t always get such a good deal. There are still places where bears are kept to perform or as exotic pets. Even when the practice has been recognised as unacceptable, bears often remain caged in inappropriate conditions because on one knows what to do with them.

If they are lucky, they’ll be rescued and end up somewhere like The Alternative Bärenpark or ‘ Alternative Bear Park’in Worbis. 

The Alternative Bearpark/ Alternativer Bärenpark Worbis

Located in Eichsfeld, Thuringia, this park is ‘alternative’ for both visitors and residents.

For the bears who end up here, the park is an alternative to the poor and often inhumane circumstances from which they are rescued.

For human visitors, the park is an alternative to seeing bears as entertainment. Here, the bears are kept in wide open spaces and given the chance to rediscover their instincts.

Tip: Visit the on site Bear Bistro. The elevated cafe has been to designed to look out over the enclosures, allowing for a bit of bear spotting over lunch or coffee and cake. View the Bear Bistro here

The bears are kept in enclosures designed to create as natural an environment as possible for, rather than an easy viewing experience for the visitor. There are plenty of opportunities to see them, but humans are very much the guest in the realm of the bears.

Things to See at Alternative Bear Park, Worbis

The obvious answer is bears and wolves as rescuing these animals is the focus of the work here. Visitors are invited to take a route through the park and enclosures at their own pace, or stop at the Bear Bistro for viewing opportunities from above.

The park has also created an educational trail that highlights some of the practices that create a threat to the bear population worldwide. Exhibits include  bear enclosures of old, circus wagons and  a taxidermy example of a bear used for harvesting bile.

No shame in admitting it left me feeling a little emotional.

The educational trail highlights a lot that is wrong, but seeing rescued bears learning to thrive gives hope.

 The Story of Max & Emma

I spent a lot of time during my visit watching a pair of bears called Max & Emma; they were a beautiful pair and I lost my heart to them. They, and their back story, are also a great example of the work the Alternative Bear Park does.

IBoth were born in the 1990s in the bear pit of Bern before being passed onto an ‘experience restaurant’ in Biberstein, where they existed for eight years in a 36m square concrete bear pit. Diners were invited to feed the bears by throwing them scraps.

Happily, pressure from animal rights groups led to the bears being brought as a pair to the Alternative Bear Park in 2000 where they are now settled, still together and learning to just be bears again.

Sadly, years in cruel captivity has left its mark. Emma follows Max round obsessively and the relationship between them needs careful management. Periodically, separation has to be enforced to give Max some space.

Is the Alternative Bear Park Family Friendly?

Yes, it’s a fabulous day out and a great way to contribute to the funding of the park in the future. Be aware it’s not ‘pay-to-view’ so some patience may be needed to spot animals.

You won’t just see bears, the park is also home to lynx, wolves and a mix up of smaller birds and animals. Really, something for everyone.

Update: As I update this post in 2024, I’m sad to say that both Max & Emma have passed away. I’m glad they spent the second half of their lives together in safety and feel hugely privileged to have observed them. The park is now home to nine bears, including recent rescue Mykhailo who was liberated from The Ukraine.

Where can I stay in the Harz to Visit Worbis Alternative Bear Park?

The Salztal Paradies resort located on the edge of pretty Bad Sachsa makes a fantastic base for exploring the Harz region. Guests can also enjoy on site facilities including a swimming complex, ice skating and restaurant.

If you’re interested in other things to do in this beautiful part of Germany, try this post next: The Ultimate Guide to the Brocken Mountain: Germany’s Most Mysterious Peak, Harz (2025)

Helen x