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Veresegyhaz Bear Sanctuary
The Veresegyház Bear Sanctuary was established in 1998 as the first and largest bear refuge in Central Europe. Spanning approximately 5.5 hectares, the facility provides a safe habitat for brown bears rescued from substandard captive conditions or closed zoos. The semi-natural environment is equipped with artificial caves and ponds to ensure the animals can lead a species-appropriate life within a social group. In addition to bears, the sanctuary houses a pack of wolves in a separate, spacious enclosure, allowing for the scientific observation of their natural behavior. The institution works in close partnership with international organizations like World Animal Protection to maintain high standards of wildlife care. Visitors can observe the residents from a safe distance, while educational programs highlight the biology of these predators and the critical importance of species conservation efforts.
- Location: Hungary
- Top sights: Ivacsi láprét · racka juh · muflon
- Nearby: Újpest (16 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -2 | 0 | 5 | 12 | 17 | 21 | 23 | 23 | 17 | 11 | 5 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 38 | 42 | 41 | 38 | 67 | 76 | 71 | 64 | 56 | 52 | 44 | 44 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The facility was opened in November 1998.
- Total area of the sanctuary is 5.5 hectares.
- First certified bear park in Central and Eastern Europe.
- Home to an average of 40-50 brown bears at any given time.
- Features a separate wolf park for grey wolf subspecies.
- Annual visitor numbers exceed 200,000 people.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Veresegyhaz Bear Sanctuary (10)
muflon
Mouflons in Veresegyház, wild sheep kept in the enclosure.
fácán
Pheasants in Veresegyház, birds living on the grounds.
Bitang
Ex lege protected marsh in Veresegyház, a legally protected wetland area.
Sikáros
Ex lege protected marsh in Veresegyház, a legally protected wetland area.
Tóstrand
Beach resort in Veresegyház, a lakeside swimming area.
Váci Mihály Művelődési Központ
House of culture in Veresegyház, hosting events and community activities.
Göbölyös
Archaeological site in Veresegyház, surface traces of an Árpád-era settlement.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Bärenheim Veresegyház?
Are you allowed to feed the bears?
Are there other animals besides bears?
What are the entry prices?
Is the Bear Home wheelchair accessible?
Veresegyhaz Bear Sanctuary: where is it located?
Veresegyhaz Bear Sanctuary: what is there to see?
Veresegyhaz Bear Sanctuary: when is the best time to visit?
Veresegyhaz Bear Sanctuary: why is it worth visiting?





























