Why is the Berlin Bear so prevalent in statues and signs throughout the city?

As you stroll through the vibrant streets of Berlin, you may notice a recurring symbol that captures the city’s essence: the Berlin Bear. Nowhere is safe from this cute but muscular figure whether in statues, signs, names… Yet, what is the history of the event: the Berlin Bear and why is it so symbolic? Let’s explore!

The Berlin Bear: A Symbol of History with Regards to the City

In fact, the Berlin Bear proves to be having crucial significance for the city of Berlin for many centuries. This noble creature is an epitome of Berlin leaving core values as well as a centre for power that is -history of Berlin. In the case of this magnificent city it is said that the founder, Albert the bear who was a worthy Duke of Saxony was once hunting and met a bear, to him this was a calling to found the city. Since that time the bear is considered as Berlin’s main symbol of the city’s power and invincibility.

The Bear in Berlin’s Statues

Statues are not left out and unquestionably, the Berlin Bear stands out. Probably the most famous one is the Buddy Bear – a number of painted sculptures in the shape of bears installed throughout the city. So, every bear is painted by artists of some country and creates pieces with different cultures but with a single message – peace.

Another important statue portraying the Berlin Bear is the so called “Schaubude n” located at Alexanderplatz. This massively circular sculpture depicts the bear doing the juggling to signify the city’s numerous arts and culture. People and tourists get to hang around and even take pictures with the structure as a background most of the time.

Bear Facts You Need to Know When Visiting Berlin

Take a walking tour: Some local tour operators have putting up free-of-charge walking tours that focus on the bears around the city. They offer a historical background or the meaning of all the statues making it a very interesting and informative trip.

Keep an eye out: Some of the bear statues however are very conspicuous while others may be quite hard to find easily whenever one is on the lookout for them. While out exploring the city be sure to check around for possible bear treasures.

Collect bear souvenirs: The statue has so extensively promoted the term that one can hardly ignore it to quickly become a souvenir that people will need. To remind of Berlin you should choose a little bear souvenir or a postcard featuring bear paintings.

The Bear in Berlin’s Signs

While it mostly takes the form of statues, the Berlin Bear can also be seen on signages around the area rather too often. A good example is the figure of the so-called Ampelmännchen, the symbol of pedestrian traffic indicators in Berlin. These traffic light men were designed in East Berlin, and consist of this hat wearing bear with his arm held up, telling us ‘walk’. These symbols have made the city what it is today becoming an indispensable landmark for lovers.

You might also find the Berlin Bear symbol painted on the traffic signs pointing to some historical or cultural interest. Not only are these signs informative but also much of them can be seen as art installations that complement the look and feel of the city; all strings connected.

Berlin’s Bear Signs – How to Spot Them

Look up and down: When you are wandering around Berlin and Germany, do not forget to look up and also down. The bear signs can be located at the eye level of the bear above windows or door on building, or it can be posted on walls, signs or traffic signals directly at the ground level.

Capture the details: Everytime you encounter a bear sign, look at the artistry and effort that was invested into the production of the actual sign. These signs are most often marked by artistic features demonstrating thespirit of Berlin.

Conclusion

The Berlin Bear represents the spirit and the character of the city and bring consciousness to its historical background. During your journey through Berlin you are never left alone because bear appears in the guises of statues or signs. Therefore, look sharper, and watch the perhaps not always boring, but in any case rich spectacle of the Berlin Bear!


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