WHEN A BEAR MAKES HISTORY

1742

When a bear makes history

Bern and its bears – a love affair spanning centuries. These animals symbolise strength, protection and Bernese pride. And they keep on inspiring new ideas today. This symbolic connection is maintained by Bern’s Mandelbärli – as a sweet ambassador for a city that prefers to savour a slower way of life.

Image: Bernese 16-pfennig coin from 1742 (image: Berner Mandelbärli AG)

When Napoleon’s troops occupied Bern, they took not only the state treasury but also the bears. And so began – albeit unwillingly – the first export of the Bernese bears. Fortunately, they were returned. And with them a part of Bern’s identity that continues to shape the city today. The bear belongs to Bern – and Bern belongs to the bear.

Image: The theft of Bern’s state treasury (source: AI-generated)

1798

The Bernese bears are taken

1864

The beginnings of the Glatz bakery

The story of the Glatz bakery began when Gottlieb Glatz set up his own business in Bern. Just under 30 years later, he took over the Kaffeehalle on Länggasse at Mittelstrasse 8, laying the foundations for a long-standing family business. This Bernese family has been keeping up the baking tradition for over 160 years, and is by now in its fifth generation.

Image: Gottlieb Glatz, born in 1838 (image from the family records)

At the end of the 19th century, hotel pioneer César Ritz founded Berneralpen Milchgesellschaft (the Bernese Alps Milk Company). Long-life condensed milk featuring the Bernese bear on the tin soon began travelling around the world. The ‘Bärenmarke’ (Bear Brand) was one of Switzerland’s first branded products – and made its way from the Bernese Alps to the grand hotels of Europe.

Image: Caesar Ritz, ‘King of Hoteliers, and Hotelier to Kings’ (image: Caesar Ritz Foundation, info@caesarritz-stiftung.ch)

1892

Milk, mettle and big ideas

1920

From Bern out into the world

On the labels of Toblerone chocolate, Ramseier apple juice or Stalden creme, brands emerged from Bern to make their mark far beyond Switzerland’s borders – and the bear remained their loyal companion. In 1990, Toblerone was sold to Mondelez International and the bears as a Bernese export were threatened with extinction.

Image: Toblerone packaging featuring a bear (product: 500g Toblerone packaging, 1984)

To mark the 125th anniversary of the Glatz bakery, an almond sponge mixture was poured into an old chocolate mould made by the Dresden mould-maker Anton Reiche. The baked result was to become the first Mandelbärli – golden brown, fragrant and unmistakably Bernese. A culinary Bernese icon born from a long tradition of baking.

Image: Bernese Mandelbärli moulds, old and new (image: Berner Mandelbärli AG)

1989

The Mandelbärli is born

1997

The Mandelbärli as an ambassador

The Mandelbärli takes Bern by storm. Posters designed by Bernese artist Claude Kuhn transform the little bear into a character who captivates the entire city. And ever since, the Mandelbärli has symbolised everything that makes Bern so special – its character, its warmth and its playful side.

Image: Poster for Bern’s Mandelbärli by Claude Kuhn, 1997 (graphic design: Claude Kuhn)

At the suggestion of Bern’s legendary Mayor Alexander Tschäppät, the ‘Mutz’ – the world’s biggest Mandelbärli – was created. A hearty, golden-brown bear, baked with the same care as his little siblings – and with a hefty dose of Bern’s zest for life. And soon, the Mutz became the new figurehead of the bear family.

Image: Mutz poster (graphic design: B. Abegglen/H. Saxer)

2015

Time for the Mutz

2018

The little ones emerge

Three years after the Mutz, the Mini-Mandelbärli came out of the oven – light, fluffy and irresistible. These minis fit in your hand and are perfect for any occasion. They soon became a little piece of Bern for sharing – or keeping all to yourself.

Image: Mini bears in a bonbonnière (image: Berner Mandelbärli AG)

Today, the Mandelbärli range includes more than 20 different varieties. Classic, fruity or chocolatey – each and every one of them has its own unique character. And while he travels all over the world, the little bear remains what he always was – a delicious little piece of Bern.

Image: 21 flavours – the Mandelbärli family is growing (graphic design: S. Kerner)

2026

A bear for every taste