El Oso y el Madroño travel guide

El Oso y el Madroño (The Bear and the Strawberry Tree) is one of Madrid's most iconic landmarks, symbolizing the city’s rich history and heritage. The statue, located in the bustling Puerta del Sol square, was created by sculptor Antonio Navarro Santafé and unveiled in 1967.

The bear and the strawberry tree have been associated with Madrid since the Middle Ages, appearing on the city's coat of arms. Historically, the bear represents the abundance of wildlife in the surrounding forests, while the madroño, or strawberry tree, signifies the region’s lush flora.

Over the centuries, the emblem has evolved, reflecting Madrid’s growth from a small settlement to a major European capital. The statue itself is made of stone and bronze, standing at an impressive four meters tall and weighing around 20 tons.

El Oso y el Madroño continues to be a beloved symbol of Madrid, representing the city's resilience and connection to nature. Tourists and locals alike flock to Puerta del Sol to admire the statue and capture a quintessential Madrid moment.

El Oso y el Madroño is a striking statue that stands out not only for its symbolic significance but also for its unique artistic features. Crafted from stone and bronze, the statue captures the iconic bear and strawberry tree with meticulous detail, showcasing the artistic prowess of its creator, Antonio Navarro Santafé. The bear is depicted in a dynamic pose, rearing up on its hind legs to reach the fruit of the madroño tree, emphasizing the natural interaction between the two elements.

Another distinctive characteristic is its strategic location at Puerta del Sol, one of Madrid’s most bustling and central squares. This positioning makes it a focal point for both locals and tourists, serving as a popular meeting spot and a recognizable symbol of the city. The statue's base, made of granite, adds to its enduring presence, blending seamlessly with the urban landscape while standing out through its distinctive design.

Moreover, the statue's dimensions—standing at 4 meters tall and weighing approximately 20 tons—make it an imposing and impressive sight. These unique features collectively contribute to the statue's status as an emblematic and beloved landmark in Madrid.

El Oso y el Madroño stands at 20 tons and 4 meters high, making it an impressive landmark that catches the eye immediately. While many are aware it's a symbol of Madrid, few know it's cast in bronze and rests on a granite pedestal. Interestingly, the bear was not always climbing a strawberry tree; earlier versions depicted it standing beside the tree. The change was made to better align with the city's evolving identity. The statue was installed in 1967, but the origin of the bear and tree symbol dates back to the 13th century. Another fun fact: the statue's location at Puerta del Sol makes it a popular meeting point for both locals and tourists, often serving as the backdrop for countless selfies and photographs.

Located in the dynamic Sol, the popular El Oso y el Madroño is easy to find and can be explored during a short weekend escape in the beautiful city of Madrid or as a stop on your countrywide road trip through Spain.

Madrid is a perfect holiday destination for those who crave a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its distinct architecture, famous museums, and delicious culinary scene, Madrid offers something for everyone.

Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. Visit this popular landmark in Madrid and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture at top attractions, including the remarkable El Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor, Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, San Miguel Market, and Museo Nacional del Prado.

Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or explore the nightlife, Madrid has it all. Don't forget to sample the delicious cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern fusion.

Experience the best of both worlds in Madrid, a place where the past meets the present, and you'll create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Click the travel guides below to learn more and get ready to make unforgettable memories in Spain!

The best time to explore El Oso y el Madroño, one of Madrid's most iconic landmarks, is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) seasons. During these periods, the weather is pleasantly mild, with daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), making it perfect for strolling around the city's vibrant streets and admiring the statue without the discomfort of extreme heat or cold.

Springtime brings blooming flowers and lush greenery to Madrid, enhancing the beauty of the area around El Oso y el Madroño. Additionally, the city's various spring festivals, such as the San Isidro Festival in May, add a lively atmosphere and unique cultural experiences for visitors.

In the fall, the weather remains comfortable, and the summer tourist crowds have typically thinned out, allowing for a more relaxed visit. This season also coincides with Madrid's gastronomy festivals, offering a chance to savor local cuisine and enjoy the cultural richness of the city.

While summer and winter have their own charm, the best time to explore El Oso y el Madroño is undeniably during the spring and fall, when the weather is ideal, and the city is brimming with cultural activities without the overwhelming crowds.

El Oso y el Madroño is conveniently accessible by various transportation options in Madrid, Spain. If you're flying in, Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport is approximately 8.9 miles (14.3 km) away from Madrid. From there, you can easily reach El Oso y el Madroño by taxi or shuttle.

For those already in Madrid, buses, taxis, and walking are viable options to reach El Oso y el Madroño, which is located 0.1 miles (0.1 km) from the city center. You can also rent a car and drive to El Oso y el Madroño, providing flexibility to explore at your leisure. Its exact address is Prta del Sol, 1, 28013 Madrid, Spain, Spain.

With your transportation plans sorted, get ready for an unforgettable experience at El Oso y el Madroño!

With a rental car, discovering the popular El Oso y el Madroño and Spain's captivating landscapes becomes a breeze, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Upon arrival, international travelers can choose from 3 reputable rental car companies near Adolfo Suárez Madrid–Barajas Airport and the city of Madrid, making transportation seamless and efficient.

Rental car companies in Spain cater to a variety of preferences, offering vehicles ranging from compact and midsize to premium, estate, and even camper vans or convertibles. To select the perfect ride, consider your itinerary and specific travel plans in Madrid and beyond.

Conveniently explore El Oso y el Madroño and plenty more captivating attractions in Madrid by staying at a top-rated hotel in the center of the city. With comfortable accommodations and easy access to El Oso y el Madroño and other notable landmarks, wake up well-rested every day, ready to explore all that Madrid has to offer.

Discover the best hotels for visiting El Oso y el Madroño below.

Aside from El Oso y el Madroño, Madrid is home to numerous other top attractions waiting to be explored. From museums and architectural masterpieces to sculptures and natural wonders, the city offers a diverse range of sights to behold. For the ultimate sightseeing tour around Madrid, there are a number of attractions every itinerary should include, namely El Retiro Park, Plaza Mayor, and Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

El Retiro Park is a bucket-list park and top attraction in Madrid, drawing numerous travelers and locals every year. As evident by its average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 160,000 reviews, this attraction is a popular place to visit for anyone with time to spend in the city. The exact address of El Retiro Park is 28009 Madrid, Spain.

Another appreciated attraction in Madrid is Plaza Mayor. Like El Retiro Park, this is one of the most popular sites to visit in the city. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars among 150,000 visitors, it’s also one of the highest-rated. The exact address of this establishment is Pl. Mayor, 28012 Madrid, Spain.

Santiago Bernabéu Stadium is also a clear favorite among travelers seeking to experience the uniqueness of Madrid. This establishment and top attraction in Madrid has been rated an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars by 120,000 visitors. This attraction is located at the address of Av. De Concha Espina, 1, 28036 Madrid, Spain.

Check out our full list of top attractions in the city of Madrid below.