Basel is a charming city located in northwestern Switzerland, known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and picturesque location on the Rhine River.
As Switzerland’s third-largest city, Basel is a bustling hub of art, architecture, and innovation, attracting visitors from around the world. The city is a center for business and industry, with a thriving pharmaceutical sector and a bustling port. With its unique blend of history, culture, and modernity, Basel is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Switzerland.
Basel is not such a big city so you can explore it on a weekend.
Sights
In Basel the most things are in walking distance. Especially around the Altstadt you will find a lot of sights.
Rheinufer Basel, Basel, Basel-Stadt 4058, Switzerland
Basler Münster, Münsterplatz, Basel, Basel-Stadt 4051, Switzerland
Altstadt Grossbasel, Basel, Basel-Stadt, Switzerland
Rathaus, Marktplatz 5, Basel, Basel-Stadt 4001, Switzerland
Mittlere Brücke, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
Feldschlösschen Brauerei, Theophil-Roniger-Str., Rheinfelden, Aargau 4310, Switzerland
Rheinufer Basel
The Rheinufer Basel is a picturesque waterfront promenade located along the banks of the Rhine River in Basel. This scenic walkway stretches for several kilometers and is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
The Rheinufer Basel offers stunning views of the city’s historic architecture, including the iconic Basel Minster, as well as the picturesque hills and forests surrounding the city. Along the promenade, visitors can relax on benches, enjoy a picnic, or take a stroll along the river. In the summer months, the Rheinufer Basel comes alive with lively outdoor events, including concerts, markets, and festivals.
Also a really nice tradition is to swim in the Rhine with a Wickelfisch. A Wickelfisch is a special bag to put in your clothes.
https://www.basel.com/de/freizeit-ausfluege/rheinschwimmen/wickelfisch
Furthermore we did a boat trip on the Rhine.
Basler Münster
The Basler Münster, also known as the Basel Minster, is an iconic landmark and one of the most recognizable symbols of Basel. Located in the heart of the city’s Old Town, the Basler Münster is a striking example of Gothic architecture, with its towering spires, intricate stone carvings, and stunning stained glass windows.
From the Basel Münster tower you also have a beautiful view of Basel and the Rhine. Definitely a recommendation.
The cathedral was built over the course of several centuries, with construction beginning in the 12th century and continuing through the 15th century. The Basler Münster has played an important role in the history of Basel, serving as a place of worship, a seat of political power, and a symbol of civic pride.
Altstadt Grossbasel
The Altstadt Grossbasel, or Old Town of Basel, is a historic district located on the south bank of the Rhine River. With its narrow streets, charming squares, and stunning medieval architecture, the Altstadt Grossbasel is one of the city’s most beloved and iconic destinations.
The district is home to numerous landmarks and attractions, including the Basel Minster, the Basel Historical Museum, and the charming Marktplatz, which hosts a vibrant daily market. The Altstadt Grossbasel is also renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, with an array of galleries, theaters, and music venues.
Rathaus
The Rathaus, or Town Hall, is a magnificent historic building located in the heart of Basel’s Old Town.
The Rathaus is also home to a variety of fascinating exhibits, including an impressive collection of 16th century tapestries, historic documents, and portraits of past mayors and council members. Today, the Rathaus remains an important political and cultural landmark, and is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Basel.
Built in the 16th century, the Rathaus is an impressive example of Renaissance architecture, with its grand façade, ornate stonework, and soaring tower. The building has served as the seat of Basel’s government for centuries, and is an important symbol of the city’s rich history and culture. The interior of the Rathaus is equally impressive, with grand halls, ornate frescoes, and intricate wood carvings.
Feldschlösschen Brauerei
Besides all the sights in Basel, we also visited a brewery.
The Feldschlösschen Brauerei is a historic brewery located in Rheinfelden. Founded in 1876, the brewery is one of the oldest and most renowned in the country, and has a rich history of producing high-quality beer using traditional brewing methods.
The brewery offers tours that provide a fascinating glimpse into the beer-making process, from the raw ingredients to the finished product, and visitors can sample a variety of different brews at the brewery’s onsite pub.
Swiss Federal Celebration
As I was in Basel there was a big event on the Rhine with some music and fireworks to celebrate the Swiss National Day.
This is an annual celebration held on August 1st throughout Switzerland. This holiday commemorates the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291, and is a time for Swiss people to come together and celebrate their national identity and values. The day is marked by a variety of festivities, including parades, fireworks, bonfires, and traditional Swiss music and dance performances.
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