Basel: A Cosmopolitan Gem Were Three Countries Collide

Basel, a city that effortlessly blends Swiss precision with a cosmopolitan spirit, offers a unique European experiance. Its location at the crossroads of Switzerland, France, and Germany imbues it with a polyglot and multicultural character, making it a compelling destination for travelers seeking a diverse and enriching city break.

A Stroll Through History: Basel’s Old Town

The heart of basel lies in its satisfying old town, a testament to its rich history. From its strategic importance in Roman times to its flourishing under the Prince-Bishops in the Middle Ages, Basel’s historical layers are palpable.The city evolved around its riverside Münsterhügel (Cathedral Hill), shaped by walls, towers, and a carefully planned layout. Hosting Erasmus during the Renaissance and birthing Switzerland’s oldest university in 1460 cemented Basel as a center for intellectual and cultural growth.

Today, while a banking and pharmaceutical powerhouse, Basel retains its medieval, Gothic, and Renaissance architectural legacy. Visitors can admire the Marktplatz, dominated by the “blood-red City hall,” or climb to the twin-spired 800-year-old Cathedral. Wandering through its streets reveals tempting glimpses of half-timbered houses and welcoming inns.

Culinary and Cultural Adventures

For a taste of Swiss tradition, Restaurant Löwenzorn, serving customers since 1874, offers a classic fondue experience. While Basel boasts multicultural cuisine, indulging in this “unequivocally Swiss” dish, with its close-guarded secret recipe, is a must.

For a glimpse into Basel’s grittier side, Renée, a live-music bar in the Kleinbasel neighborhood, presents a cool cocktail list, a resident cat, and an underground vibe. Located in the red-light district across the river from the Old Town, it provides a different outlook on the city.

Rhine River: An idiosyncratic Journey

Instead of a typical river cruise, experience the Rhine with a short ferry ride. For a mere “two Swiss francs (£1.75),” one can board a non-motorized boat from the St Albans district to the opposite bank. Propelled by the current, these ferries have plied this stretch of the river as the mid-19th century, offering stunning skyline views as the “fäärimaa (ferryman)” steers silently with the flow.

Art and Architecture: Beyeler Foundation and Beyond

Basel boasts one of Europe’s highest concentrations of museums, hosting the world-renowned Art Basel since 1970. While the Kunstmuseum houses the oldest public art collection in the world, the Fondation Beyeler, designed by Renzo Piano, is equally impressive. The gallery, featuring works by artists like Henri Matisse, merges into the surrounding greenery, creating a harmonious experience.

Crossing Borders: Rehberger-Weg and Vitra Campus

From the Beyeler Foundation, the Rehberger-Weg, a 5km trail, leads to the Vitra Design museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany. Dotted with artistic objects, the trail winds through the Markgräflerland, known as the “Tuscany of Germany” for its favorable climate and viticulture. The Vitra Campus,designed by architects like Zaha Hadid,Herzog & de Meuron,and Frank Gehry,showcases envelope-pushing architecture and design. The red-brick Schaudepot, with its exhibition on Science Fiction Design, explores the influence of science fiction on furniture design.

Exploring the Tri-Border Region

A guided e-bike tour with Basel Bike Tours offers a unique way to experience the tri-border region. Reiner, a guide with Basel Bike Tours, emphasizes that “Basel is so versatile, so multicultural, and so much more relaxed than the rest of Switzerland.” The international tri-point, marked by the spiky Dreiländereck monument, stands at the end of Basel’s port, showcasing a “tangible bohemian attitude” in the Holzpark, where industrial wasteland has been reclaimed by creatives.

A Culinary Journey Around the World

The Markthalle,a revamped 1920s market hall,offers a culinary journey around the world. Stalls hawk everything from gelato and Turkish pide to Ukrainian borscht, Venezuelan arepas, and Ethiopian injera, providing a diverse and satisfying dining experience.

A Night at the Theater

Conclude your Basel adventure with a performance at Theatre Basel. Rossini’s Barber of Seville, performed with puppets, offers a “brilliant, imaginative, witty, but at moments weird” experience, mirroring the unique character of Basel itself.

Getting there

The writer traveled with flight-free specialists Byway. A sample eight-day trip, combining Basel, Bern, and Zurich, costs from £1,133pp.

Staying there

Hotel gaia has doubles from £165 B&B.

Visiting there

Trips with Basel Bike Tours cost from Sfr136pp.

More information

basel.com/en

What are some unique sights and experiences that Basel Bike Tours offers its guests?

Exploring Basel’s Cultural Crossroads: An Interview with Reiner, Basel Bike Tours

Basel, the Swiss city where three countries meet, offers a unique blend of culture, history, and unexpected experiences. Archyde recently sat down with Reiner Schmidt, a guide with Basel bike tours, to delve deeper into the secrets of this cosmopolitan gem and understand what makes it a must-visit destination.

Discovering Basel Beyond the Banks: An Insider’s Outlook

Archyde: Reiner, thank you for speaking with us. Basel has a reputation for being a financial hub.What surprises visitors most about the city when they arrive?

Reiner: Grüezi! My pleasure. People frequently enough expect Basel to be all business and banking, very “Swiss-perfect.” But what surprises them is just how relaxed and multicultural it is. The influence of being right on the borders of France and Germany is huge. Ther’s a real bohemian spirit here,especially noticeable in areas like the Holzpark,a reclaimed industrial space—it’s far cry from the typical image of Switzerland!

Cycling Through Culture: Unveiling Basel’s Hidden Gems

Archyde: Basel Bike Tours takes people beyond the typical tourist trails.Can you tell us about some of the hidden gems you introduce your guests to on your tours?

Reiner: Absolutely. We love showing visitors the Rehberger-Weg, a fantastic art trail linking the Beyeler Foundation in Basel to the Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein, Germany. It’s a 5km walk or bike ride dotted with whimsical artistic objects, winding through the gorgeous Markgräflerland – often called the ‘Tuscany of Germany’ due to its rolling hills and vineyards. It’s a fantastic way to experiance the tri-border region in a much more engaging way than just standing at the Dreiländereck monument.

The Rhine River Experience: More Than Just a Cruise

Archyde: The article mentions the unique Rhine ferry experience. Why is taking a short, non-motorized ferry ride across the Rhine so special?

Reiner: It’s a quintessential Basel experience! For just a couple of Swiss francs, you can hop on one of these ferries that have been operating since the mid-19th century. They’re powered only by the river’s current, with the ‘fäärimaa’ skillfully navigating using a cable. It offers stunning skyline views and is a truly authentic glimpse into Basel’s history and culture. It’s simple, sustainable, and surprisingly meditative.

Food, Art, and Architecture: Experiencing Basel’s Diversity

Archyde: Basel seems to offer something for everyone, from world-class art to diverse culinary experiences.How does the city manage to balance its rich history with its modern, cosmopolitan identity?

Reiner: Basel is a city of layers. You have the medieval Old Town, the Renaissance influence from Erasmus, and then the modern architecture of buildings like the Fondation Beyeler and the Vitra Campus. The Markthalle, a revamped market hall, is a perfect example of this balance – offering cuisines from all over the world in a building with a strong historical presence. It’s about embracing the new while respecting the past.

A Thought-Provoking Question: What Makes Basel, Basel?

Archyde: Reiner, if you had to sum it up in one sentence, what is the essence of Basel that you convey to visitors on your tours?

Reiner: Basel is a city that surprises you with its hidden depths, its unexpected blend of cultures, and its easygoing charm – it’s a place where you can truly experience the best of Switzerland, France, and German influences all in one vibrant package. It’s a unique place to visit and, for some, a really wonderful place to live.

Archyde: Thank you, Reiner, for sharing your insights into Basel. For our readers, what aspect of Basel intrigues you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments below!