Basel

Basel

Basel is a charming city located in northwest Switzerland that is rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Here are some things to do in Basel:

1. Explore the Old Town: Basel's Old Town is a beautiful and historic district that is perfect for a leisurely stroll. The area is filled with narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and beautiful architecture.

2. Take a boat ride on the Rhine: The Rhine River runs through Basel and taking a boat ride is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.

3. Shop at the Marktplatz: The Marktplatz is a lively outdoor market that sells everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts.

4. Relax in one of Basel's parks: Basel is home to many beautiful parks and gardens, including the Botanical Garden and the Schützenmattpark.

Museums & Landmarks

• Kunstmuseum Basel: The Kunstmuseum Basel is one of Switzerland's most important art museums and houses an impressive collection of European art from the 15th century to the present day.

• Explore the Tinguely Museum: The Tinguely Museum is a museum dedicated to the works of Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, known for his kinetic sculptures, which incorporated movement and sound into sculptural pieces. He created large-scale installations that often featured mechanical elements and were designed to be interactive with the audience.

• The Town Hall in Basel, Switzerland is an iconic landmark that dates back to the 16th century. Its stunning architecture, with its red sandstone walls and richly decorated facade, makes it a must-see attraction for visitors to the city. 

  1. 1. • Inside the Town Hall, there is a sculpture dedicated to the Schweizerhalle chemical accident - On November 1, 1986, a fire broke out in a warehouse belonging to the chemical company Sandoz (nowadays Novartis) in Schweizerhalle, a suburb of Basel. The fire caused a major environmental catastrophe, as it spread to the warehouse containing chemicals, including agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals, leading to the release of toxic smoke and chemicals into the air and the river Rhine, killing all wildlife. You can see a video of how the news was given on the main television and radio channels here (in German). 

• Visit the Basel Minster: The Basel Minster is a beautiful cathedral that dates back to the 9th century. The cathedral features Gothic and Romanesque architecture and offers stunning views of the city.

• Barfüsserplatz is one of the most important public squares in Basel, Switzerland. It has a rich history dating back to the 13th century when it was part of the Franciscan monastery. The name "Barfüsserplatz" means "Barefoot Square" and refers to the Franciscan monks who used to walk around barefoot.

Events

• February/March: Carnival in Basel is a unique annual celebration featuring elaborate masks, lanterns, and costumes. It starts on a Monday morning with Morgestraich, and includes Guggenmusik (a form of brass music played by musicians in elaborate costumes), satirical commentary (Schnitzelbank), and three days of festivities. With a history dating back to the 14th century, this event is very traditional and not at all how I know the concept of carnival.

• February/March: Chienbäse is a traditional fire festival that takes place in the town of Liestal (approx. 20 min by car/public transport from Basel) on the Sunday night preceding Ash Wednesday. The festival involves people walking through the town's streets, holding large bundles of burning broomsticks above their heads, while others throw confetti and streamers at them. The tradition of Chienbäse dates back to the Middle Ages when it was believed that the fires would ward off evil spirits and bring good luck. Today, the festival has become a major tourist attraction, drawing thousands of visitors each year. The event starts with a torchlight procession and culminates in a spectacular bonfire. If you're planning to attend, be prepared for crowds and loud noises, and don't forget to wear appropriate clothing as sparks and ashes from the fires can rain down on the spectators.

Restaurant recommendations

Here are a few restaurant recommendations in Basel:

• Restaurant Stucki 🇨🇭: Run by acclaimed chef Tanja Grandits, this restaurant is known for its creative and imaginative cuisine, which is a fusion of Swiss and international flavors.

• Rheinfelder Bierhalle 🇨🇭: For a more casual dining experience, this historic beer hall offers traditional Swiss cuisine, including cheese fondue, schnitzel, and other hearty dishes.

• Atelier🇨🇭: This cozy restaurant serves modern Swiss cuisine with an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients. The menu changes regularly, depending on what's in season

• Kunsthalle Restaurant: Located in Kunsthalle Basel, this restaurant offers contemporary Mediterranean cuisine and features a beautiful outdoor terrace overlooking the Rhine River.

• Cheval Blanc 🇫🇷: This Michelin-starred restaurant is located in the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois and offers elegant and innovative French cuisine with a modern twist.