Basel Stadt & Landschaft
Ideas to explore Basel City and Land
Basel Landschaft
Augusta Raurica Archaeological Site
First a bit of history . . .
A colony at Raurica, including a military camp, was settled around 15BC, under the rule of Emperor Augustus. The site has been excavated and investigated for centuries with evidence of excavations going back to the 16th century. Detailed drawings of the site have been found from this time. From the 1940s the preservation and further study of these ruins have been carried out and special protection laws have been put in place.
Visiting the site
Luckily this ancient roman town has been kept alive through excavation and preservation. This is a real treasure. There is so much to see and do here. You can make your own mosaics, not forgetting to first have a look at the real deal in the museum to get an idea of how the professionals did it. You and your family can bake bread, go on a mystery tour or try out various workshops. There are guided tours and, if you are sporty, there is an orienteering route to try out. Or you could just wander around and experience the sights and sounds and imagine what life was like here 2,000 years ago.
Information on all the sights can be found on this page from the website: Augusta Raurica Up Close
This is a link to “A Short Guide to Augusta Raurica” which is definitely not short but considering the historical content that is not surprising. I certainly learned a lot from it and plan to give it to my children to read – whether they look at it or not is very debatable!
arlesheim
Arlesheim and Birseck Castle
This is a romantic place. You will find a hill-top castle, caves, romantic views, an ancient English garden, a historical mill, an elegant abbey and a beautiful natural environment.
This area offers . . .
Arlesheim village market: One of most popular markets in Basel Landschaft. The spring and autumn markets are held in the pretty town centre and the Advent market is held near the large Abbey on Domplatz. All markets sell regional products. They are held in Spring – April, Autumn – October and November – Advent. For dates see the town’s website: agiv.ch.
Birseck Castle: This lovely castle has been uninhabited since 1763. The revolutionary troops didn’t stop at the garden, they also burnt down part of this castle. Today the castle belongs to the Ermitage Arlesheim und Schloss Birseck foundation. The castle now consists of a circular wall with a round tower, a knight’s hall, a chapel and a yard within the outer wall. In 2004 and 2005 the castle was archaeologically examined and renovated. It is usually opened to visitors from May to September.
The Arlesheim Ermitage English Garden is a few minutes walk from Arlesheim village centre. This picturesque English garden was first created in 1785 and was popular all over Europe. It was destroyed a few years later by French revolutionary troops but, once again, re-created in 1812.
The entrance to the Ermitage has been around since 1789: two rock arches mark the entrance. Behind the second rock gate, a steep staircase carved into the rock leads into the landscaped garden. It definitely has a “Secret Garden” feel to it.
The cave was excavated at the beginning of the 19th century when traces of human activity dated back 16,000 years were found. More details on the area and tours can be found on the Ermitage website created by Dr. Sibylle von Heydebrand. Here is the link: ermitage-arlesheim.info.
Getting to Arlesheim: Tram line 10 from Basel (20 mins), or Dornach. Parking spaces are available. Ermitage English Garden Opening Times: always. (check with the above website for up-to-date info). Birseck Castle Opening Times: May-September, Wednesdays & Sundays from 2pm-5pm. Village Market Details: see website link above.
Walks in the area
Go to: Switzerland Mobility to find details about the ViaSurprise trail (32) which stretches west to Mariastein Klosters in canton Solothurn.
Basel Stadt (Basil City)
Around the Old Towns – walk and discover . . .
Historically, Basel’s position on the Rhein has contributed to its growth as a trade and transport hub, today it is a global centre for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Basel became a member of the Swiss Confederation in 1501 as its eleventh canton.
Basel has a well-preserved old town, full of beautifully designed historical buildings with many stories to tell. The inner city is small enough to walk around and when you need to cross over the river, it can be easily done with one of the four ferries (see Along & on the Rhein for details) – or, of course, you could use one of the bridges… The focal point of the old town is the impressive red sandstone Münster (cathedral) with its colourful diamond-shaped roof tiles and romantic cloisters. Another feast for the eyes is the town hall (Stadthaus) which was first built in the 17th century and has been renovated, retouched and renewed several times over the years. The old is mixed with some very impressive modern architecture.
Sculptures and Fountains fill the outdoor spaces
There are more than 300 fountains in the city. The Theatreplatz around the corner from Barfüsserplatz is home to both a massive Richard Serra sculpture and Jean Tinguely’s Fasnacht-inspired kinetic fountain – called Carnival Fountain.
Many are not only beautiful but also big enough to bathe in – and in summer, many Baselers do.
The Pisoni-Brunnen (Pisoni fountain) is a large 18th Century Baroque fountain found in the shadow of Münster Cathedral, on Münsterplatz. It is large enough to cool off half a dozen or more people on hot days.
Buildings, museums and a Bridge. . .
Contemporary architecture is an aesthetic passion of Basel. In the city and its outskirts, you can visit works by 12 Pritzker Prize winners, from Frank Gehry and Zaha Hadid to the hometown shop of Herzog & de Meuron.
The modern buildings in Basel definitely have the wow factor. They have lovely sleek lines that blend in nicely with the historical buildings, bridges and Rhein river.
The blending of the plain and the sumptuous is especially evident in the Kunstmuseum’s newest wing, which opened in 2016. Designed by local firm Christ & Gantenbein, it is all greys and rough textures, but with a light-filled entrance and galleries. A recent update to the facade includes LED lights that are somehow laid into the brickwork, creating a huge moving band. This is used to display images and words. I have yet to see this but will definitely check it out on my next visit.
MITTLERE BRÜCKE
The Mittlere Brücke was completed in 1226 and was part of a main international trade route across the Rhine in the 14th century.
BASLER MÜNSTER
There has been a church on this site since the 10th Century. During the 12th Century a building in the Romanesque style was built here and most of these interior features can still be seen today. There was a significant earthquake here in 1356 and most of the church’s exterior was destroyed. It was built up again in the 14th and 15th centuries in a mainly Gothic style. The cloisters were also damaged in the earthquake but, along with the rest of the Minster, rebuilt in the Gothic style. You can climb the two towers – beware there are over 250 steps but the views at the top are rewarding. The Minster usually opens at 10am and the cloisters are open from 8am until dark. For further opening times and information see this link – Basel Münster
STADTHAUS
Since the 16th century, the Stadthaus has been built, renovated and added to. This impressive building is still used by the Government today. The entire building, courtyard and facade are part of Basel’s culture; along with the colorful Fasnacht festival and red sandstone majestic Basel Münster.
MUSEUMS
I definitely can’t do an article on Basel without mentioning some of the 40 museums found within the city. Not only are the exhibitions and displays impressive – the buildings themselves are often architecturally significant.
Museum der Kulturen Basel (Museum of Culture)
This museum ranks among one of the leading ethnographic museums in Europe. with over 300,000 pieces collected since it first opened in the 19th century. Some of the first pieces on display were bought over from Mexico. They now display items from many different cultures such as Oceania.
The museum was renovated in 2011 and now has a new opening in Münsterplatz.
However, one of the most fascinating exhibitions has to be the Basler Fasnacht permanent exhibition which showcases and explains the story behind this hugely flamboyant annual carnival.
Their website with virtual tours, a list of exhibitions, opening hours, shop and bistro can be found on the Museum der Kulturen Basel website.
Jean Tinguely – a world-renowned artist (22 May 1925 – 30 August 1991) was a Swiss sculptor known for his kinetic art sculptural machines (known officially as meta mechanics). The uniquely wonderful museum of his life and work is on the banks of the Rhein at Paul Sacher-Anlage 2 – on the Kleinbasel side of the Rhein. The museum includes a huge central hall which was created by well-known architect Mario Botta. At the moment this hall is home to around 20 machine sculptures. The museum opens out to the historical Solitude Park which brings you to the Rhein. There is also a bistro in this park.
If you are feeling like a refreshing dip after visiting the museum, this is a good entry point for swimming in the Rhein – make sure you take note of the rules of river swimming and danger zones on the river before attempting to float downstream.
Good to Know: The website has a detailed description of many of the items in the Jean Tinguely collection – go here for more information.
Image of sculpture by Jean Tinguely & Niki de Saint Phalle
Fondation Beyeler museum is considered one of the world’s most beautiful Art museums with Monet’s lily pond paintings, work from Picasso, and ever-changing attractive exhibitions. The art encompasses the 19th, 20th and 21st Centuries.
Award-winning architect Renzo Piano, designed the building which is reflected in a lily pond and is within an English Garden. From here you can see views of the countryside, vineyards and the foothills of the Black Forest.
Opening hours*
Mon.- Sun. 10 am – 6 pm
Wed. 10 am.- 8pm
* open 365 days
Address & Contact details: Baselstrasse 101, Riehen/Basel www.fondationbeyeler.ch
info@fondationbeyeler.ch
Picture by Ricardo-Gomez-Angel, Unsplash
Klein Basel (small Basel)
This part of town is characterised by its art, diversity and many small businesses. Over this side of the Rhein, you will find a creative and international flair, resulting in exciting food and great shopping.
REH4.Basel is an association dedicated to supporting all the small businesses – including galleries, boutique shops, restaurants and bars in the Klein Basel area. This facebook site offers an insight into the area and up and coming events. The geographical border is between Wettsteinbrücke, Dreirosenbrücke, the Rhein and Badischer Bahnhof.
Rhein River
The embankment along the Rhein is a great place to either just wander or sit and watch the world (and, in the summer months, swimmers) go by. For a more serious hike, stage 10 of the ViaRhenana official hiking route (60) follows the river from Basel to Rheinfelden – it’s 19 km long and takes about 4 hours. Or you could just use the city section of the trail to take in the sights of Basel from the riverbank.
One option is to start the walk at St Johann and check out the 600m long promenade, which was completed in 2016. This curvy bank of the Rhein offers aesthetically pleasing shapes with benches, and showers for swimmers. This embankment area is the industrial part north of the old town where Novartis Pharmaceutical company can be found.
Buvettes (Refreshment stalls)
These refreshment stalls are a great Basel tradition. They are food stands, shacks or containers, creatively designed with seating & offering sun umbrellas or the natural shade of trees. Most are situated on the banks of the Rhein giving you a place to refuel after a swim. Several Buvettes are in Kleinbasel on the east bank – an area filled with boutiques and international restaurants.
They each offer something special. The Oetlinger Buvette, has its own BBQ for cooking your own food. They sell snacks, beer, coffee and other drinks. The Rhyschänzli Buvette serves a caipirinha and quince ice-cream. The Flora Buvette – on Unterer Rheinweg offers, amongst other food, homemade ice cream and drinks. You can find live music and large burgers at Marina Basel. See the map below for more Buvettes and all their locations.
Open from mid-March/mid-April to Mid-October – some stay open during the colder months and most close during bad weather.
Ferries (Fähren)
Between the five bridges that cross the Rhein, four ferries offer an exciting and unique way of crossing the river. “Wilde Maa”, “Leu”, “Vogel Gryff” and “Ueli” are attached to cables that span the river and, with help from the river’s current, they are able to cross without motorized assistance.
TIP: The crossing time on the St. Johann ferry is significantly longer, as the Rhein is wider and the current is less. You can also go back and forth as often as you want. You pay for the time you have spent on the ferry (approx. 10 .- / h).
- St Alban Ferry – Wilde Maa
- Münster Ferry – Leu
- Klingental Ferry – Vogel Gryff
- St. Johann Ferry – Ueli
See the four ferries link or map above to find their locations and further information.
Floating down the Rhein
On a sunny day, the kilometer-long promenade on the north bank of the Rhein is an ideal place to wander along, grab a drink and cool down. On very hot days, the Rhein transforms into a mass of floating heads and Wickelfisch (floating bags) – the locals floating along the river. In fact, in summer, many Baselers will jump in the river after work and catch the current home. If you try this you will need to take some time to find out how it is done. One thing that is important is how to ensure your valuables are kept dry and also that you stay within the safe areas of the river.
Waterproof Bag – Wickelfisch
As far as bringing your valuables, towel, and clothing along with you; you will need a Wickelfisch. This is a waterproof bag that floats along with you (don’t forget to strap it on ;-)). You can buy them at the Basel Tourist Office.
Hop-in, Hop-out
A popular hop-in spot is by Museum Jean Tinguely and hop-out shortly before the St Johann’s Ferry Terminal and the Dreirosenbrücke (Bridge).
The video below Vorsicht Beim Schwimmen im Rhein shows why it is important to stay in the designated areas of the river and the danger of getting in the way of boats. Basically take note of the following:
- A ship has large blind spots.
- Ships can’t swerve and they have an exact course to follow to fit under the bridges.
- Ships are faster than you think.
- A ship moves faster than the Rhein flows.
- Ships can only brake slowly.
- Don’t swim across the Rhein.
- Get familiar with the Schwimmzone (swimming zone) before getting in the water.
- Swimming in the harbour area and the lock is strictly forbidden
For more information see the official tourism website. Basel.com /rhine-swimming
FASNACHT
On the Monday to Wednesday following Ash Wednesday Basel is transformed into colour and music. The Carnival is kicked off with an early morning parade, lit with elaborately designed lanterns. Thousands of people march in the parades with huge, often comical masks and colourful costumes.
As with all Fasnacht parades, confetti rains down on the gathering crowds and marching participants, to settle on everything. It makes its way into pockets, hats, bags, underwear and even inside gloves – I know this as a fact. I am still finding stray pieces of coloured paper, years later.
The Fasnacht (carnival) in Basel is recognized as the largest popular festival in Switzerland, with some 15,000 to 20,000 masked participants taking part.
myswitzerland.com; 2020 Tourism switzerland website
For more information about the traditions and parades see Switzerland’s official tourism website: myswitzerland.com or Basel.com
Acknowledgements:
Basler Münster header image by: Hans Braxmeier from Pixabay
Klein Basel menu image By: Myri Roet from Pixabay
Basel Landschaft menu image By: Image by marcelkessler from Pixabay
Birbeck Castle: By Joerg Kummer – Own work, CC BY-SA 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1560656
Fasnacht Festival image: Image by Uwe Conrad from Pixabay
Roche Tower Image by: Image by Clickphoto Switzerland from Pixabay
Image of sculpture by Jean Tinguely & Niki de Saint Phalle: by Markus Baumeler from Pixabay
