{"id":197,"date":"2024-06-14T19:00:49","date_gmt":"2024-06-14T17:00:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/europe.wordcamp.org\/2025\/?page_id=197"},"modified":"2025-05-23T14:42:51","modified_gmt":"2025-05-23T12:42:51","slug":"touristic-highlights","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/europe.wordcamp.org\/2025\/location\/touristic-highlights\/","title":{"rendered":"Touristic Highlights"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Top places of interest in Basel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These are the landmarks you should definitely not miss on your tour of Basel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basler M\u00fcnster (Cathedrale)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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With its red sandstone walls, colourful roof tiles and twin towers, no other building adorns the cityscape of Basel like the Cathedral. The former episcopal church, built between the years 1019 and 1500 in the Romantic and Gothic styles, is probably the most famous landmark in Basel. The crypt, the chancel, the tomb of Erasmus of Rotterdam, the Gallus gate and the two cloisters are witness to a fascinating tale of construction over a period of several centuries. The piazza in which the Cathedral stands is today a popular meeting place and is often used for concerts and events. The Pfalz \u2013 the terrace offering wonderful views over the Rhine \u2013 is one of the most popular viewpoints in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basler M\u00fcnster on the Basel.com website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pfalz<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Pfalz viewing terrace in Basel offers fantastic views over the Old Town and as far as the border triangle. The word \u201cPfalz\u201d is derived from the Latin word \u201cPalatium\u201d, meaning \u201cpalace\u201d. The terrace high above the Rhine and behind the M\u00fcnster Cathedral is so-called because it is situated close to the location in which the former palace of the Bishop once stood. On one side of the viewing terrace are steps that lead down to the landing jetty of the M\u00fcnster ferry. On the other side there is a small gateway leading to the quiet cloisters of the Cathedral. Here you will find richly decorated gravestones of members of prominent Basel families from the 16th to 19th centuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pfalz on the Basel.com website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

City Hall<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The City Hall is the seat of the Basel government and its parliament. In the midst of the Old Town, it is particularly eyecatching with its red facade, the characteristic tower and playful frescoes. It was built after the great earthquake to replace the former seat of government. After Basel joined the Swiss Confederation, the front part of the building was replaced with an imposing new structure. The coats of arms of Basel and the 11 other members of the then Confederation adorn the crenellations. At the beginning of the 17th century, the city hall was extended, and the artist Hans Bock decorated the facade with painted trompe l\u2019oeil. In 1900 the building was extended again to include the left-hand wing and the tower at the right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

City Hall on the Basel.com website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spalentor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The Spalentor (Gate of Spalen) is the most magnificent and impressive of the three city gates still remaining from the city fortifications dating from 1400. In times gone by, many important supplies and provisions entered the city through this gate having arrived from Alsace. Its square main tower, flanked on each side by two round towers, would have been seen long before arriving at the gates of the city. The fa\u00e7ade facing away from the city is also decorated with three figures dating back to the 15th century \u2013 the Madonna and two prophets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spalentor on the Basel.com website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tinguely Fountain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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With its playful water dance, the Fasnacht fountain by Jean Tinguely on Theaterplatz is one of the city’s most popular attractions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

In 1977 Jean Tinguely created sculptural machines in a shallow fountain where the stage of the old city theatre company once stood, and in the process gifted Basel a famous modern landmark. The Swiss artist lined a shallow fountain with black asphalt and created inside mechanical figures powered by low-voltage current who appear to be playing in the water. These ten iron figures are in constant motion and conversation with each other \u2013 like the mime artists, actors and dancers that once occupied the stage that stood in this spot. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tinguely Fountain on the Basel.com website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mittlere Br\u00fccke<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Hardly another monument in the city of Basel has become such a symbol of the city as the Mittlere Br\u00fccke. Opened in 1226, it is one of the oldest Rhine crossings between Lake Constance and the North Sea.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Hardly another monument in the city of Basel has become such a symbol of the city as the Mittlere Br\u00fccke. Opened in 1226, it is one of the oldest Rhine crossings between Lake Constance and the North Sea. The Mittlere Br\u00fccke was initially used for local traffic, in conjunction with the development of the route over the Gotthard Pass as an international trade route, in the 14th century it gained significance as a crossing over the Rhine for international trade. With the advent of electric trams, the old bridge had to make way for the new Mittlere Br\u00fccke in 1905. A copy of the old bridge chapel, the so-called \u201cK\u00e4ppelijoch\u201d, where in the Middle Ages convicted criminals were sentenced to death, was erected as a reminder of the original construction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mittlere Br\u00fccke on the Basel.com website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basel Zoo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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The Zoological Gardens, known affectionately as \u201cZolli\u201d by Basel\u2019s inhabitants, opened in Basel in 1874 and is home to a large number of indigenous and exotic animals. The zoo is a popular excursion destination and well worth a visit at any time of year. In the summer months the park is an ideal place to stroll in the open air, in the winter months the various animal houses guarantee up close and personal encounters with a wide variety of animals. If you wish to discover an underwater world, there are several underwater creatures to discover at the vivarium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basel Zoo on the Basel.com website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Activities and Excursions in Basel<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Boat trips on the Rhine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Boat trips on the Basel.com website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A boat trip along the Rhine lets you admire the landmarks of Basel, such as Basel Cathedral (M\u00fcnster), the Roche Towers and the picturesque Old Townhouses on the banks of the Rhine from from their most beautiful perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the evenings, you can enjoy a relaxing aperitif and dinner cruise on board the Rhyst\u00e4rn. Totally relaxed and just as the mood takes you \u2013 with constant views of the setting sun and the passing cityscape. A special experience with the feel-good factor. The perfect way to see, feel and experience Basel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rates: visit the website of Basel Tourism<\/a>. With your BaselCard<\/strong> you\u2019ll get 50% discount on boat trips.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

City tour on a sightseeing bus<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

City tour on the Basel.com website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basel City Tour offers informative and entertaining bus tours around the city centre. The two-hour tour takes you past Spalentor, Kunstmuseum Basel, Museum Tinguely, the Roche Tower, Messe Basel (exhibition square) and the Dreil\u00e4ndereck (tri-border point). <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Each seat has an iPad mini2 with an audio guide app. The app presents the tour highlights and provides interesting background information about culture in Basel. Young passengers can enjoy a special channel with stories in Basel dialect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Languages: German, English, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese, Arabic, Chinese Mandarin<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rates: visit the website of Basel Tourism<\/a>. With your BaselCard<\/strong> you\u2019ll get 50% discount on boat trips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ferries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ferries on the Basel.com website<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the four Basel ferries, you\u2019ll cross the Rhine river through the force of the current alone. The four Rhine river ferries \u201cWild Maa\u201d, \u201cLeu\u201d, \u201cVogel Gryff\u201d and \u201cUeli\u201d link Grossbasel to Kleinbasel. They are attached to a long wire cable and are driven purely by the current of the Rhine itself. The ferries will silently bring you to the opposite shore all year round. Experience the way in which time seems to stand still during this brief crossing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Timetables and rates: visit the website of Basel Tourism<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Art, culture and modern Architecture<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Discover the cultural capital of Switzerland!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Museums<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Nearly 40 museums with spectacular collections and special exhibitions \u2013 unique in Switzerland and at the top of the international league too. If you want to understand why Basel\u2019s residents are so keen on art, you should visit at least one of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

With the BaselCard you enjoy the museums in Basel at half price for admission \u2013 including for special exhibitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kunstmuseum Basel<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Kunstmuseum Basel<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its prestigious collection \u2013 the first ever publicly accessible art collection \u2013 and internationally acclaimed exhibitions provide unforgettable art experiences. Take you on a journey through art history, from the fifteenth century right up to the present day. You\u2019ll find artworks by Hans Holbein, Rembrandt, Paul C\u00e9zanne, Claude Monet, Vincent van Gogh, Pablo Picasso, Sophie Taeuber-Arp and Andy Warhol in this collection of over 300,000 pieces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Special exhibition 2nd<\/sup> September 2023 until 21st<\/sup> January 2024 at Kunstmuseum Basel:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Matisse, Derain and Friends <\/strong>\u2013 The Paris Avantgarde 1904 \u2013 1908<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fauvism was the first avantgarde movement of the 20th century. This circle of artists, which included Henri Matisse, Andr\u00e9 Derain and Geroges Braque, had a formative influence on Paris in the years from 1904 to 1908. Marking Switzerland\u2019s first major show of \u00ab Les Fauves \u00bb in seventy years, this exhibition will also feature several superb works yet unseen in this country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fondation Beyeler<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Fondation Beyeler<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The museum in Riehen near Basel is internationally renowned for its high-calibre exhibitions, its major collection of modern and contemporary art, as well as its ambitious programme of events. The museum building was designed by Renzo Piano in the idyllic setting of a park with venerable trees and water lily ponds. It boasts a unique location in the heart of a local recreation area, looking out onto fields, pastures, and vineyards close to the foothills of the Black Forest. In collaboration with Swiss architect Peter Zumthor, the Fondation Beyeler is constructing a new museum building in the adjoining park, thus further enhancing the harmonious interplay of art, architecture, and nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Museum Tinguely<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Museum Tinguely<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Museum Tinguely, designed by Ticino architect Mario Botta and opened in 1996, is situated right on the bank of the Rhine. It houses the largest collection of works by Jean Tinguely (1925\u20131991), one of the most innovative and important Swiss artists of the 20th century. Vibrancy, laughter, amazement, discovery \u2013 a museum that stimulates the senses, in which art comes to the beholder. Jean Tinguely\u2019s kinetic works make him one of the most eminent pioneers in the post-1950 art world. The permanent exhibition showcases a compilation of his work spanning four decades \u2013 from early, filigree reliefs to the monumental machine sculptures of the 1980s. Inspired by Tinguely\u2019s ideas, Museum Tinguely stages a wide range of events and exhibitions that seek to engage with other artists and art forms, while providing an interactive museum experience that appeals to all the senses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vitra Design Museum<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Vitra Design Museum<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Vitra Design Museum in Weil am Rhein (Germany) numbers among the world\u2019s most prominent museums of design. It is dedicated to the research and presentation of design, past and present, and examines its relationship to architecture, art and everyday culture. In the main museum building by Frank Gehry, the museum annually mounts two major temporary exhibitions. In conjunction with our alternating exhibitions, the Vitra Design Museum offers a variety of workshops and guided tours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Modern Architecture<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Basel is seen as Switzerland\u2019s capital of architecture. The number of buildings designed by world-famous architects in such close proximity is unsurpassed, all in the midst of an architectural setting that has evolved over centuries. The Swiss architectural scene has an appeal that extends well beyond the country\u2019s borders. Numerous Swiss architectural firms have attracted attention all over the world in recent decades with a series of outstanding creations. Many of the renowned firms hail from Basel such as Christ & Gantenbein, Diener & Diener Architects and Herzog & de Meuron. They have all helped to lay the foundation of a lively architectural scene in Basel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just a few steps away from the picturesque and well-preserved Old Town you will glimpse architectural masterpieces designed by internationally renowned figures such as Richard Meier, Frank Gehry and Mario Botta. Numerous winners of the prestigious Pritzker Architecture Prize have immortalized themselves in Basel with their buildings \u2013 a concentration of superior architecture that is unique in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Roche Towers<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Roche Towers, designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron, can rightly be viewed as a modern landmark of Basel \u2013 but as the tallest office buildings in Switzerland, they can be seen far outside the city limits, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These two skyscrapers are home to the offices of the Roche pharmaceutical group. Building 1 was completed in 2015 and, at 178 metres, was the tallest office building in Switzerland until it was overtaken by Building 2 in 2022. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building 2 is 205 metres tall and has a total of 50 floors. It is one of the most sustainable, energy-efficient office buildings in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Goetheanum Dornach<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The Goetheanum is situated in Dornach, around 10 kilometres outside the city centre. It serves as the head office and conference venue of the General Anthroposophical Society and boasts a distinctive shape, which has also inspired the architects of neighbouring buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the destruction of the original Goetheanum building in an arson attack in 1923, the current building was constructed between 1925 and 1928. Both were designed by the esoteric Rudolf Steiner, the founder of anthroposophy. The monumental exposed-concrete building is particularly striking, owing to the almost complete absence of right angles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Novartis Campus<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

With about 20 buildings designed by top international architects, the Novartis Campus is a true Mecca of modern architecture. f you are interested in top-class architecture, appreciate short distances and also enjoy quiet moments in green surroundings, then the Novartis Campus, open to the public on working days, is just the place for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The list of architects who have put their stamp on the Novartis Campus reads like a who\u2019s who of architecture: Diener & Diener kicked things off in 2005, followed by SANAA and Peter M\u00e4rkli (both 2006), Marco Serra (2007), Vittorio Magnago Lampugnani and Adolf Krischanitz (both 2008), Frank O. Gehry, Jos\u00e9 Rafael Moneo Vall\u00e8s and Fumihiko Maki (all 2009), Tadao Ando, David Chipperfield and Yoshio Taniguchi (all 2010), Eduardo Souto de Moura and \u00c1lvaro Siza (both 2011), Rahul Mehrotra (2013), Juan Navarro Baldeweg (2014) and Herzog & de Meuron (2015). For the time being, the final piece of Vittorio Magnago Lampugnani\u2019s master plan scheduled for completion by 2030 is the Novartis Pavillon \u2013 conceived by Michele De Lucchi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re coming to see the Novartis Pavillon with its artistically luminous zero-energy media facade, you\u2019d best plan enough time to visit the \u201cWonders of Medicine\u201d exhibition, where four interactive areas (exploring life, disease, the history of medicine and the future of healthcare) invite you to delve into the secrets of the life sciences. The Novartis Pavillon is located in one of the carefully designed green spaces bearing the signatures of leading landscape-architecture luminaries, such as Peter Walker, G\u00fcnther Vogt and Guido Hager. A diverse collection of artworks \u2013 including a sculpture by Richard Serra, art within architecture by Jenny Holzer, a sound installation by Laurie Anderson and a 60-metre-high mural by Claudia Comte \u2013 make your visit complete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Basel Exhibition Centre \/ Messe Basel<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The new Messe Basel trade fair building is one of the city\u2019s newer landmarks. The central architectural urban feature of the hall complex, developed by Herzog & de Meuron, is the City Lounge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This covered, public space not only marks the entrance to the exhibitions, but also functions as a meeting place for locals and visitors. The architects called the prominent hole in the middle the \u201cFenster zum Himmel\u201d (\u201cwindow to heaven\u201d).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The meeting point of three countries<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Fancy a walk from Switzerland to France, then to Germany and back to Switzerland within 10 minutes? That\u2019s possible in Basel, a city at the crossroads of three countries! Beyond the famous \u201cDreil\u00e4ndereck\u201d \u2013 the spot where the three countries meet \u2013 why not travel a little further afield to discover the beautiful Alsace region in France or the Black Forest mountain range that begins just across the border in Germany? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many beautiful spots worth a visit on both sides of the Rhine, including the dazzling Europa-Park Resort with its dozens of attractions, which you can reach by train in a little more than an hour\u2019s journey from Basel.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Top places of interest in Basel These are the landmarks you should definitely not miss on your tour of Basel. Basler M\u00fcnster (Cathedrale) With its red sandstone walls, colourful roof tiles and twin towers, no other building adorns the cityscape of Basel like the Cathedral. The former episcopal church, built between the years 1019 and 1500 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18639594,"featured_media":6955,"parent":179,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-197","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/PfPHvs-3b","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/europe.wordcamp.org\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/197","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/europe.wordcamp.org\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/europe.wordcamp.org\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/europe.wordcamp.org\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/18639594"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/europe.wordcamp.org\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=197"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/europe.wordcamp.org\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/197\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7299,"href":"https:\/\/europe.wordcamp.org\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/197\/revisions\/7299"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/europe.wordcamp.org\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/179"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/europe.wordcamp.org\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6955"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/europe.wordcamp.org\/2025\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=197"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}