About Basel
If ever there was a city that tells a story, that city is Basel. Surrounded by modern buildings, the well-preserved Old Town, the three imposing city gates and the Cathedral (Münster) continue to bear witness to bygone days. Basel’s attractive location on the Rhine and the strategically important Münsterhügel (Cathedral Hill) first attracted the Celts to the bend in the Rhine in the Bronze Age, before the Romans made Basel an important trading center. Later, after the founding of the first Swiss university in 1460, the city became a centre of the humanist movement and of book printing. What happens next in the story? It’s up to you to decide what chapter you want to immerse yourself in. One thing is certain: you will be able to feel Basel’s history in every nook and cranny of the city.
Basel TourismusMittlere Brücke
The original Mittlere Brücke (middle bridge) was built in 1226, and is one of the oldest river crossings anywhere on the Rhine. The bridge was rebuilt in 1905, with the copy of the old chapel reminiscent of its previous incarnation.
Sorell Hotel MerianPapiermühle in the St. Alban district
Within the walls of a medieval mill, visitors learn about all aspects of paper production, from hand-made paper to finished books.
Basel TourismusCity gates
The three surviving medieval entrance gates – Spalentor (pictured), St. Johanns-Tor and St. Alban-Tor – continue to mark the city’s former fortifications.
Basel TourismusBasel Historical Museum
The museum in the Barfüsserkirche depicts the historical identity of Basel as the intersection between the cultures of Switzerland, Germany and France.
HMB Historisches Museum BaselBasel Cathedral (Münster)
With its two impressive towers, the Cathedral is Basel’s most prominent landmark. Climbing one of the towers is an unforgettable experience.
Basel TourismusElisabethenkirche
A spiritual counseling centre, concert hall, party location and exhibition space all in one: this is Switzerland’s first “city church” and it is open to everyone.
Basel TourismusTown Hall
The Town Hall’s red facade, characteristic tower and colorful frescoes make it an unmistakable landmark.
Basel TourismusThe Basel ferries
The four Basel ferries – Wild Maa, Leu, Vogel Gryff and Ueli – that cross the Rhine using only the natural power of the river’s current connect the larger southern part of the city (Grossbasel) with the northern side of the river (Kleinbasel).
Basel Tourismus