Experiences in Basel

The history of the botanical garden of the University of Basel goes as far back as the 16th century, making it one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. It also offers an exciting variety of plants in a well-maintained haven of peace right in the heart of the city.

Forest bathing is a gentle, guided, half-day relaxation program in nature. It is organized in the parks of Basel (mostly in the Merian Gardens) and in the forests around Basel. By experiencing nature, it promotes health and is a simple relaxation technique.

Good architecture is not only self-evident, instead as important to the city as the bend in the Rhine. Here you have buildings by international stars like Frank Gehry or Zaha Hadid – and the world-famous Basel-based duo Herzog & de Meuron. Anyone keen on architecture is in their element here, and able to follow one of three architectural paths.

A tour of the Natural History Museum is like an expedition into the remotest corners of our planet where the most beautiful minerals originate, or into the distant past when dinosaurs ruled the earth.

Housed in a medieval paper mill, the museum offers a fascinating atmosphere being a combination of museum and production workshops. It is one of the few museums in Europe to maintain and preserve the historic techniques at an authentic venue.

The Basel Steam Baths in the former control room of St. Johann train station provide an oasis of calm and relaxation with a combination of bathing and massage traditions from near and far in an area covering 400 square metres.

Sports and fun for all the family are in the order of the day at the Dreirosen Leisure Hall in Basel. In all weathers, local children both young and old enjoy visiting this games centre by the River Rhine.

The Spalentor is the most imposing of the three city gates that were part of the large city fortifications dating back to the year 1400. Many important supplies entered the city of Basel from Alsace through this gate. From here, there is a wonderful view over the roofs of Basel’s old town and the hills of the Jura, the Black Forest and Vosges.

Basel is the Swiss architectural Mecca - as seen on setting foot inside the Museum of Architecture on the Barfüsserplatz in Basel. However, it’s not only the sum of famous Basel buildings you get acquainted with here - instead, intelligent and innovative exhibitions encourage debates on dealing with the different facets of modern architecture.

There is always something to experience aboard the flotilla of the Basle passenger cruise company: lock passages between Basle and Rheinfelden, city and harbour tours, rich brunch offer and much more.

The fox takes chasers on six different trails across Basel. But watch out, at the bend in the Rhine, foxes are up to every trick. The fox has to be caught before it leaps away over the border.

A visit to the toy museum in Riehen is an unforgettable experience for toy lovers. The museum houses European toys from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

On the border of Switzerland, the city of Basel forms part of the Switzerland, Germany, France triangle and meeting place for different cultures and history – as well as modern architecture and art today.

The water tower and the surrounding fields are among the most attractive green spaces in Basel. In early summer the area is dominated by large fields full of flowers where storks are frequent guests.

Founded in 1871, the Lange Erlen Animal Park is a popular destination for families.

In the vibrant city of Basel, the Lindt Boutique awaits you with a tempting range of exquisite chocolate creations. Immerse yourself in a world of enjoyment and discover Swiss chocolate art in its most beautiful form.

Basel got a new landmark in 1977 when Jean Tinguely placed some amusing machine sculptures in an enormous pool of water on the site where the stage of the old city theatre was once located.

What would Basel be without the Rhine? Four passenger ferries cross the river from one bank to the other, using nothing but a steel cable and the current of the water. The ferrymen’s tradition of telling yarns during the journey has continued to this day.

Opened in 1874 and affectionately known as “Zolli” by the locals, Basel's Zoological Gardens are home to a large number of indigenous and exotic animals. With its fascinating park landscape and lovingly designed enclosures, Basel Zoo is well worth a visit at any time of year.

With its more than 6,000 dolls, teddybears, play shops and roundabouts, the Toy Worlds Museum Basel is unique in Europe.

The Naturbad Riehen is an attractive swimming pool with contemporary infrastructure. This natural pool is geared specifically towards the needs of local families and the complex has a delightfully compact layout.

The Museum Tinguely houses the world’s largest collection of art by Jean Tinguely, famous for his moving mechanical sculptures. Interactive exhibitions explore his influences, the work of his contemporaries and the latest trends.

The newly created Rehberger-Weg is a 6-kilometre path from the Vitra Campus in Weil am Rhein to the Fondation Beyeler in Riehen.

Take a look behind the scenes at one of the last haute couture workshops in Switzerland.

As one of the few museums in Europe dedicated to this art form, the paper mill preserves historical techniques at an authentic site. Participants are shown these traditional techniques and given the opportunity to have a go at making paper and printing themselves.

The hotel special for girlfriends who have not seen each other for a long while: spend a relaxing break in Basel and devote yourself to having a really great time together on your city trip.