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                  BASEL TRAVEL GUIDE


Basel  is a city in Switzerland. One of Switzerland's underrated tourist destinations, Basel
has a beautiful medieval old town center, a Carnival that ranks with those of Venice and
Rio de Janeiro, and several world class art museums built by architects like Renzo
Piano, Mario Botta and Herzog & De Meuron. Basel is also rich in architecture old and
new, with a Romanesque Münster (cathedral), a Renaissance Rathaus (town hall), and
various examples of high quality contemporary architecture, including more buildings by
Herzog & De Meuron, Richard Meier, Diener & Diener, and various others.

Located in the Dreiländereck (three countries' corner), Basel is a gateway to the Swiss
Jura mountains and nearby cities of Zürich and Lucerne, as well as the neighboring
French region of Alsace and the German Black Forest. There are a number of things to
see and do if you have a few days to spend. It will be one of the eight host cities in the
2008 European Football Championships.

The town of Basel lies in the north-western corner of Switzerland. The town shares
borders with France and Germany and is the heart of this tri-national region - the
Dreiländereck (three countries' corner). Besides its own attractions it can serve as a good
entry point to the Alsace, Black Forest regions or the canton of Basel-Land.  
A "Basilisk", the mythical dragon holding the coat of arms and protecting the cityThe
Rhine runs through the city in an right-angle curve and divides the town into two parts.
Situated on the south and west bank is Grossbasel (Great Basel) with the medieval old
town at its center. Kleinbasel (Little Basel), featuring much of the night-life, is located on
the north bank.

Basel means art. Visiting Basel can be a holiday for your vocal cords if you plan to absorb
the beautiful art in silence exhibited in the many first-rate museums. Once a year it also
hosts ArtBasel (see Do) which is the world's premier fair for modern classics and
contemporary art.

Basel has one of the most amazing carnivals you're likely to see, called Fasnacht. If
you're there during the "three loveliest days" of the year, prepare to be amazed, and don't
expect to be able to sleep..

Even if you think your German is pretty good, and even though Basel is only just over the
German border, remember this is Switzerland and the locals speak the incomparable
and lively Baseldytsch. Of late Basel has become known as the Manchester of
Switzerland, this is due to several comparisons with the UK City. This includes, amongst
others, the weather, the multi-cultural make-up, the wide variety of shopping and eating
establishments and the surrounding geography.

During the days of the Roman Empire, the settlement of Augusta Raurica was founded
10 or 20 kilometres upstream of present Basel, and a castle was built on the hill
overlooking the river where the Basel Münster now stands. But even older Celtic
settlements (including a vitrified fort) have been discovered recently in the area predating
the Roman castle. The city's position on the Rhine long emphasised its importance:
Basel for many centuries possessed the only bridge over the river "between Lake
Constance and the sea".

The town of Basel was called "Basilia" in Latin, and this name is documented from the
year 374 AD. Since the donation of the Abbey Moutier-Grandvalto and all its possessions
to Bishop Adalbero II. in 999 till the Reformation, Basel was ruled by prince-bishops (see
Bishop of Basel, whose memory is preserved in the crosier shown on the Basle coat-of-
arms - see above). In 1019 the construction of the cathedral of Basel (known locally as
the Münster) began under German Emperor Heinrich II. In 1225–1226 the Bridge over the
Rhine was constructed by Bishop Heinrich von Thun and lesser Basel (Kleinbasel)
founded as a beachhead to protect the bridge.

Throughout history, Basel has seen the conclusion of numerous accords. In 1499 Treaty
of Basel was signed, ending the Swabian War, and two years later Basel joined the
Swiss Confederation. In 1795, two separate peace treaties between the revolutionary
French Republic on the one hand and Prussia and Spain on the other brought about the
collapse of the First Coalition and the cessation of fighting in the French Revolutionary
Wars. In more recent times, on September 3, 1897, the World Zionist Organization held
its first congress in Basel under the leadership of Theodor Herzl; this Jewish umbrella
organization would later play an instrumental role in the creation of the state of Israel.
Because of the Balkan Wars the Second International held an extraordinary congress at
Basel in 1912. In 1989, the Basel Convention was opened for signature with the aim of
preventing the export of hazardous waste from wealthy to developing nations for disposal.


                  GENERAL INFORMATION


Country                               Switzerland  
Canton                                Basel-Stadt
Population                         165,529   
Density                               7,276 /km²
Area                                    22.75 km²  
Elevation                            260 m (853 ft)



                        PLACE TO VISIT


The Munster - seen from KleinbaselWalk up cobbled streets and alleys from
Marktplatz or Mittlere Brücke to Münsterplatz (Cathedral square) to see Basel's Münster
(cathedral), built 1019-1500 in Romanesque and Gothic style, and the medieval buildings
lining the square. The Münster is open to the public.  
Galluspforte / St. Gallus DoorIts highlight is the Galluspforte (Gallus portal) on the
western façade, considered the most important Romanesque sculptural work in
Switzerland. The main (south) façade also features numerous figures (mostly
Romanesque), including St. George slaying the Dragon. The inside has, among other
things, a lectern most delicately carved out of sandstone (19th century), and a crypt with
tombs of early bishops of Basel. For a few CHF, you can climb St. Martin's tower
(completed 1500), at 62 meters the shorter of the two towers - the other tower is St.
George's, 65 meters, completed in 1492, after the 1356 earthquake destroyed an earlier
version. Enjoy spectacular views over the Rhine, the city and Alsace and Black Forest in
the distance. However, you must be accompanied in order to be allowed entrance
(jumping risk). Views from the Pfalz (plaza) north of the the Munster and overlooking the
Rhine are some of the best Basel has to offer. This is a nice place to eat your picnic
(bring it with you, there are not many options to buy anything up here, except ice cream
and sodas).

Elisabethen - Elisabethenstrasse. St. Elizabeth is relatively underrated in Basel
guides and maps given its historical significance. Built between 1857 -1865, it was the
first new Protestant church building in Basel following the Reformation and is considered
the most important neo-Gothic church in Switzerland.

Marktplatz - Market square. Fresh fruits and vegetables, breads and pastries, flowers
are available each working day. Considerably more vendors on Saturday morning.

Rathaus - (Town hall).  Right on Marktplatz, this beautifully renovated Renaissance
palace is still in official use, but you can enter the courtyard on your own, or join a guided
tour organized by Basel Tourismus , which also offers tours of other sightseeing
destinations, such as the Münster

The Gates to the Walled City - A (third) ring of fortifications around the whole
old city was constructed after the great earthquake of 1356, to provide security for the then
roughly 20,000 inhabitants of Basel. A number of these gates can still be seen at the
perimeter of what used to be the medieval city: Spalentor (tram no. 3 from Barfüsserplatz
in the city center, direction Burgfelden Grenze), St. Alban Tor, near Aeschenplatz (tram no.
3 direction Birsfelden), St. Johanns Tor, near the Rhine, tram No. 11 direction St. Louis
Grenze).

Kunstmuseum Basel - Basel's exquisite art museum houses an impressive
permanent collection of 19th and 20th century works (including a whole room filled with
masterpieces by Picasso), as well as an extensive collection of medieval and
renaissance paintings from European artists (Hans Baldung Grien, Hans Holbein,
among others). Under the same umbrella, but in a separate building, at St. Alban-
Rheinweg 60 (10 minute walk from the main facility) is the Museum fur

Fondation Beyeler - This elegant museum, located 15 minutes outside of Basel
in the suburb of Riehen, was designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano. It houses a world-
class collection, assembled over half a century by Basel's pre-eminent art dealer Ernst
Beyeler . The names of its collection read like a Who-is-Who of the art world since the late
19th century. It is notable, among other things, for a permanent collection of works by
color-field painter Mark Rothko and a vast nymphéas (water lily) painting by impressionist
master Claude Monet. The Fondation usually also displays excellent temporary
exhibitions. No photography indoors, photos allowed outdoors.

Museum Jean Tinguely -  See some fantastic animated mechanical works at
this museum dedicated to Swiss artist Jean Tinguely and other similar "kinetic" modern
artists. Great for kids.  
The building was designed by Mario Botta, whose other museum buildings include the
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. 10 CHF adults, free for children up to age 16. No
photography. Tinguely was one of Basel's most beloved artists, and another of his poetic
machine sculptures, the Fasnachtsbrunnen (Carnival Fountain) can be seen on the plaza
in front of Restaurant Kunsthalle on Steinenberg , next to a large metal sculpture by
American artist Richard Serra.

Schaulager - Designed by Basel's star architects Herzog & De Meuron, this
extraordinary building houses the extensive back catalogue of the Emanuel Hoffmann
Foundation's eminent modern and contemporary art collection. The Foundation, which is
also a large benefactor of the Kunstmuseum and the Museum für Gegenwartskunst
(Museum for Contemporary Art) was created by heirs to the fortune of the pharmaceutical
multinational Hoffmann-La Roche. Schaulager literally means display-warehouse - and
the building is indeed a hybrid between a storage space (cum art history research center)
and a museum, with changing temporary exhibitions.

Kunsthalle Basel - Basel's main non-commercial art space for changing
contemporary art shows. Throughout the year, the Kunsthalle shows cutting edge
international artists in meticulously curated shows.

Museum der Kulturen - Basel's ethnographic museum featuring exhibits from
South America, Africa, East Asia and Oceania. The exhibits from the South Seas, Ancient
America, Tibet and Bali are world-famous, as are its textiles

Puppenhausmuseum Basel - Boasts having the world's greatest collection of
teddy bears as well as fascinating toy shops and doll houses constructed to the scale of
1:12. A great place for kids and adults alike. CHF 7 adults, free for children up to age 16 (if
accompanied).

Kunsthaus Baselland - The Kunsthaus features changing exhibitions of
contemporary art, particularly the Regionale, an annual platform for young artists from the
Three Countries' Corner (together with the Kunsthalle Basel). It also houses the BEWE
Collection (donated by collectors Bruno and Elisabeth Weiss), which focuses on the
oeuvre of two renowned Basel based modernist artist groups:

Basel Zoo - Second largest zoo in Switzerland, with easy access by walking or tram
from the central SBB station. For a zoo located in the center of a city it is big with great
variety. Have lunch watching the elephants and take some time to see the monkeys
solving problems for food in the Monkey House.

Rhine river - In warm weather, be sure to spend some time in the afternoon enjoying
the sun by the Rhine, walking along the 2 mile/ 3 km promenade on the Kleinbasel
board, or take a dip it if it's really hot, as many locals do (see Sports in the Do section,
and Stay Safe).  
Walk over the bridges: they offer excellent vantage points to see river - and river bank - life.
Even better - cross the Rhine by Faehri

Basel Badischer Bahnhof  - is a railway station situated in the Swiss city of
Basel. Whilst the station is situated on Swiss soil, the platforms and part of the entrance
hall are extraterritorial, belonging to Germany, and the station is operated by the German
railway company Deutsche Bahn. A border crossing is situated in the passenger tunnel
between the tracks and the station hall.

The Gate of Saint John - (in German St. Johanns-Tor or Sankt-Johanns-Tor) is a
former city gate in the ancient city walls of Basel, Switzerland. It is one of the three
remaining gateways and a heritage site of national significance.

The Gate of Saint Alban - (in German St. Alban-Tor or Sankt-Alban-Tor) is a
former city gate in the ancient city walls of Basel, Switzerland. It is one of the three
remaining gateways and a heritage site of national significance



                     EVENT AND FESTIVAL


Basler Fasnacht - This is Basel's version of Carnival , and a premier event during
the year, lasting for three straight days, beginning on the Monday following Ash
Wednesday. Don't confuse it with the more raucous festivals in traditionally Catholic
areas, such as the German Rhineland (Karneval) and Munich (Fasching), or Carnival in
Rio or Mardi Gras in New Orleans. It can actually have a kind of somber feel, although
with a distinct poetry and subtle humour, which you may learn to like. Many locals are
dead-serious about it, often preparing their costumes and practicing their skills on the
traditional musical instruments (military drums and piccolo flutes) throughout most of the
year. If you are not a Basler, avoid dressing up silly or putting on make-up, as this is
neither customary nor appreciated by locals - who mostly prefer to stay among
themselves for what many consider "the three loveliest days" of the year. But that's no
reason to be discouraged (thousands of tourists aren't anyway), just have the right
approach:

Chienbase - Burning "Bäse"Combine Fasnacht with the amazing fire spectacle of
Chienbäse (KHEAN-BA-SE) parade in nearby town of Liestal, capital of the neighboring
canton Basel-Landschaft (15 minutes by train from the SBB Station), which starts at 7:15
PM on the Sunday evening preceding Morgestraich. Locals clad in (kind of) fireproof garb
parade through the narrow and spectator-lined streets of the town, carrying large burning
wooden brooms (bäse) above their heads. Other groups are drawing iron carts with huge
bonfires - which they even rush through some of the old town gates, as the flames lick the
structures above. There are a number of inconclusive interpretations of this pagan-
seeming custom but, again, you don't necessarily need to understand any of them to
appreciate the eerie and even mildly threatening beauty of the parade.

Fasnachtsbummel - The three sunday afternoons following Fasnacht, the cliquen
tour the countryside and small towns around Basel and return to Basel for a final large
evening parade - the bummel (BOOM-MEL, engl. stroll). No costumes, just music.

ArtBasel - Mid-June. Co-founded by gallery owner Ernst Beyeler (see Beyeler
Foundation) in the late 1960s, this is the world's premier fair for modern and
contemporary art. Another event that seems to all but double the population of the city.
The five day fair attracts major galleries and wealthy art collectors from around the world.
ArtBasel showcases works by virtually every important artist from the late 19th century up
to red hot trendsetters

BaselWorld International Watch and Jewelry fair -  Late March-Early
April. The world's biggest watch and jewelry trade show. The city's population more than
doubles during this convention. The watch displays are particularly elaborate, with the
exhibition space set up like an indoor version of New York's 5th Avenue.


                       HOW TO REACH

By plane - The Euroairport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg is the only bi-national airport in
the world. Built on French soil about 4 km from Basel it is connected with the city through
a customs-free road. Several major airlines, like Swiss, Air France, British Airways and
Lufthansa, serve the EuroAirport. Besides the national carriers, EasyJet is building up a
larger base in Basel. Current destinations are airports in the surroundings of Berlin,
Amsterdam, Liverpool, London, Alicante, Barcelona, Nice, Palma de Mallorca, and Rome.
Another low-cost carrier is Air Berlin  which flies to many holiday destinations, e.g. some
Greek islands and the Canary Islands.

By train - Basel has two main train stations. The Basel SBB station is south of the
town center and the Basel Badischer Bahnhof (abbrev Basel Bad Bf) is to the north in
Kleinbasel. The Basel SBB station serves the Swiss SBB rail and French SNCF rail, with
German DB trains connecting to the Basel Badischer Bahnhof. Badischer Bahnhof
serves the German DB rail. If you are arriving from France or Germany, you will pass
through customs before entering Switzerland

By tram - Basel in one of only two places on the Earth where you can cross an
international border on a tram (streetcar, light rail). Tram route 10 crosses the Swiss-
French border twice (it passes through French territory). So it is possible to travel to Basel
by tram from the French commune of Leymen. Unfortunately Leymen station is not
connected to the rest of the French railway network. The international tram line is
operated by BLT public transport company.

By car - When arriving from Germany via the A5 highway, you pass the border control
near Weil am Rhein just outside Basel and enter the city via the same highway, now
named A2/3 (you're in Switzerland), which passes north of the city center and continues
on to other Swiss cities, including Zürich, Berne, and Lucerne. To get to the city center in
Grossbasel (the larger section of the city) look for signs to Bahnhof SBB; if you want to
arrive in Kleinbasel (the smaller part on the other bank of the Rhine), look for Messe
Basel. Arriving from Zurich or central Switzerland, you are on the same A2/3 highway, just
in the opposite direction - same exits.

By boat - The Rhine is navigable to Basel, and in the summer cruise ships operate
on from Amsterdam to Basel, with intermediate stops.