Basel, Switzerland – Oswego County Business Magazine
By: Sandra Scott
The medieval Swiss city borders Germany and France. It offers museums, beautiful Renaissance architecture, art galleries and much more
When Americans travel to Europe, they sometimes focus on the capital cities, missing out on the charm and appeal of the smaller cities.
Visitors will find such destinations more relaxing as they are not overrun by tourists and while some accommodation may seem expensive, it is often cheaper than that in a capital city.
This is the case with Basel in Switzerland.
Basel is a city on the Rhine in the northwest of the country, near the borders of France and Germany. Not far from the town there is a monument marking the border triangle. The oldest university in Europe is located here.
The medieval old town revolves around the market square, which is dominated by the 16th-century red sandstone town hall. The ornate red sandstone facade is covered in whimsical frescoes. It is now the seat of government. Nearby is the 12th-century Gothic Cathedral with stunning views of the city. The cathedral contains the tomb of the 16th-century Dutch scholar Erasmus. The city’s university houses some works by Erasmus. Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus was a Dutch philosopher and Catholic theologian who is considered one of the greatest scholars of the Northern Renaissance.
The city is ideal for strolling and viewing the beautiful Renaissance architecture. Three of the city’s original seven gates are intact. In places there is even evidence of the old medieval wall, sometimes in the basements of restaurants and hotels.
The best way to get to know the city is by hop-on bus. A full loop takes about two hours, but you can hop on and off at any of the stops. A stop is at the ferry that crosses the Rhine. Unique to most bus tours is the tablet that is located at each seat and displays the discussed page in multiple languages. Every visitor receives a free Basel Card when checking into a hotel. The card allows free use of public transport and half-price surfing at various locations, including the sightseeing bus, some guided tours and cruises.
The city is home to a wealth of museums. The unique Hoosesagg Museum is a tiny museum that features a collection of miniatures on loan from collectors each month on a different theme. Each collection has its own story. The Tinguely Museum is dedicated to the Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, who died in 1991. He is best known for his professional obsession with machines, how they work, sound and move.
Several of his creations are on display in the Tinguely fountain in the heart of Basel’s city centre. Built in 1977, the fountain consists of 10 iron machine statues. Since it is located in front of the Municipal Theater and where the stage of the old theater used to be, the statues are inspired by this art form. They are in constant motion and almost look like the actors performing and interacting with each other. There are museums for cartoons, toys, architecture and of course several art museums. As Basel is home to several large pharmaceutical companies, there is also a museum dedicated to pharmacies.
The Rhine side is alluring and when the water is calling you, swimming in the Rhine is one of Basel’s most popular summers
time sport. Pick up a colorful wrap fish, a fish-shaped swim bag invented in Basel, to keep your clothes dry as you float down the river.
Once a year, the city organizes the Basler Rheinschwimmen, a public sporting event. The participants swim or drift in the Rhine from the Münsterufer to the Niederrheinufer for up to 15 minutes. During their swim, they are escorted and monitored by watercraft and lifeguards. Private swimming is popular throughout the summer. While summer is the most popular time to visit, there is a great Christmas market in November.
Residents speak multiple languages and English is common in the tourist areas. The Swiss franc is the official currency, but euros and credit cards are widely accepted and there are plenty of ATMs.
Visitors only need a valid passport.