Basel – Cultural Capital of Switzerland

Art Basel

Basel, the third largest city in Switzerland after Zurich and Geneva, stands out for its rich cultural scene and is known as the countrys cultural hub. Boasting forty museums and a diverse array of cultural offerings Basel has garnered international acclaim for its esteemed art and cultural establishments.

The citys art museum houses what is widely regarded as the public art collection in Switzerland.

With the acquisition of the “Amerbach Cabinet” in 1661 the art museum can proudly claim to be, to one of the publicly accessible art collections globally. The Amerbach Cabinet comprises an assortment of artworks and artifacts featuring books, manuscripts and curiosities that reflect the intellectual and cultural vibrancy of that period.

Novartis Campus Basel

Roche Twin Tower Basel

The University of Basel which was established in 1460 stands as Switzerlands university and one of Europes ancient academic institutions. It has been home, to scholars and researchers over the years, such as Erasmus of Rotterdam, Paracelsus, Daniel Bernoulli, Leonhard Euler, Friedrich Nietzsche Karl Jaspers, Nobel laureate Tadeus Reichstein and philosopher Jeanne Hersch.

Basel has emerged as a hub for the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors on a scale. The city is host to the headquarters of two pharmaceutical giants. Novartis and Hoffmann La Roche. Playing a role in both scientific advancements and economic growth.

The city takes pride in its spirit of innovation and its significant contributions, to healthcare.

Minster and market square with town hall landmark of Basel

Basel City Hall

Basel Minster

The city is known for its landmarks such, as the market square adorned with a stunning town hall crafted from red sandstone and the impressive late Romanesque Gothic minster. Walking through Basels town feels like stepping in time passing by charming boutiques, vintage bookstores and trendy designer shops.

A must see attraction is the “Läckerli Huus” where you can savor the Basel honey cake.

Culture and Art Center Basel

Tinguely Museum Basel

Fondation Beyeler Museum, Riehen-Basel

Basel is a world-class cultural center and impresses with its internationally renowned museums such as the renowned Art Museum Basel, the fascinating museum of the iron sculptor Jean Tinguely, the impressive Fondation Beyeler and the multifaceted Museum der Kulturen. In addition to these outstanding institutions, numerous galleries and small theaters attract art and culture lovers from all over the world.

Basel’s music scene is also of great importance. It boasts groups, like the symphony orchestra and the Basel Chamber Orchestra, known for their performances. The Musical Theater Basel presents captivating shows catering to audiences of all ages.

The theater scene in Basel is known for its diversity and excellence. Both Theater Basel and the Schauspielhaus showcase a variety of plays from classical, to productions. Theater lovers have a selection here. Can indulge in a rich theatrical experience.

The city of Basel as a recreational area

Basel, the green city on the Rhine, captivates visitors with its abundance of green spaces and recreational options. The Botanical Gardens and Merian Gardens beckon you to leisurely wander and discover a variety of plant life. Many parks provide opportunities, for both relaxation and engaging in activities. Especially charming are the tranquil riverbanks of the Rhine lined with promenades that invite you to linger and savor the beauty of the river landscape.

Zoo Basel

St. Alban ferry “Wild Maa”

An absolute highlight is the Zoo Basel, which delights visitors with its impressive variety of animal species and its species-appropriate enclosures. In the Etosha House, visitors can experience spectacular insights into the Namibian savannah and get up close to the animal world.

Basel is ideal for exploring on foot or by bike. The city is well connected and offers a well-developed network of cycle paths.

The four Rhine ferries, which connect Grossbasel with Kleinbasel, offer a special way to cross the Rhine.

Rhine swimming as a popular sport

The Basel Rhine Swim is very popular with the local population and has also become a tourist attraction in recent years. Rhine swimming is part of the list of living traditions in Switzerland.

Rhine swimming Basel

Swimming, in the Rhine is a pastime in Basel especially when summer rolls around. Dive into this leisure pursuit. Enjoy a refreshing swim, in the river. To make things more convenient the locals have come up with a solution. The vibrant Wickelfisch. This fish shaped waterproof bag allows you to keep your clothes dry while you take a dip.

Basel Carnival

Basel Carnival, an event, in the city draws in large crowds of visitors annually and is well known globally. Following Ash Wednesday on Monday morning the city comes alive with the Morgenstraich” spectacle. At four in the morning all lights in the city are extinguished, signaling the start of an colorful procession, through the streets. Not is the Basel Carnival Switzerlands carnival but it also holds the distinction of being the sole Protestant carnival worldwide.

Basel Carnival

Basel carnival parade

The UNESCO has acknowledged the significance and cultural value of Basel Carnival by including it in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This prestigious recognition places Basel Carnival on par, with the Winegrowers Festival in Vevey as one of Switzerlands representations. The honor highlights the rooted tradition, flair and cultural diversity that define Basel Fasnacht.

During the carnival festivities Basel transforms into a spectacle adorned with music, dance, elaborate costumes and iconic carnival characters like the “Waggis” and “Larven.” The residents of Basel engage wholeheartedly in the celebrations with fervor and dedication fostering an ambiance. Fasnacht serves not as an occasion for locals but also as an alluring attraction, for global visitors seeking to immerse themselves in the unique charm of Basel Fasnacht.

International Exhibition Center

Basel is renowned not only for its cultural mix and historical landmarks but also as a significant hub for trade fairs and conferences. Its prime location, transportation connections and contemporary facilities make Basel a magnet for event planners and attendees from, around the globe.

Basel Trade Fair

Basel border triangle – Switzerland, France, Germany

One of the highlights, for event planners is the Congress Center Basel, situated conveniently in the heart of the city. It stands out as Switzerlands most modern congress center in terms of space providing a setting for successful gatherings.

Basel lies at the crossroads of Europe nestled on both sides of the Rhine River. Serving as a hub within Switzerlands border triangle with Germany and France Basels strategic location makes it a perfect meeting point for global business engagements, cultural interactions and collaborative ventures across borders.

Traveling to Basel couldn’t be easier. EuroAirport is a 15 minute drive from the city center with excellent connections to various European cities. For rail travelers both the SBB train station and Badischer Bahnhof serve as gateways to Basel. Its proximity to neighboring countries allows access, via TGV and ICE trains well.

Video BASEL SWITZERLAND: Top 10 Things to Do | Tourist attractions + Tour of the City | Museums, Rhine +

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Video Basel (Schweiz) [2020] | EPIC Drohne in 4K

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Video My Basel – Cinematic FPV

This summer, we captured Basel from an extraordinary perspective, using an FPV drone to fly between bridges, soar over church spires and swoop down towers. The technology of the FPV drone enables breathtaking shots and takes you on a journey through the skies of this dream city.

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