Basel

Basel in Switzerland is farther from the Alps than Bern, less popular than Geneva and quieter than Zurich, but stands to be the second largest city of Switzerland famous for mighty Rhine and modern art. Since the Renaissance period, the city patronized varied forms of art, the reflection of which can be seen in several art galleries that lie spread across its unique location. The core of the city is immensely serious-minded business community and is a major industrial center for chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Nestled in the Switzerland’s border with France and Germany, Basel attracts large tourists and exhibits grandeur in form of rich art and architecture. The city is a beautiful place to travel with its expanding countryside and varied recreational facilities.

Basel-Carries an Eventful History

Archaeological excavations and studies reveal that during the pre-Christian era, it was the Celts that first dominated the Basel area. During the Roman Period, however, the nearby city, Augusta Raurica had much significant historic importance and after its destruction during the fifth century, Basilia, a fort and the seat of Bishop soon gained popularity. The city of Basel has found a mention of its name in historical documents of 374. The city suffered some unrest, until Holy Roman Emperor Henry II took control over the city in the 11th century. However, during 917-918, the city came under Hungarian attack and it became a part of Burgundy until 1025 but soon Basel became a part of German Empire. It was in 1019, that Henry ordered construction of a cathedral and he was soon declared as Basel’s patron saint.

It gained importance as a trading city with the Rhine Bridge built in 1226. Again, during the 14th century the city suffered major setback due to plague and earthquake wherein a huge population succumbed to death and major part of the city got devastated. It was in 1460 that Pope Pius II founded the Basal University and the city then got a new lease of life; and it started to revive.

It was during the 16th and 17th centuries that silk weaving and fabric dying industries began to flourish and the city tried to revive it’s fame as a trading city. In the 20th century, although the chemical and pharmaceutical industries began to take birth and the city also became an important center for art exhibition and regarded a place close to heart by the art connoisseurs. However, the city came out unscathed during the two wars of the 20th century. During the WW I, Swiss army was positioned near Basel border yet the city was untouched. It remained so during the WW II because of Switzerland’s neutral stand.

Best Time to Visit Basel

Located to the North of mighty River Rhine of Switzerland, the best time for all to pack their bags and drop at Basel is during the summers. It is during summer, that the city experiences hottest weather in Switzerland. Thus it would be simply wonderful if you visit Basel between Mid May and End of June. The month of April is generally wet, but if you wish to enjoy the traditional festivals of Basel, visits the city in spring and winter.

Basel – Every Scientist’s Stopover

The city’s love for art is well reflected in the several art galleries that can be found here. With time, the city emerged as the center for biotechnology research and development with an international airport transforming Basel to a major business destination and location for several trade fairs.

How can you go there?

If you are visiting Switzerland, then never miss the opportunity to spend a few nights at Basel, as it is very easily accessible. The busy streams of goods and people are extremely well connected by rail, road and water at Basel. The Basel city lays bordering Switzerland, France and Germany. The Euro Airport that serves Basel is located 5 km, north in France and caters to several routes to London as well as to other major metropolis. Again Euro Airport has several low-cost carrier. EasyJet with many direct flights to Amsterdam, Barcelona, Hamburg, Madrid, Paris and Rome. France and Switzerland jointly operate the Basel’s Euro Airport since the airport is completely located on the French land. There are several car rental services that can pick you up from the airport and drop you at your hotel.

Again, if you wish to travel slow and have time to admire the beauty of mighty Rhine, then take a boat ride along the Rhine. With intermediate stops, there are several summer cruise ships that operate from Amsterdam to Basel. Within the city limits, there are five bridges that connect greater Basel to lesser Basel from upstream to downstream. So, enjoy the picturesque Basel traversing the Rhine by a boat.

Basel has two main railway stations, the Basel SBB and the Basel Badischer Bahnhof, so no fretting because Basel is very well connected through rail network. There are high-speed international train links from Germany, fast trains from Paris, Brussels and Milan as well night trains from Amsterdam, Berlin and Rome. So, one can get to Basel at anytime.

Again, Basel is one city, that one can cross an international border by a tram or even a streetcar. One can thus travel to Basel by a tram, or hire a cab and take the A5 route from Germany. One needs to purchase the tickets in advance to avail of all kinds of transportation facilities at Basel.

Getting around at Basel

Basel is a modern city and is the venue for staging several theater events and trade fairs and international symposia. The city attracts millions of business tourists from all over the world every year, as it hosts a wide range of international exhibitions and several conventions. The exhibition calendar of Basal is never free, filled up with trade fairs and art exhibitions.

However, one of the most popular tourist destinations at Basel is the Munster which is a cathedral made up of red sandstone and is known for its two uneven towers and exhibits magnificent architecture. The pulpit of this cathedral is a monolith.

After spending the morning at the cathedral, one can plan a day trip to Basel’s unique zoo. Tourists of all ages, especially children would simply enjoy themselves at Basel zoo. It’s quite an old zoo but promises some exotic and rare animal species. The Basler Zoologischer Garten, as it’s known, spawns about in a 26-acreage land and has been a home to common and rare animals.

The city of Basel promises so many museums and you can simply spend a whole day hip hopping from one museum to the other. Visit the Kuntsmuseum that will take you to the Medieval Period and one will be amazed to see the collection of Holbein works. Again, children will enjoy the Basel’s doll and toy museum known as Puppehaus Museum. Constructed during the 14th century, visit the Basel’s history museum that has on display varied relics and sculptures. It is at Historisches Museum Barfusserplatz, one can see the most popular display of Basel, the bust of St. Ursula. The most unique museum of Basel is the Karikatur and cartoon Museum that has in display caricatures that dates several centuries back.

If you are too tired, then take a short kitkat break and sip some hot cappuccino at the Campari Bar, one of the hottest spots of Basel and decide on where to go next. Take down a trip to the marketplace that lay central to the city. The place is dominated by Town Hall and has undergone several renovations to give it a perfect contemporary city look. Again, the art lovers will never miss the opportunity to visit Beyeler Foundation that has collection of art that dates fifty years and old.

Take some time to visit the Basel’s latest construction that is Switzerland’s tallest tower, the Messeturm. It is Basel’s Trade fair Tower, built in 2003, which is greater than 300 feet and high and has thirty-two floors. Located at Basel’s Exhibition Square at Kleinbasel, one can enjoy a drink at the trendy bar, the Bar Rouge located at the top floor.

But, if you are the one that would love to dance to the tune of jazz, make sure to be part of the major cultural event of Basel popularly called as Basler Fasnacht. It is one of the biggest carnivals that would last for almost 3 days. The origin of this carnival is deeply rooted in its local tradition and the air resonates with vivid color, fancy costumes and in whole a party like atmosphere prevails for the 3 days. One can simply go around the illuminated streets, alleys and enjoy the vibrancy during the carnival.

The city of Basel has several leisure facilities and provides with opportunities to spend time as well as have fun. Excursions on the Rhine River are a popular pastime or one can simply stroll through the town and see works of some great architects. The best is to taste the wide variety of cuisine that is available, either in small bistros or at international famous gourmet temples.

Basel has all, something for every taste and every pocket. You can go shopping in the inner city of Basel or walk through the old town; you can never get bored at Basel.

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