[Europe Travel] Switzerland: Basel

Basel is Switzerland’s third largest city. Basel is an international city on the Rhine, on the three borders of Switzerland, Germany and France. It is the most upstream port city on the Rhine, where large vessels come and go, and the port is one of the largest inland ports in Europe. The museum is very famous and now has the most important collection of paintings in Switzerland. Basel is full of tourist attractions and is a popular destination for many tourists.

Location

Basel is a city located in the northern part of Switzerland.

History

The land of Basel first appeared in medieval literature. It was destroyed by Hungary in the Middle Ages, but it is being restored again. The city then joined the Confederation of the Rhine and the financial industry flourished. Switzerland has achieved independence and is no longer influenced by the Holy Roman Emperor. Since then, the publishing industry has flourished, and many books such as the Latin translation of the Bible, theology, philosophy, law, and church law have been published.

Climate

Basel is very warm in the summer. Winter is very cold. Temperatures range from -1 ° C to 27 ° C throughout the year.

Language

Swiss is spoken in German, Italian, French and Romansh.

Security

Switzerland is a very safe country, but in cities like Basel there are many pickpockets aimed at tourists. Please be careful at airports and railway stations.

Race

In Switzerland, there are many Germanic and Celtic people. There are also many foreign immigrants, including those from Italy, Germany and the former Yugoslavia.

industry

Basel has a textile and paper industry, as well as a world-renowned pharmaceutical company. Headquartered by Novartis and Roche.

religion

Most of Switzerland is Catholic and Protestant. The rest are Muslims, Jews, etc.

currency

Swiss francs are used in Switzerland.

Sightseeing spot 1 : Rathaus

Basel City Hall is a landmark. A fresco is drawn on the red wall of the city hall. Above the roof is a large clock tower and a golden spire.

Sightseeing spot 2 : Marktplatz

Marktplatz is the center of sightseeing in Basel. Many items such as fresh vegetables and fruits, cheese and bread are on sale. Cafes are also gathered around the Marktplatz.

Sightseeing spot 3 : Basel Munster

Located in the city center, this cathedral is a very large cathedral and Gothic building. You can also see the inside, and if you climb on the tower, you can see the beautiful cityscape.

Sightseeing spot 4 : Spalentor

The Spalentor is the gate that stands at the entrance to the Old Town of Basel. This gate was built in the 14th century and remains as it was at that time.

Sightseeing spot 5 : Universität Basel

The University of Basel was founded in 1460. It is also known as the oldest university in Switzerland. The University of Basel is famous for astronomy and earth sciences.

Sightseeing spot 6 : Dreiländereck

There is a large monument that represents the border between the three countries. An impressive form of monument that symbolizes that Basel is a tripoint city.

Sightseeing spot 7 : Kunstmuseum Basel

The Fine Arts Museum Basel has a collection of about 700 years and is one of the leading museums in Europe. This museum is said to be the oldest public museum in the world, which has been open to the public since 1661.

Sightseeing spot 8 : Tinguely Museum

It is a museum of artist Jean Tinguely. Tinguely is known for his moving works of art called kinetic art. There is a fountain in the pond in the garden, where Tinguely’s mysterious objects are placed.

Sightseeing spot 9 : Museum der Kulturen Basel

The Basel Museum of Folk Culture has been collecting collections since 1849 and has more than 300,000 works of art. There are exhibits not only in Europe but also in Africa and Asia.

Sightseeing spot 10 : Novartis Campus

The Novartis Campus in Basel is the headquarters of a world-renowned pharmaceutical manufacturer. Only Novartis officials can enter and leave, but the Basel Tourism Board organizes an internal tour twice a month.

Sightseeing spot 11 : Actelion Business Center

The building of Actelion, a pharmaceutical company in Basel. Designed by Herzog & de Meuron, an architect unit by two people from Basel, Jacques Herzog and Pierre de Meuron.

Sightseeing spot 12 : Naturhistorisches Museum Basel

Basel Natural History Museum. There are many exhibits of animals and insects. Dinosaur models are very popular.

Sightseeing spot 13 : Schaulager 

Schaulager contains more than 600 contemporary art collections by the Emanuel Hoffmann Foundation. Special exhibitions and permanent exhibitions that are open to the public are held on the first floor and basement of the building.

Sightseeing spot 14 : Basel Paper Mill

A museum containing materials related to papermaking, printing, and bookbinding. The building was originally used as a watermill, so the watermill is still in operation.

Sightseeing spot 15 : Fondation Beyeler

The Fondation Beyeler Museum holds 200 of Mr. Beyeler’s collections. From works by famous artists such as Cezanne, Picasso and Miro to contemporary art.

Sightseeing spot 16 : Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel

The collection of more than 2,500 teddy bears, one of the largest in the world, is in the collection. There are many toys collected from all over the world such as England and the United States.

Hotel

Basel has plenty of accommodation. EuroAirport Basel-Mullus Airport is nearby. Tickets and accommodations can be booked from the link below. It also supports other languages.