Dreiland-Wanderweg
Overview
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Distance 16 km
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Duration 4 h
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Ascent 200 m
Intro
The imposing port facilities in the Swiss and German regions, the Three Countries Pylon (marking the spot where all three meet) and the Three Countries Bridge draw attention to the international status of this section. The following riverside hike along the Altrhein to Efringen-Kirchen is simply idyllic.
Description
The “Dreiland-Wanderweg” (Three-Country Hiking Trail) is a cross-border route that connects Germany, France and Switzerland. This stage begins at the Schifflände, the oldest port facility in Basel, which is now a landing stage for excursion boats and ships. The impressive Middle Bridge on the Rhine near the Schifflände was built in 1905, replacing the former bridge from 1226. The first bridge was commissioned by Bishop Heinrich von Thun. In order to protect the bridge and ensure safe access to the episcopal lands in Breisgau, he had the then fortified Kleinbasel built on the right side of the river. From the 14th century, the bridge was part of an important north-south trade connection.
You reach Marktplatz not long after starting. This is dominated by the magnificent red sandstone town hall with its arcades, tower and inner courtyard, and is the seat of the government and parliament for the canton of Basel-Stadt.
Passing Barfüsserplatz, it is worth taking a short detour to see the theatre and the Tinguely Fountain. In 1977, Jean Tinguely created a huge water basin with fun machine sculptures here, where the stage of the old city theatre once stood. We continue past Basel Zoo, or Zolli, as the zoo is called in Basel German dialect. Established in 1874, it was the first zoological garden in Switzerland. After passing the small hill of St. Margarethen, you leave the surfaced road and follow a gravel path that crosses fields until you reach the Bruderholz Cantonal Hospital. You enjoy a wonderful view of the city of Basel here. The route continues on surfaced roads. Then after a while you arrive on the banks of the Birs in Münchenstein. If you are lucky, you will see storks looking for food in the adjacent fields.
You follow the course of the Birs until it flows into the Rhine. Good gravel roads and paths alternate until you reach the FC Basel football stadium St. Jakob-Park. In Basel German the stadium is called Joggeli. Further along the Birs you arrive at the Rhine, where you cross the river via the hydroelectric power plant and the lock. Shortly after this, you reach the destination for this stage, Riehen Cemetery on the Hörnli, the largest cemetery in Switzerland.
An enjoyable tour includes the careful planning of the same. Please inform yourself in advance at the local information center about the route and weather conditions. Depending on the season and weather conditions, this route may be blocked or interrupted
| Start location |
Basel, Schifflände
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|---|---|
| Destination |
Riehen, Hörnli
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| Direction |
One way
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| Altitude (meter above sea level) |
250 m
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| Ascent |
200 m
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| Descent |
190 m
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| Distance |
16 km
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| Duration |
4 h
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| Duration back |
4 h
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| Technical requirements |
Easy
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| Physical requirements |
Medium
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| Season |
All year
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| Theme |
Along Water
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Quick Facts
Route number
