Intro

Bern's leap into the Reformation was followed soon after by Basel, but Protestant theology was no new idea in this city. The wealthiest and most literary city in Switzerland in the early 16th century, Basel was home to a highly-regarded university and some of the most important humanist thinkers of its day. Key among those was Erasmus, Father of Renaissance Humanism, whose 1516 edition of the Greek New Testament made the Protestant Reformation possible. Oecolampadius was also from Basel, an expert debater, scholar and consensus-builder, and Froben Printers, the printing house which published the writings of its local scholars. Basel's humanist influence had a profound impact on the thinking of Luther, Zwingli, Thomas More, the Anabaptists and many others.

Highlights of a visit to Basel include stops at the Historical Museum, housed inside the former Franciscan Barfüsserkirche (Church of the Shoeless Friars), with its collection medieval and Renaissance religious and secular items; the 13th-century Mittlere Rheinbrücke (Middle Rhine Bridge); and the 13th-century Peterskirche (St. Peter's Church), adjacent to a lovely park and the University of Basel. Don't miss the Münster (cathedral), which began as a 9th-century Carolingian church, and received subsequent additions in the 12th, 13th, and 14th centuries. The façade of the north transept (the Galluspforte) dates from the 12th century and is the oldest surviving carved portal in German-speaking Europe; inside Erasmus is buried in a simple grave.

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Travel information: Basel

  • Basel Short guided tour of the Town Hall

    The magnificent 16th century Town Hall on the Marktplatz is still the seat of government for the... from CHF 10
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    valid: 25.01.2025 - 20.12.2025

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  • Basel Monthly tour of August "Fire and Flame for Basel"

    Discover historic Basel in a new light during our captivating “Fire and Flame” guided tour.Fire... from CHF 14
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    valid: 23.08.2025

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  • Basel Visit artists in their ateliers in Basel

    How many artists live in a city like Basel? Where is art created, and in what sort of environment do... from CHF 33
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  • Basel The Nightwatchman's Secret

    Come with us on a night-time stroll through the legendary "little Venice" of Basel. Join... from CHF 35
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    valid: 20.02.2025 - 11.12.2025

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  • Basel An exciting treasure hunt right across Basel Zoo

    Beloved Basil, one of the last living staffs of the city of Basel (known as a “Baselstab”), takes... from CHF 25
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    valid: 17.01.2025 - 31.12.2025

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  • Basel North-South route, total distance, 7 days

    Included: Overnight stays as listed incl. breakfast Daily luggage transfers Costs for luggage... from CHF 385
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    valid: 14.06.2025 - 28.09.2025

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  • Basel Monthly tour of September "Murder and manslaughter"

    We'll guide you through the old districts of Grossbasel and make you more familiar with the... from CHF 28
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    valid: 20.09.2025

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  • Basel City tour Basel old town stories

    Discover the historic old town of Basel and the stories behind it. You can expect a time travel... from CHF 25
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    valid: 18.01.2025 - 27.12.2025

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  • Basel Treasure hunt with Basil

    An exciting voyage of discovery through Basel – specially for the juniors.  On the City Treasure... from CHF 45
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    valid: 17.01.2025 - 31.12.2025

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