Wildlife watching experiences in Basel

Basel got a new landmark in 1977 when Jean Tinguely placed some amusing machine sculptures in an enormous pool of water on the site where the stage of the old city theatre was once located.

A detour to the Messeplatz exhibition space in Basel is always worthwhile - even when there’s no large-scale exhibition taking place. The spacious area at the heart of what’s known as Kleinbasel - little Basel, is surrounded by some mind-boggling architecture: The 105 sky-meter-high Morger & Degelo tower - and the new Herzog & de Meuron construction with its “window to the heavens.”

The Basel Historical Museum with its three sites is widely regarded as the most important museum of cultural history on the Upper Rhine. It collects, conserves, records and researches objects and artefacts of relevance to our cultural heritage for future generations, tells visitors the story of Basel, and is a place for discourse and engagement with both present and future.

Globus has been an integral part of Basel city life since 1907. With the freshly refurbished store on Marktplatz, Globus blends its long tradition with future-oriented architecture and innovative retail concepts.

The Basel Historical Museum with its three sites is widely regarded as the most important museum of cultural history on the Upper Rhine. It collects, conserves, records and researches objects and artefacts of relevance to our cultural heritage for future generations, tells visitors the story of Basel, and is a place for discourse and engagement with both present and future.

In the vibrant city of Basel, the Lindt Boutique awaits you with a tempting range of exquisite chocolate creations. Immerse yourself in a world of enjoyment and discover Swiss chocolate art in its most beautiful form.

Anyone who strolls through the historic old town, sees the lovingly decorated houses and the festively adorned shop windows, will be enchanted by the magic of Basel at Christmas time.

At the Museum Tinguely in Basel you will find the world's largest collection of Jean Tinguely's artworks. Set his kinetic machines in motion at the touch of a button and hear them clatter. The museum building on the Rhine was designed by Mario Botta.

What would Basel be without the Rhine? Four passenger ferries cross the river from one bank to the other, using nothing but a steel cable and the current of the water. The ferrymen’s tradition of telling yarns during the journey has continued to this day.

Wild Bee Lodges – Where Design Meets Urban Biodiversity: In the garden of Silo Boutique & Design Hostel Basel, designer and concept developer Sarah Rittmann has created a stylish retreat for wild bees: the Wild Bee Hostel. Five elevated lodges made of natural materials rest on slender wooden stilts, nestled within raised beds and planted cavities integrated into the structure itself. With a hexagonal form and varying nest hole sizes, the lodges cater to the needs of different bee species. Natural materials like bamboo, reed, hardwood, and clay offer ideal, disease-resistant nesting conditions. A rooftop garden and lush green cavities provide nectar-rich food sources – right at the bees’ doorstep.

Opened in 1874 and affectionately known as “Zolli” by the locals, Basel's Zoological Gardens are home to a large number of indigenous and exotic animals. With its fascinating park landscape and lovingly designed enclosures, Basel Zoo is well worth a visit at any time of year.

The Münster is one of Basel's main sights. Situtated in a promiment position high above the Rhine River, the former episcopal church presides high above the region.

The Basel Historical Museum with its three sites is widely regarded as the most important museum of cultural history on the Upper Rhine. It collects, conserves, records and researches objects and artefacts of relevance to our cultural heritage for future generations, tells visitors the story of Basel, and is a place for discourse and engagement with both present and future.

It may be “just” a bridge – but what a bridge! The Mittlere Brücke has come to symbolise the city of Basel. Opened back in 1226, it is one of the oldest Rhine crossings between Lake Constance and the North Sea.

The “Pharmacy museum” contains collections of old pharmaceuticals, pharmacy furniture, laboratory utensils, ceramics, instruments, books, art- and craftwork. The museum is situated in the old house “Zum Vorderen Sessel”, where the famous humanist Erasmus and the alchemist Paracelsus once dwelled. Well worth a visit not only for specialists but also for interested laymen.

“Guten Tag”, “Bonjour”, “Grüezi” – welcome to the striking Basel border triangle, where the languages and cultures of Germany, France and Switzerland converge. From its Rhine harbour, ships sail towards the North Sea. Basel has a lot to offer, be it experiences of the cultural, recreational or culinary kind: take a plunge into the Rhine river, stroll through the historic Old Town or be inspired by a museum visit. In Basel, you are definitely in for a treat!

As one of the few museums in Europe dedicated to this art form, the paper mill preserves historical techniques at an authentic site. Participants are shown these traditional techniques and given the opportunity to have a go at making paper and printing themselves.

The Carsten Höller slide tower, charming fuel station by Jean Prouvé and more: The architectural quality of all buildings on the Vitra Campus is fascinating. And, faithful to the philosophy of this establishment, it’s not only form that matters instead content and capacity. The Vitra Design Museum is in fact one of the most important exhibition centers for industrial furniture design.

Margarethen Ice Rink is set in beautiful Margarethen Park and offers two skating areas, one of which is covered.