More Sightseeing

Basler Münster

Basel Zentrum

Together with the Mittlere Brücke, the Basler Münster (Cathedral) is probably the most famous landmark in Basel. With its red sandstone walls, colourful roof tiles and twin towers, no other building adorns the cityscape of Basel like the Cathedral.

City Hall

Basel Zentrum

The City Hall is the seat of the Basel government and its parliament. In the midst of the Old Town, it is particularly eye­catching with its red facade, the characteristic tower and playful frescoes.

Marktplatz

Basel Zentrum

The market square is dominated by the impressive City Hall, the seat of government of the Canton of Basel-Stadt. During the week, the market on the square sells fresh vegetables, fruit and flowers.

Messeturm by Morger & Degelo

Basel Zentrum

With a height of 105 metres, the Messeturm is a notable landmark of Basel's skyline and is a key feature of the city's modern face.

Mittlere Brücke

Basel Zentrum

Hardly another monument in the city of Basel has become such a symbol of the city as the Mittlere Brücke. Opened in 1226, it is one of the oldest Rhine crossings between Lake Constance and the North Sea.

Pfalz

Basel Zentrum

The Pfalz viewing terrace in Basel offers fantastic views over the Old Town and as far as the border triangle.

Spalentor

Basel Zentrum

The Spalentor (Gate of Spalen) is the most magnificent and impressive of the three city gates still remaining from the city fortifications dating from 1400.

Tinguely Fountain

Basel Zentrum

In 1977 Jean Tinguely created sculptural machines in a shallow fountain where the stage of the old city theatre company once stood, and in the process gifted Basel a famous new landmark.

Vitra Campus

Basel Region

In addition to featuring a large collection of design classics, the Vitra Museum in Weil am Rhein is also a who's who of the architecture scene. Here you'll find buildings by Frank O. Gehry and Zaha Hadid as well as by Tadao Ando, Álvaro Siza, Nicholas Grimshaw and SANAA.

Architecture at the Dreispitz site

Basel Region

Dreispitz – which was formerly known purely for its light industry and warehouses – is being transformed as it fills up with apartments, schools and arts institutions. Well-known names in the contemporary architecture scene have created exciting projects here that have given the area a facelift. And the transformation is still under way.

Architecture trails

Basel Zentrum

The people of Basel are receptive to modernity. This is the place to visit if you’re looking for state-of-the-art feats of architecture.

Augusta Raurica, Augst

Basel Region

Back to Roman times! The largest archaeological park in Switzerland offers more than thirty surprising, unique and exciting sights including the most impressive Roman theatre north of the Alps, the atmospheric Roman house and, on display, in the museum the largest collection of late antique silver.

BIZ building by Mario Botta

Basel Zentrum

This impressive building designed by famous architect Mario Botta is home to the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). The six-storey building is typical of the style of the architect from the Swiss canton of Ticino.

Basel Zoo

Basel Zentrum

The Zoological Gardens, known affectionately as “Zolli” by Basel's inhabitants, opened in Basel in 1874 and is home to a large number of indigenous and exotic animals.

Basel exhibition centre

Basel Zentrum

The new Messe Basel trade fair building is one of the city's newer landmarks. The central architectural urban feature of the hall complex, developed by Herzog & de Meuron, is the City Lounge.

Basel's Old Town

Basel Zentrum

Take a walk with us around Basel Old Town, one of the most well-preserved and prettiest in Europe, and be surprised by the wide variety of architecture, unparalleled in any other city.

Blue and White Houses

Basel Zentrum

These former residences on Rheinsprung were purchased by the municipality of Basel­City in 1942 and 1968 and today are used by the Department of Commerce, Social Affairs and the Environment.

Border triangle

Basel Region

The point at which Germany, France and Switzerland converge and boats sail off towards the North Sea is also a transport hub for the supply of raw materials to Switzerland. A unique meeting place for three countries, languages and cultures.

Bottmingen Castle

Basel Region

The moated castle of Bottmingen, a community to the south­west of Basel, is a highlight for all romantics. Dating from the 13th century, it is one of the few such buildings in Switzerland that are still intact.

Bürgeln Castle

Deutschland

The castle of Bürgeln, a manor house in Germany's Markgräflerland, is well worth a visit. Begun in 1762 and completed two years later, it is now a popular venue for seminars and other events.

Château Haut-Koenigsbourg

Frankreich

The Château Haut-Koenigsbourg is located in the heart of the Alsace wine-growing region. Entering through the doors of the impressive château is like taking a trip back to the Middle Ages.

City centre – Gerbergässlein

Basel Zentrum

Colmar & Eguisheim

Frankreich

The journey to Colmar is a magical trip through hilltop vineyards and flower-filled villages.

Dom and Ermitage Arlesheim

Basel Region

The Dom (cathedral) is the undisputed landmark of Arlesheim. This idyllic village situated in the canton of Basel is also worth a visit for its impressive English gardens.

Dreiländerbrücke

Basel Region

The world’s longest pedestrian and cyclist suspension bridge links the German town of Weil am Rhein in southern Baden with Huningue in Alsace, France. The Dreiländerbrücke (Three Countries Bridge) has won prizes for its outstanding architecture.

Elsässertor

Basel Hauptbahnhof

Elsässertor by Herzog & de Meuron, along with neighbouring buildings by Richard Meier, Diener & Diener, Cruz & Ortiz and Giraudi & Wettstein make for an impressive ensemble of urban architecture.

Euregio-Geschäftshaus

Basel Zentrum

The renowned architect Richard Meier, who was responsible for projects such as the Getty Center in Los Angeles, completed his first building in Switzerland in 1996: the Euregio Geschäftshaus in Basel.

Goetheanum Dornach

Basel Region

The Goetheanum is situated in Dornach, around 10 kilometres outside the city centre. It serves as the head office and conference venue of the General Anthroposophical Society and boasts a distinctive shape, which has also inspired the architects of neighbouring buildings.

Graffiti Art: Schänzli

Basel Zentrum

Graffiti Art: «Line»

Basel Zentrum

Hammering Man by Jonathan Borofsky

Basel Zentrum

Visit the hardest-working of all of Basel's inhabitants - the Hammering Man on Aeschenplatz.

Head office of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS)

Basel Zentrum

The BIS Tower is 69.5 metres high and was constructed by architect Martin Burckhardt between 1972 and 1977. It houses the head office of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).

Instagram Hotspot: City model Rheinpromenade

Basel Zentrum

The city model on the Kleinbasel bank of the Rhine depicts a 1:500-scale section of the Old Town around the cathedral on the other side of the river. Various buildings and squares in the model are also labelled in Braille.

Instagram Hotspot: Confectionery Gilgen

Basel Zentrum

A small building in the Old Town with a dark-green facade and mouth-watering window display to photograph. Confectionery Gilgen on Spalenberg is one of the city’s most traditional bakeries.

Instagram Hotspot: House Oberer Rheinweg

Basel Zentrum

The Oberer Rheinweg is an exclusive part of the city and pictures of it are often seen on Instagram. Rightly so. The houses in this part of the Old Town are almost fairytale-like with their ivy-adorned walls or pastel-coloured facades.

Instagram Hotspot: Rheinpromenade

Basel Zentrum

Which will be your favourite picture? The view from the Kleinbasel bank to Basel's cathedral, one of the four ferry piers or a photo of swimmers drifting down the river? Outdoor bars, green spaces, pebble beaches and Rhine swimming facilities. There are plenty of popular places and photogenic motifs here.

Jacob Burckhardt House and Peter Merian House

Basel Hauptbahnhof

Travellers arriving by train at Basel SBB station will immediately notice the shimmering silver Jacob Burckhardt Haus and gleaming green Peter Merian Haus.

Lange Erlen Animal Park

Basel Region

Founded in 1871, Lange Erlen Animal Park is a popular destination for families.

Line

Basel Hauptbahnhof

Mariastein Monastery

Basel Region

The pilgrimage church at the Mariastein monastery is impressive not only due to its late­Gothic architecture, but also for the exquisite painting and artworks it houses.

Markthalle

Basel Zentrum

Basel's Markthalle (Market Hall) was built in 1929 and used as a market up until 2004. Following various attempts at other uses, 2014 saw the hall being returned almost to its original purpose, with food stalls and a weekly market on Saturdays.

Naturbad Riehen

Basel Region

A natural swimming pool in the neighbouring community of Riehen, Naturbad Riehen is a highlight for architecture enthusiasts, as well as for anyone looking to relax and unwind. Local architects Herzog & de Meuron planned the site and completed it in 2014.

Novartis Campus

Basel Zentrum

The campus located at the Novartis headquarters has already become a true Mecca for modern architecture. The planning was conducted by the famous Italian architect Vittorio Magnago Lampugnani.

Pauluskirche (Church)

Basel Zentrum

The neo-Romanesque church of St Paul is striking. With its cruciform central structure, square tower and large rose window, it is the key landmark in Basel's “Ring” district. Owing to its slightly elevated location, the Pauluskirche can be seen from far away.

Port

Basel Zentrum

Roche Tower

Basel Zentrum

The Roche Tower can rightly be labelled the modern landmark of Basel since it is the tallest building in Switzerland and is visible well beyond the city boundaries.

Ruins of Farnsburg Castle

Basel Region

Nestled in the heart of the wonderful rolling hills of Basel-Country, the ruins of Farnsburg Castle are a popular destination for hikers.

Rötteln Castle

Deutschland

Rötteln Castle, near the city of Lörrach, is built on a mountain spur on the steep eastern slopes of the Wiesental valley in southern Germany.

Schloss Binningen

Basel Region

Historic Schloss Binningen is located at the centre of the municipality of Binningen, near Basel.

Sommercasino

Basel Zentrum

St. Alban-Tor

Basel Zentrum

The St. Alban­Tor (St.Alban's Gate), dating back to ca. 1400, was part of the fortifications of the old walled city and is the gateway to a picturesque district of the city.

St. Blasien – Titisee – St. Peter

Deutschland

Take a trip through the Wehratal valley and discover St. Blasien, Lake Titisee and the health resort at St. Peter.

St. Jakob-Park | Football stadium

Basel Region

St. Jakob-Park is Switzerland's largest football stadium and the home ground of FC Basel. It is important in both architectural and sporting terms.

St. Johann and Novartis Campus

Basel Region

The former working-class district of St. Johann exemplifies the way Basel is moving into the future. With the completion of the city's northern bypass road and the creation of the Novartis Campus, the whole district has been transformed and is now a showcase for contemporary Basel architecture.

St. Johanns-Tor

Basel Zentrum

St. Johanns-Tor (St. Johanns Gate) is one of the three surviving entrance gates to the old mediaeval walled city, which formed part of the fortifications built shortly after the great earthquake of 1356.

Steinen Bird Sanctuary

Deutschland

Over 1000 species of birds can be found at Vogelpark Steinen.

Steinwasen Park

Deutschland

With its breathtaking mountain landscape and various attractions, Steinwasen Park is an outdoor experience for all the family.

Street Art: Basel city centre

Basel Zentrum

Südpark

Basel Hauptbahnhof

An ensemble of buildings, Südpark is a project with a wide variety of functions, requirements and uses.

Universitäts-Kinderspital beider Basel (UKBB)

Basel Zentrum

Glistening and gleaming in a multitude of colours, the University Children's Hospital Basel is an architectural masterpiece as well as a working clinic.

Universitätsspital und Frauenklinik

Basel Zentrum

The two neighbouring buildings bring together architectural history and modernity: Klinikum 1 was built in 1945 under the direction of Hermann Baur, while the Women's Health Clinic was created much later in 2003 by Silvia Gmür and Livio Vacchini.

Veranda Pellicanò

Basel Region

Werkraum Warteck pp

Basel Zentrum

The site of the former Warteck brewery is in a central location, some 50 metres from the banks of the Rhine and one kilometre from the city centre of Basel.

Wettsteinbrücke

Basel Zentrum

Basel's second-oldest bridge is 371 metres long and is also the longest in the city.

Zentralstellwerk SBB

Basel Hauptbahnhof

The Central Signal Box boasts an extraordinary location, set between the train tracks at the point where the road crosses the railway.

«Schänzli»

Basel Zentrum