Basel Tattoo 2025
Against the historical backdrop of Kaserne Basel, the Basel Tattoo – the world’s second-largest tattoo – is held each summer. Look forward to a sensational show with the sounds of bagpipes, wind-instrument music and folk dances.
A special kind of musical spectacle
At the Basel Tattoo, elite military bands from around the world impress audiences with a top-class musical programme. Inspired by the world-famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, the sounds of bagpipes, impressive dance choreographies, wind-instrument music and drumming all come together to create spine-tingling moments.
In summer 2025, the sound of the Scottish bagpipes will once again bring people of all ages to the world’s second-largest tattoo – the Basel Tattoo. In a first, all the big tunes from the Highlands – Amazing Grace, Highland Cathedral, Scotland The Brave and many more – are being combined in a single show, magically interpreted by the 200 bagpipe players from around the world. The Flings and Things Highland Dancers give the popular anthems, including those in the Scottish Act, a visual touch and enrich the show with innovative choreography and dynamic, elegant dance numbers.
The local heroes from the Top Secret Drum Corps are returning to the Basel Tattoo. The drumming stars from Basel can’t wait to thrill the audience with new tricks and spectacular drumstick acrobatics. The world elite of brass music will also be represented at the Basel Tattoo 2025. Whereas the representative formation of the English King, the Bands of His Majesty’s Royal Marines, has delivered sensational performances in previous years, the United States Air Force Band is appearing in Basel for the first time. Both are part of the crème de la crème of the international brass music scene. The top-class line-up of brass bands is completed by the Swiss national team in this discipline – the Swiss Armed Forces Central Band.
Basel Tattoo tips
Tattoo Street (11 to 19 July 2025)
Tattoo Street is home to row upon row of food stalls just outside the arena and also a meeting point for Tattoo fans and participants. You can soak up the Tattoo atmosphere here – even if you don’t have a ticket.
Basel Tattoo Parade (12 July 2025)
The Basel Tattoo bands and numerous guest formations march at this big parade through Basel city centre – to the delight of the roadside onlookers. The procession starts at 2.00 pm and goes from Bäumleingasse via Freie Strasse, Streitgasse, Falknerstrasse, Gerbergasse, Marktplatz, and Mittlere Brücke to Claraplatz and Messeplatz.
Good to know.
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The Basel Tattoo takes place in late summer each year. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Basel Tattoo was cancelled in 2020 and 2021.
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Kaserne Basel is located on the Rhine directly in the city centre. It is easy to get to via public transport thanks to the “Kaserne” tram stop, and travelling by car is also very convenient as there are plenty of car parks to choose from in Kleinbasel.
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Free wheelchair spaces can be booked via the Basel Tattoo Shop.
This is where people with disabilities can find information on the accessibility of hotels, museums and events, so that they can plan their visit to Basel in advance.