The Rhine

The Rhine, Basel’s artery carrying the lifeblood of the city, provides all manners of recreation. When the temperature rises, the sun-drenched bank of the river becomes almost Mediterranean.

Source of inspiration and landmark

The Rhine is Basel’s secret landmark. As one of the most important trading routes, it has had a huge influence on the development of the city. Today, it makes up a significant part of the quality of life that Basel offers its guests and residents.  

The Rhine is a source of inspiration for the people and has moulded the history and architecture of the city. In the summer months, Basel’s inhabitants, students and businesspeople flock to the river’s banks to sunbathe, promenade and generally let their cares melt away in the sunshine. 

One city – always in flux

Blick auf das Basler Münster vom Rhein aus

Recreation 

Ferries on the Rhine

Between Basel’s five bridges across the Rhine you will find the city’s four ferries, “Wild Maa”, “Leu”, “Vogel Gryff” and “Ueli”, with which you can cross the Rhine without motorized assistance, using only the natural power of the river’s current.

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Rhein_2015_J.Salinas_©ABSTM_04

Recreation 

Swimming in the Rhine

In summer, many Basel residents indulge in a special leisure activity that brings exceptional enjoyment: swimming in the Rhine. It is often said that the Mediterranean seems very close to the city, and if you mix with Basel’s inhabitants you will soon discover why.

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Multimedia-Künstlerin Permi Jhooti beim Stand Up Paddling auf dem Rhein

Recreation

SUP on the Rhine

Experience stand-up paddleboarding – the new trendy sport – in the middle of the Rhine. It involves standing on a board and propelling yourself along with a long paddle. A surfing feeling and plenty of fun are guaranteed.

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Rhystärn 1. Schleusenfahrt (61)

Sightseeing

Boat trips on the Rhine

On board the fleet of Basler Personenschifffahrt you can explore the city and the surrounding region from the water and at the same time indulge in delicious culinary delights. 

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Sightseeing

“Weidling” trips on the Rhine

This city tour of a special kind will delight you! Let yourself be rowed downstream in a “weidling”, a flat-bottomed boat, and learn more about the Rhine and the Celtic origins of this boat. 

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Rhyschänzli Buvette Basel

Cuisine

Buvettes on the Rhine

The buvettes have become an established part of the Basel cityscape. They open up in fine weather to serve delicious drinks and snacks – perfect for relaxing.

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Sommershooting 2023

Delicacies

Restaurants along the Rhine

Treat yourself to a relaxing break in one of the many restaurants along the banks of the Rhine in Basel. A spectacular view awaits you here, as well as a rich selection of regional specialities and international delicacies.

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Dreiländereck Hafen Basel

Sightseeing

The tri-border area

The tri-border area with its view of neighbouring Germany and France is well worth a visit. Enjoy a bite to eat at the Rostiger Anker restaurant or at the Sandoase before returning to the city by Rhytaxi, just like in Venice.

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Rheinschwimmen Basel_1

Event

Rhine swim of Basel

You can swim in the Rhine all summer long, but the official Rhine swim only takes place once a year. The river turns into a colourful stream on this day thanks to the many “Wickelfisch” swim bags.

Kostenlos

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Im Fluss Basel

Event

Floss Festival

At the Floss open-air festival, regional and international acts perform on a floating stage on the Rhine and brighten up the summer evening for the audience on the banks of the Rhine with their free concerts.

Free

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Good to know.

  • For the people of Basel, cooling off in the Rhine is part of everyday life in summer. If you are a safe swimmer and can swim without a flotation device, you should definitely give it a try. After all, people say the following with good reason: only those that have ventured into the Rhine can truly understand the soul of the city.

  • Cross the river in the same way as it has been done for the last 150 years: ring the bell on the landing pier and step aboard one of the four ferries “Wild Maa”, “Leu”, “Vogel Gryff” and “Ueli”, which provide a link between Grossbasel and Kleinbasel. The crossing costs CHF 2 for adults and CHF 1 for children. 

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