For everybody coming from the north, Basel is one oft the main gateways to Switzerland. The moderate climate comes from the nice Burgundian winds and its special touch comes from the picturesque old town. The ruthless philosopher Friederich Nietzsche would not stand to live in another place! Basel was the center of humanism: Erasmus of Rotterdam taught here as of 1521 and is buried in the cathedral.
For everybody coming from the north, Basel is one oft the main gateways to Switzerland. The moderate climate comes from the nice Burgundian winds and its special touch comes from the picturesque old town. The ruthless philosopher Friederich Nietzsche would not stand to live in another place! Basel was the center of humanism: Erasmus of Rotterdam taught here as of 1521 and is buried in the cathedral.
Basel is full of rich history; it’s university is the oldest of the country, the first books were printed here, and the first musical theatre was also built here. Art and culture design the unmistakable character of Basel. But it holds also many exhibitions, fairs and congresses. The pharmaceutical industry, research and development, international business and banking hold also an important place in the city open to the world here at the bend of the Rhine.
The city’s treasure is it’s old town, and its emblem is the cathedral, which reaches back as far as the 9th century. Pay a visit to the town hall! You cannot miss the building at the market place made of red sandstone with its towers and colorful wall paintings. Here, art and culture are an old tradition. The art museum opened as early as 1661 and was thus the first in the world. Today, Basel counts several museums of world fame: the Beyeler Foundation, the Tinguely museum, the antique museum, the history museum and the museum of cultures.
Another highlight of Basel is its carnival. At 4 o’clock on Monday morning, the three most beautiful days of the year begin and turn the town topsy-turvy.
Come with us and discover Basel in-depth. The city is tiny and yet of world format.
The countryside around the city is another canton. It offers many interesting sites, be it a great variety of natural beauty, a wide culinary selection or well-entertained ancient customs. In Augusta Raurica, you bump into Romans. In Liestal, you fly with the burning broom of the Chienbäse. And around February-March, you follow “madmen” wandering around the whole region.
