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  • The Old Town of Basel with red stone Munster cathedral and the Rhine river
    The Old Town of Basel with red stone Munster cathedral and the Rhine river Photo: gatsi, Adobe Stock
  • Old city center of Basel with Munster cathedral and the Rhine river
    Old city center of Basel with Munster cathedral and the Rhine river Photo: Eva Bocek, Adobe Stock

Basel

Basel, Switzerland, is a dynamic destination known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture and wide range of outdoor activities. With the Rhine River flowing through it and proximity to both France and Germany, Basel offers unique experiences for every traveler.

3.9  (30 Ratings and reviews)

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Attractions in Basel


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Maps and trails
recommended route Difficulty easy
Distance 40.6 km
Duration 2:45 h
Ascent 85 m
Descent 89 m

1 river, 2 languages, 3 countries! This cross-border ride will let you discover a unique region bordered by the Rhine between France, Germany and ...

4.7
Visit Alsace
Hiking Trail · Basel and surroundings
ViaRhenana: from Basel to Rheinfelden
recommended route Difficulty moderate closed
Distance 19.4 km
Duration 5:00 h
Ascent 100 m
Descent 80 m

One of the main routes of "Kulturwege Schweiz" is the ViaRhenana. The first stage of the High Rhine route leads from Basel to Rheinfelden.

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from Walter Biselli,   Walter Biselli
Premium content Difficulty T1 easy Stage 1
Distance 11.1 km
Duration 3:00 h
Ascent 40 m
Descent 25 m

The 1st stage of the Kloster-Tour from Basel to Solothurn leads from Basel along the Birs to Dornach. Highlights along the way include the ...

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from Jochen Ihle,   Tourenplaner SCHWEIZ - Partner für Wandertouren
Hiking Trail · Basel and surroundings
From Basel to Veltlin. Stage 1: Basel – Rheinfelden
Premium content Difficulty moderate Stage 1 closed
Distance 19.3 km
Duration 4:35 h
Ascent 133 m
Descent 127 m

The 1st stage of crossing Switzerland from Basel to Veltlin leads from Basel at a relaxed pace along the Rhine to Rheinfelden.

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from Jochen Ihle,   Tourenplaner SCHWEIZ - Partner für Wandertouren
Urban Walk · Switzerland
Basel city walking
Premium content Difficulty easy
Distance 21.2 km
Duration 5:00 h
Ascent 136 m
Descent 136 m

In Basel, city walkers face a wealth of choices: The center of the tri-border area Germany, France, Switzerland invites you to discover the old ...

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from Jochen Ihle,   Tourenplaner SCHWEIZ - Partner für Wandertouren
Long Distance Hiking · Canton of Basel-Stadt
ViaRhenana: the High Rhine route from Basel to Kreuzlingen
recommended route Difficulty moderate closed
Distance 185.8 km
Duration 35:00 h
Ascent 1,400 m
Descent 1,250 m

One of the main routes of the “Kulturwege Schweiz” is the ViaRhenana. It opens up the historic waterway on the High Rhine and the Lower Lake ...

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from Walter Biselli,   Walter Biselli
Premium content Difficulty T1 difficult Multi-day route
Distance 86.2 km
Duration 26:41 h
Ascent 3,075 m
Descent 2,921 m

ViaSurprise is a multi-day hike in the Solothurn and Basel Jura. One of its themed routes is the approximately six-day Monastery Route, which leads ...

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from Jochen Ihle,   Tourenplaner SCHWEIZ - Partner für Wandertouren
Bicycle Rides · Basel and surroundings
From Basel to Rheinfelden
Premium content Difficulty easy
Distance 25.5 km
Duration 2:00 h
Ascent 129 m
Descent 126 m

This pleasant bike route leads from Basel along the Rhine to Rheinfelden. It is also part of the national bike route No. 2, the "Rhine Route."

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from Jochen Ihle,   Tourenplaner SCHWEIZ - Partner für Wandertouren
Hiking Trail · Basel and surroundings
From Riehen via St. Chrischona to Basel
Premium content Difficulty moderate
Distance 16.7 km
Duration 4:45 h
Ascent 358 m
Descent 363 m

St. Chrischona with its striking transmission tower is Basel's local mountain at 522 m and the highest point of the canton. On the descent to the ...

No ratings (yet)
from Toni Kaiser,   Tourenplaner SCHWEIZ - Partner für Wandertouren
Hiking Trail · Basel and surroundings
From Lange Erlen Animal Park to Riehen
Premium content Difficulty easy
Distance 4.7 km
Duration 1:15 h
Ascent 28 m
Descent 4 m

The walk from the Lange Erlen animal park near Basel to Riehen is possible all year round. It is suitable for seniors, walkers, leisure hikers, and ...

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from Jochen Ihle,   Tourenplaner SCHWEIZ - Partner für Wandertouren
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Discover Basel: A City of Cross-Border Charm

Located in the northwestern corner of Switzerland, Basel sits at the crossroads of three countries: Switzerland, France, and Germany. This unique geographical setting gives the city a distinctive international flair. Spread along the banks of the Rhine, Basel offers picturesque views and countless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to get moving, explore, and unwind.

Early morning in Basel
Photo: Christian Bieri, Adobe Stock

A City Made for Walking, Running and Exploring

Whether you’re visiting for a few days or living here for a while, Basel offers multiple opportunities to stay active. Its clean streets, green parks, and scenic riverside paths make it easy to stay active while discovering the local atmosphere.

 

  • The Rhine promenade is perfect for a peaceful morning run or evening walk, especially between the Wettstein and Johanniter bridges. In summer, you’ll often spot locals swimming downstream with their colourful “Wickelfisch” dry bags.
  • The Bruderholz plateau, south of the city, offers gentle hills, open fields, and panoramic views – ideal for long walks or relaxed runs surrounded by nature and residential calm.
  • Explore the trails near Allschwil and Binningen, where forests and quiet country paths create the perfect setting for weekend jogs or bike rides.
  • In Münchenstein, the Ermitage Arlesheim and the nearby Birseck forest invite you to slow down and reconnect with nature, just a few minutes from the city centre.
  • Head north to Lange Erlen, a peaceful riverside park that winds through wooded areas and meadows along the Wiese river. The area also connects to cross-border paths leading into Germany and France.

 

These areas offer a wide range of looped and linear routes, whether you're training for a race or simply seeking a peaceful escape before or after work.

Seasonal highlights for Outdoor lovers

Spring & Summer

This is when Basel truly comes alive outdoors. Take advantage of warm days with boat rides on the Rhine, open-air picnics in Kannenfeldpark or sunset strolls through the botanical gardens. The city’s many terraces and riverside bars invite you to soak up the atmosphere after a day on the move.

 

Autumn 

Enjoy a run or hike through golden foliage in the hills of the Basel-Landschaft, or take part in local harvest festivals in nearby wine-growing villages like Muttenz and Arlesheim. Cooler temperatures make it the ideal season to explore longer trails without the summer heat.

 

Winter

While winter sports resorts like Belchen (DE) or Les Bugnenets (CH) are just over an hour away for day trips, Basel itself remains active year-round. Local trails stay accessible, and running through quiet parks dusted with snow – or visiting the festive Christmas market in Barfüsserplatz – can be just as magical.

Whether you're into trail running, weekend hikes, riverside walks or scenic bike rides, Basel is an open-air playground waiting to be explored. With its mild climate, compact size and endless cross-border adventures, it’s a city where you can stay active and inspired all year round.

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Destinations in Basel


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