Travel to Basel on an exciting whisper tour in the city of medicine
Grüezi,
and welcome to this first piece in Florian’s travel mosaic.
Today we start with the city of Basel in north-western Switzerland at the border triangle.
A city where I worked for several years. But even though I no longer work there, I will always enjoy traveling to Basel. Why?
Let yourself be whisked away on a short city trip to Basel, a whispering tour of the quieter places and the world away from the towers and museums.
In my opinion, Basel has a beautiful symmetry between tradition and new, between history and modernity. Avant-garde buildings contrast with old townhouses and churches, and a quaint streetcar squeaks to a halt in front of buildings made of concrete and glass right on the Rhine.
It’s simply the impression that the city gives. That seems to be an aspect of the Swiss mentality itself. Being in the middle and neutral between the “sides”.
And in my opinion, you can really feel this feeling when you are on vacation in Basel or visiting the region. And then there’s the location on the border with France and Germany.
Speaking of feeling, there are of course the people in and around the buildings.
I was always told that the Swiss are unapproachable and a bit special.
Well, in a sense we probably all are in our own way.
It was a positive encounter for me.
I find the Swiss to be helpful and friendly people.
Okay, apart from a few crazy cyclists. 😉
They are relaxed and open, even though they are naturally used to dealing with the four nations surrounding them.
And I find her language understandable if you engage with it and listen carefully.😊
Things to see in Basel and insights into its history
Of course, due to the multitude of possibilities on our tour, our city trip, I can only go into the points that were special to me during my wanderings.
My destinations are always the places off the beaten track. Sometimes they are probably touristy or among the most important sights, but not everyone has these places on their radar.
The situation
Basel, a canton in its own right, lies directly on the so-called Rhine bend, a bend in the river.
It flows from Lake Constance and the falls near Schaffhausen through Basel and then turns sharply northwards to flow a few hundred kilometers north between Germany and France.
This arch looks like a knee from above, hence the name.
It is therefore located directly at the intersection of the three countries Switzerland, France and Germany.
Due to its location and the influence of the wind, it has an almost Mediterranean climate.
The basilisk and its significance
During my visits to Basel, I was told about the basilisk, the heraldic animal.
There are many legends about him and you can actually see depictions of him all over the city.
I was told that there was also a connection in the name. Basilisk = Basel
That’s why I did some research into how this could be connected.
The historians found no proven connection.
They assume that popular belief has brought the two terms together.
Further speculation assumes that the name Basel may come from the Celtic for castle or the Roman for ruler.
But that is not proven either. 🤓
So each of us can believe what is most likely for him.
I personally like the connection to a mystical creature.
The Rhine swim
Another exciting tradition in Basel is the Rhine Swim, which demonstrates the city’s special relationship with its river.
The locals regard it as part of their identity.
There is even a special event in summer where locals and tourists plunge into the water together.
The tradition itself has its roots in the everyday use of the river as a transportation route.
As early as the 19th century, workers used the river to cool off after a day’s work and get home quickly. They used the river as a shortcut.
They were carrying the so-called “Wickelfisch”, a floating bag for clothes and valuables invented in Basel.
You have to imagine it.
Today we sit in our train, our car or walk home, while the inhabitants of the past simply swam home.
And it is by no means a harmless river. Especially as it is also used for shipping. It’s funny, but also exciting, what we humans sometimes do.
The locals themselves say that they swim there whenever they want. Even in December.
I therefore have it on my to-do list for a future trip to Basel to go swimming there. However, I’ll leave it open at this point whether it will be in December.😎
The old town of Großbasel
Basel has a very interesting old town away from the traffic and the city center in the Großbasel district opposite Kleinbasel on the south side of the river.
I find the medieval alleyways, small stores, restaurants and cafés here particularly charming.
You have the feeling of immersing yourself in a past but living world when you take the steps up the slope.
The red town hall
Yes, Basel has one too. A red town hall that was built in the 16th century.
If you walk across the square towards the town hall and then under the arches into the inner courtyard, you will see sculptures and magnificent decorations on all sides.
When I got there, I felt like I was transported to the Orient, as if I were exploring the area in the far south-east. If you are there, you should definitely take a look inside.
The Minster
Once you have made your way up the hill, you come to Münsterplatz with the impressive Basel Minster.
I have always been a fan of sandstone buildings.
I think they convey an expression of eternity, even more so than other types of stone.
The whispering bow
Every historic building has its own little stories, and I find one of them particularly charming about Basel Minster.
The whispering arch or whispering mirror.
Transport yourself back to the distant Middle Ages.
At that time, it was normal that future spouses were not allowed to see or even speak to each other before the wedding.
They should go into the marriages arranged by their parents pure and unbiased.
Now you’re probably thinking. I’m supposed to marry someone I’ve never even exchanged a word with?
That’s what the whisper bow is for. 😶
It is located under the left tower of the cathedral, the Georgsturm, at a door with a round arch.
Now imagine that you stand at one side of the door and whisper something into the arch. The person on the other side can hear it and answer you.
This allowed the engaged couple to talk to each other quietly without ignoring the official guidelines. They do not see or touch each other.
Simple and intelligent according to the motto: So test he who binds himself forever.
If you’re there, feel free to go and whisper a sample. I’ve done it too. It’s amazing how clearly you can hear the other person. 😎
We humans are always finding new ways.
The Basel Zoo
Another special place in Basel for me is the zoo.
During my visits there, I was always struck by two things.
First of all, you have to imagine that the plant is located in the middle of the city.
There is no distance to residential areas, and the first house fronts can be seen directly behind the treetops and fences.
I imagine it’s like living with elephants. Monkeys and other animals in the immediate vicinity.
A piece of exoticism in the middle of the city.
The second point is the Basel white storks.
I’m just wondering what you’re asking yourself now. Why storks?
Yes, the interior plays an important and, in my opinion, very special role for the Swiss white storks. They were almost extinct in the 1950s.
A concentrated breeding program was started in Basel with the subsequent release into the wild, thus reviving the species population in this region and throughout Europe.
For the sake of simplicity, however, not all the animals flew away, but stayed right there. 😄
And so a special feature is its free-flying storks and their nests on the surrounding trees.
You may have certain reservations about zoological institutions.
But this example shows me that these institutions can also make many important contributions, for example in education and awareness of animals.
Tips for your trip
Here are a few personal and culinary tips for you and your city trip to the city on the Rhine.
Basel is worth it
Whether you stroll through the Spalentor, explore the old town around the red town hall, take a walk on the middle bridge or along the banks of the Rhine, immerse yourself in the art scene, savor the moments and enjoy slowing down.
With over 40 museums, many galleries, the Basel Carnival, the botanical gardens and the Theater Basel, the city of course offers many more interesting things to do on an exciting city trip to Basel.
If you are interested in art and culture and want to get to know the world of Art Basel, I would also recommend a visit to the Jean Tinguely and Fondation Beyeler museums.
Of course, art is always in the eye of the beholder, but I found that both museums have the right setting for it.
The Swiss sausage salad
You probably think you have a concept of Swiss sausage salad.
That’s what I thought too, until I was proven wrong here.
At Brauner Mutz on Barfüßer Platz, just a few minutes away from the Kunstmuseum Basel, I ate a traditional salad that has been unparalleled for me ever since.
I will certainly enjoy it again.
Lunch in the tranquil courtyard
I can highly recommend Restaurant 100 in Güterstrasse, diagonally opposite Basel SBB, especially for lunch but also for dinner.
The food is very tasty and the people are always friendly and courteous.
The restaurant also has a small, beautifully designed courtyard where you can sit and enjoy the peace and quiet away from the noise of the street.
In addition to the standard dishes, there are always changing dishes of the day.
Food from around the world in a historic setting
The small but charming old Basel market hall from 1929 on the bridge of the same name offers a variety of different dishes from many countries.
I had the impression that they mainly serve good Asian food.
I have had excellent quality and reasonably priced food there several times.
The best time here is also just before or just after the normal lunch break.
Hotels
I have stayed in several hotels in the city and the surrounding area during my many stays and can therefore advise you.
Decide according to your situation.
For me, it depended on whether I was traveling in the city with or without public transport and whether I wanted the city and the hustle and bustle or not.
Hotels in Basel-Stadt
The hotels in the city are more expensive than the surrounding area by normal Swiss standards.
You should always check whether you can book cheaper online.
Of course, you can also check directly at check-in and ask for a price.
However, the location gives you access to the vibrant city and you can easily get around the city by streetcar.
Hotels in the Basel area
However, if you are there by car and are also interested in the surrounding area, or are looking for some tranquillity after the hustle and bustle of the city and want to relax, the surrounding area is very interesting.
There are many beautiful hotels in the border triangle, e.g. in the southern Black Forest near Lörrach or towards St. Louis in France.
These hotels are usually cheaper than in Switzerland, some are located directly on the other side of the Rhine and you can also book online.
You also don’t have to plan a long journey back to Basel, as you can be back in the city center from Weil am Rhein in no time at all.
So if you want a city feeling or are traveling in public, you will find nice and safe hotels in the city.
However, if you are looking for some peace and quiet for your overnight stay, you will find accommodation in various hotels in the immediate vicinity of the city.
I hope you enjoyed this first stone in my travel mosaic and that it has made you curious about Basel and the other stones that are soon to come.
Thank you for your attention and company on our whisper tour through Basel.
Best regards
Florian
Look around and follow me
My social media presence, my e-book and interesting facts about me
