A Swiss Story - Exploring Basel

Basel's City Hall is as colourful as the events held in it

The city of Basel is on the northern frontier of Switzerland, and very near to the tri-junction of international borders of Switzerland with France and Germany, its northern neighbours. The city is significant due to its massive historical past, preserved in its old city. Its very presence serves to remind the traveller of the wonderful cultural heritage that inhibits the country. When I visited, Basel offered me its wonderful crêpes, its stunning 17th century European appeal and a marvellously cold weather that ensured I did not remove my windcheater.

We used a Eurocity Express train bound for Frankfurt HBF to travel from Bern to Basel. This was right after a city tour of the Swiss capital itself - an experience that I have shared here. This high speed rail pulled in on Track 4 in Bern, and we boarded. Sitting right opposite to us in the coach was a Swiss couple, who, after a few minutes of silence began to interact with us and we soon struck up a pleasant conversation. We learnt that the couple were teachers at a school in the city of Basel and worked together - both were resident in Bern.

  

The Eurocity Express is a fast way to travel Europe

I was happy to share experiences of my previous two trips in Switzerland, and we were soon discussing the itinerary I was following. After a brief look, they added details about lesser known mountains in the country, towns that we could travel to - I took notes for the next time I choose to return to visit Switzerland. Before the train pulled in to the Basel SBB station, it stopped at a town called Olten. It was a short wait, before the final leg of our journey continued. Soon, we were at Basel SBB station and the Eurocity came to a halt. Several passengers disembarked here, so that the train could continue to Basel Bad Bahnhof and then across the border towards Freiburg.

The moment we got off, the chill hit us again. Digging our hands into our pockets, we left the station. When I turned to look back at the building, it was extremely beautiful. The Swiss couple we had met told us about the station building - one of the first built in Switzerland. They saw us off at the tram depot outside the station, where we boarded Tram Number 8 bound for the Old City.

The beauty of Switzerland's cities not only lie in them being steeped in history and culture, but also in the environment that is built around them. Swiss cities are clean and fresh - one can literally do nothing for hours, yet enjoy themselves. These historical towns are perfect for a casual walk, one that can extend into hours without you noticing it. However, here we were conspired against by time, and had little chance to explore Basel for several hours. There were enough provisions to visit the major sights, all nestled in and around the old city, before we would have to take our onward connection back to Luzern, where we were staying.

  

Basel is a historical city

The tram was warm, but the journey was short. We got off at Schifflände Tram Stop, but those wishing to visit the old city may access it from Marktplatz Stop too. A little stroll away is the Rhein River, which runs through the city. We walked on its banks, inhaling the mild fragrance of the city, a mix of smoke, aromas from a nearby confectioner, the staleness of the water and chocolate.

Basel's buildings reminded me of Bern, except that there was no Parliament or Palace in its centre. The city square in the middle of the Old Town is surrounded by pastel coloured churches, a neat tram station and sports a formal appearance. Beyond, however, lie thirty museums of art, and the city is home to two art festivals and one for watches. Of the two souvenirs that people look for in Switzerland, watches are best purchased in the city - there is no place better. The Marktplatz area, or Old City dates back to the 1500s.

On this journey, we paid the compulsory visit to Basel Munster, a Gothic Romanesque Cathedral that is commonly identified as Basel's most famous landmark. On the return trip we stopped by the Kuntsmuseum and the Carnival Fountain by Swiss sculptor Jean Tinguely, which blends sculptures into a fountain. The museum that houses his unique designs is nearby.

Though we did not fly out of Basel, it was very fascinating to learn about the Euroairport here. This airport, commonly known as Euroairport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, is a trinational airport, accessed by three countries - France, Germany and Switzerland. It is connected to each country by a land corridor. Trams run from Basel SBB right to the Euroairport as well as from other parts of the city.

  

Basel SBB Station is a pretty sight

After a quick tour of the city and after a snack of delicious crêpes, we returned to Basel SBB station to take the train to Bern. Here, a brief interchange followed and we were back in Luzern by dinnertime.

Basel is a beautiful city, but few people visit it. Those who arrive in Switzerland for short trips often skip the city, as they fail to understand how picturesque it actually is. Basel has, therefore, turned to be one of the most underrated cities in the country, and this allows it to quietly protect its historical secrets from the world. However, when one discovers it, the memory remains forever.