From Interlaken, we used our Swiss Rail Pass for a day trip to Basel. The Express Train was 1 hour 45 minutes; there was so much to see along the way – time flew by.
Basel is located on the Rhine River near France and Germany; it is Switzerland’s second-largest city. We went to the Visitor’s Information Desk at the train station and requested a walking map of Basel’s main highlights.
Our first stop was The Bank of International Settlements. Frank read a book called “The Tower of Basel” by Adam Lebor. He was interested in seeing the building.
We walked over the Middle Bridge to the Rheinufer Basel and walked along the waters of the Rhein. There were many towers, buildings, museums, and restaurants to see.
A walk along the Oberer Rheinweb, a tree-lined stretch of embankment on the north bank of the river. There are many places along the way, where one can sit, have lunch or a snack, and watch all the happenings on the water’s edge.
We crossed the Rhein River on one of the four wooden ferry boats, moored opposite the cathedral the cable ferry from underneath the Basler Pfalz. It was inexpensive and fun.
Basel Munster Cathedral, made of red sandstone with a multi-covered tile roof dating back to the 13th century.
The Basel old town is lovely as there are so many small streets where you can turn a corner and see more impressive buildings. The market square is dominated by the impressive City Hall, the seat of government of the Canton of Basel-Stadt. During the week, the market on the square sells fresh vegetables, fruit, and flowers.
The Kunstmuseum Basel is home to one of the largest and oldest public museum collections in Europe. Admission to the museum is included in your Swiss Pass, free museums. Almost 40 museums make Basel the city with the country’s highest density. Internationally known museums, such as The Knustmuseum Basel
Auguste Rodin’s Les Bourgeois de Calais
A collection of impressionists, from Monet to Van Gogh and Cezanne. The works thereof Picasso, Manet, Chagall, Klee, are seldom seen works. A delightful museum with an outstanding collection and an extensive and pleasant display. Also, the last hour is a “happy hour,” so free.
Paul Klee, Paul Klee, Senecio (1922)
Paul Cézanne, Le Cabanon de Jourdan (1916)
Vincent van Gogh, Marguerite Gachet at the Piano (1890)
Paul Gaugin, The Market (1892)
Walked by the very unusual Tinguely Museum, which had many sculptures that rattle, shake, or twirl. We did not know what to think about it – we only took one picture.
Near the Basel Main Station, we passed the Union Bank of Switzerland. We took the 4:30 pm train back to Interlaken. We had an enjoyable and exciting visit to Basel!
I have not been everywhere, but I believe Switzerland is one of the most beautiful countries in the world!
