Aerial view of Basel
This is by far the most impressive view to start with. As I was approaching the Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport a perfect cityscape emerged. Three countries are pictured on this photo. The upper-left corner is Germany with its small cities of Weil am Rhein and Lörrach. The bottom part is in France, and the city centre of Basel is in the upper-middle part of the picture.
The Dreiländereck
Taking a closer look at the port of Basel, right at the very end of the cape, between the passenger and cargo terminals lies the Dreiländereck - a monument which marks a tripoint where the borders of France, Germany and Switzerland meet. Literal translation of the monument name is three-country-edge, pretty self-explanatory.
The Architecture
Just as I imagined this part of Switzerland, the architecture is a mix of contemporary solutions with old classy style. Brown roofs, light painted elevations covered with rose or ivy, and windows with colorful window shutters.
Lively City
Basel is a culturally developed city. The city hosts many events, with UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 being the one I’ve experienced myself. On 27.07.2025 England won with Spain after penalties. I’ve been to the Spanish fan zone on Barfüsserplatz.
The Bridge
There is a legend that during the medieval times, when Rhine split two neighboring settlements, the king of Basel showed his tongue to the towards the other side of the river. In the very same place now stands the bridge.
Nordstern
A melting pot for culture, art, music and stuff in Basel, Switzerland. The lower deck of this converted cargo ship is a land of milk and honey for clubbers ~ A description taken from nordstern.com. I must say I really enjoy their 2025 red-black website design. It reminds me of Red-Black Trees.
I’m not a big fan of clubbing culture, yet finding a whole ship specifically dedicated to the rave community was cool. It really seems like a place to wear aggressive and exposing outfits and to celebrate the next beautiful evening on this otherwise lonely planet.
The Spalentor
The gate is the most magnificent and impressive still remaining ones from the city fortifications dating from 1400. It was built when the city walls expanded for the third time throughout its history. My hotel was on the same street and I must say the views were beautiful. Not only did I experience sleeping in the centre of a swiss city, but as a reward I also received Basel Card, which entitled me as a tourist to travel the city via public transportation for free. It also gave me some discount benefits in various museums and places.
