Basel is one of several
daytrip options you have if you are based in Freiburg. This is yet another
tri-border zone, this time shared by France, Germany, and Switzerland. Basel’s
airport serves as the gateway to the region, and also causes some headaches from time to time because
it has three IATA codes which can make it confusing for the traveler. That
aside, there are connections aplenty, and Basel itself is a tourist destination
in its own right. And so what is there to see?
Basel is the third largest city in Switzerland. Zürich is in first place, which makes me think that either Bern or Geneva is the first runner-up here. In any case, don’t be fooled by the “large city” tag because even Zürich feels so small in comparison to other European cities. Coming from Freiburg, you have the option to take a DB train, although I recommend going by bus. Flixbus plies the Freiburg – Basel Central route and the journey does not exceed one hour. Make sure you take the right bus, though
Yeah, there’s Basel Airport
and there's Basel Central. One-way fares start at around EUR10 (~PHP600) and tickets
can be booked online. As for me, this is just one of my weekend daytrips. The
university is offering a similar weekend excursion but for a different date.
I already booked my tickets months ago so I just decided to go on my own. Getting off at Basel Hauptbahnof, I started the day with a stroll around the vicinity where I was greeted by cool graffiti as well as stylish architecture
definitive of the region. Nice mix!
This is Switzerland, lest you
forget. Buy everything you need in Germany or in France because everything is
just so freaking expensive here. I decided to have lunch at Subway first before
taking a stroll at Elisabeth Park, where there is a fancy looking mansion of
sorts as well as a monument or two worth the photo-op. The park is not that
big but seems like a cool chill spot, weather-permitting. Today is gray and it’s
drizzling, and it sucks!
Or maybe that’s because I’m
simply not a fan of museums, of which there are plenty here too. But the old
town almost always does the trick for me. I mean, that’s a living museum right
there, preserved since the medieval era! Basel’s old town is not far away from
the main train station. Once you see the cobblestoned streets, you’ll know you’ve arrived. But first I checked out St. Elisabeth’s Church, which was
the first religious place of worship that crossed paths with my line of sight.
Bell tower open for panoramic
sightseeing? Check. Scary spire? Check. What makes this church unique is the
group of pyramids in front of it. Perhaps the Basel Theater is to blame for the
clash of architectural designs? But you must admit that it added a
somehow unique flavor to the place. The interior is not that grand, but you can still
hang out there to rest. I usually take advantage of the pause to edit and
delete photos on my phone. You can go up to the tower but it’s not free.
As for me, I headed towards
the direction of the Rhine River and then stumbled upon the Rathaus, which I
guess is the most colorful one yet that I’ve encountered in this region. Most town
halls here in Europe are a sight to behold, but this one’s motif and choice of
red façade is a not so traditional combo. The paintings on the walls are
lovely and there was a Belarusian tenor quartet singing hymns when I was
there. Along with the fresh produce market at the plaza, your typical Alte
Markt is now complete.
Next stop was the bridge
called Mittlere Bruecke. This one is not that old but popular nonetheless. It
was constructed as a replacement for the original one built back in
the 1200’s, if I remember the century correctly. The bridge is flanked with
various flags and one side has a decorative mini wall with intersecting iron grills full of colorful
locks. Bridges and love locks are the norm nowadays, you know. Under the
bridge, the river Rhine runs its course. A ferry ride across the river is
highly recommended. Swimming, however, is not.
As with most cities and town
with a river to boast about, there will always be an area where people get
together and just chill. For Basel, it’s on this bridge and its surrounding
areas. The benches on the banks of the river are good venues for relaxation,
with an excellent view of the Muenster on the other side of the water. Today has
been a bit cold, though. It looks like Basel is in a hurry to get rid of
summer, although I think the scattered rain showers are the ones to blame for these
cold spells.
I am ending my Basel itinerary
here on a bench at Muensterplatz where I am currently chilling. Literally. 17
degrees Celsius is not that cold, though, as long as you are well bundled up. This
is the cathedral’s plaza so the church is just here to my left. There is also
an area at the back directly facing the river. Go down the stairs and ride a
boat to get to the other side if you are too lazy to walk all the way to the
bridge. Overall, Basel is fine. It is an easily doable daytrip and the old town
is worth the journey. By all means, go.
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