11 Reasons to Enjoy Basel, Switzerland, Basel, Switzerland

There are 11 reasons to enjoy Basel, Switzerland. But it can really be summed up in one word: CULTURE. This is a hardworking Swiss city that knows how to enjoy the arts, nature, and history.

As it has been over three decades since I visited Basel, Switzerland’s third-largest city, I didn’t know what to expect. I had 48 hours to explore the medieval Old Town plus its bustling cosmopolitan neighborhoods.

Basel spans the political tumult and the cultural changes that define Europe. First, the Celts were here; it is the site of the original Basel. The Romans crossed the Rhine and their occupation lasted 300 years. Then the Germanic tribes invaded. Basel became part of the Swiss Confederacy in 1501.

Basel’s borders touch two adjacent countries-France and Switzerland, nestled between the Swiss Jura, Germany’s Black Forest, and the Vosges in Alsace. The airport is situated in France. Little (Klein) Basel borders Germany. It is surrounded by the Black Forest.

“Where else can you visit three countries all at the same time (very conveniently on public transport), without having to travel a long way?” - Basel Tourism

My adventure with Basel’s arts scene began in my hotel room listening to a concert outside my hotel window. The singers’ voices rose in melody like the Black Forest mountain range looming on the horizon of the Rhine River. I marveled that I could enjoy this free musical Gloria! church concert laying on my bed at the Hotel Rochat. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).