2016, a year of travel and adventure has come to an end. What better way to end it with yet another trip to Basel, Switzerland – a place where three countries meet (Switzerland, Germany and France). I felt like it is a very fitting place to start 2017 as well, to continue the wanderlust in 2017 beginning it in 3 countries at once. Keep on reading for the exact spot of where the three countries meet (“Dreilaendereck”).
To discover Basel in just one weekend, follow this itinerary:
Check into your Hotel and put on the walking shoes
I have recently fallen in love with visiting smaller cities, ones that are walkable, relaxed and quaint. Basel is a perfect example of that. The stay at Pullman Hotel, however, made the stay so much more comfortable by supplying transit passes for the whole stay. Using the tram was a great extra convenience and it was quite nice to see the city from a warm train. Besides that, the Hotel is very modern, great staff, equipped with a great minibar, a bathtub, zen lighting to get in full relaxation mode while enjoying a bubble bath. The modern and chic lobby itself is also great to work from or enjoy a drink by the bar. For a quick work out before hitting the sights, the hotel has a great gym as well.
Pullman Basel Hotel Europe
a quiet part of the city, just steps away from all the hot spots
Check into your Hotel and put on your walking shoes
I have recently fallen in love with visiting smaller cities, ones that are walkable, relaxed and quaint. Basel is a perfect example of that. The stay at Pullman Hotel, however, made the stay so much more comfortable by supplying transit passes for the whole stay. Using the tram was a great extra convenience and it was quite nice to see the city from a warm train. Besides that, the Hotel is very modern, great staff, equipped with a great minibar, a bathtub, zen lighting to get in full relaxation mode while enjoying a bubble bath. The modern and chic lobby itself is also great to work from or enjoy a drink by the bar. For a quick work out before hitting the sights, the hotel has a great gym as well.
Basels main sights
Just a short walk from the Pullman Hotel on Clarastreet is the Market square with its bright red town hall. It is an astonishing piece of architecture with a golden tower and hand painted details. If you are lucky there will be a local market in the square. From there, take a walk on "Freie Strasse", Basel's most famous shopping street. The signs will lead you to Münster and the Münsterplatz, Basel's red church and symbol of the city. Behind the famous church is a great view point, overlooking the city and steps down the stairs is a small ferry which can take you to the other side of the river Rhein. This is perfect for a walk along the river.
Take a stroll back to the Market square (make sure to try the hot Macrons on your way!) and walk along Spalenberg (uphill) which has small local shops in houses which are so typically Swiss and as old as from the 13th century. I must say, this is the cutest part of the city!
Be in three countries at the same time
One of the most amazing things about Basel is its geographical location. Even arriving at the airport, you can take different exits to Germany or Switzerland. A short trip outside the center into the Kleinhüningen, and next to the shopping center Rhein-Center right on "Hauptstrasse" is the bridge "Passerelle des Trois Pays". The official boarders are laying in the river Rhein. walking across the bridge will take you from Germany to France!
Geographical coordinates 47°35'29.5"N 7°35'24.5"E
Basel, so cute and so familiar already! This was definitely not my last visit! Hopefully some of my tips will make your trip amazing!
xoxo,
