Basel (Oct 4) - Euro Adventure 2023

Traveling by train to Amsterdam required a significant layover in Basel, Switzerland and a change of trains. Starting from Chamonix’s quaint train station, we rode the Mont Blanc Express to Martigny, through Sion to Visp, Bern and into Basel – such a breathtaking journey.

After stowing our luggage in a locker at the train station (see WHAT WE WISH WE KNEW…March 17, 2024), we spent the late afternoon/early evening exploring the medieval Old Town in this beautiful city, with no regard to “tourist attractions” or “must see sights”.

Basel’s evidence of human occupation dates back more than 2,000 years, when the Romans built a military station in 30 BC on the hill now occupied by the Cathedral. Geographically, the city lies along the Rhine River, where the French, German and Swiss borders meet. One of the oldest Rhine River crossings, Mittlere Brucke (Middle Bridge), opened in 1226 connecting Lake Constance and the North Sea, ensuring development of an international trade route.

Pope Pius II founded the city’s university in 1460, while in Basel for the Ecumenical Council (1431-49). Silk weaving and dye industries grew during the Reformation, precursors to the many pharmaceutical and chemical companies that call Basel home. In a nod to tennis aficionados everywhere, Roger Federer hails from Basel.

During our improvised tour, we happened across a park, stopping long enough to ride the see-saws; wandered into a book store and purchased Dixon Bewes, Slow Train to Switzerland, describing the author’s retracing of Thomas Cook’s first train tour of Switzerland in the late 1800s, as reported through the diary of Jemima Morrell (watch for future references and nuggets from this book, noted throughout the rest of our travels). We treated ourselves to real Swiss hot chocolate and dessert, before crossing the Rhine River.

From our pictures you’ll see immaculate, narrow, cobblestone streets, colorful roof tiles and the twin towers of the famous Basler Munster (Cathedral). Dominating Market Square (where fresh vegetables, fruits and flowers are sold daily), sits Basel’s Town Hall, a dark red, massive, 16th century structure, including a delightful inner courtyard with frescos and statues depicting heroic stories and periods in history. Colorful, historic and often culturally important houses and buildings line Rittergasse Street, while walking the Rheinuferpromende reminded us of strolling the Seine in Paris. Its difficult to miss the city’s beautiful fountains, used for both drinking and bathing (in warmer temperatures), or the well-known wall of street art on Gerbergasselein, immortalizing world-famous musicians.

A subsequent visit to Basel is on our list, as we barely scratched the surface of this hidden gem before boarding another train to Amsterdam.

Departing Chamonix.

First train was the Mont-Blanc Express.

Breathtaking views.

Switched trains in Martigny.

Views of Valere Basilica, a Swiss heritage site of national significance, in Sion.

Everchanging terrain as we traverse Switzerland.

Lake Thun, between Visp and Bern in Switzerland.

Another train switch.

Exiting Basel train station.

Basel Town Hall.

Inner courtyard of Basel Town Hall.

15th century statue of the Roman soldier Lucius Munatius Plancus inside the Basel Town Hall courtyard.

Selfies on the Rhine.

The Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois (yellow bldg from 1681), as seen from the Wettstein Bridge in Basel.

Views across the Rhine from Wettstein Bridge, with the two spires of the Basel Munster (Cathedral) in the background.

St. George slaying the dragon on the facade of Basel Munster.

Historical houses on Rittergasse Street in Old Town Basel.

House to the Dolphin, Rittergasse Street in Old Town Basel, built in 1760 on by famed architect Samuel Werenfels.

Rheinufer Promenade's terraced steps provide opportunities enjoying the river.

Museum of Cultures entrance, one of the leading anthropological museums in Europe.

One of many basilisk fountains upon which sits a hybrid creature, half cockerel, half serpent, holding the city's coat of arms in its claws.

Mural in Basel's Old Town depicting many rock and pop stars.

More of Basel's Old Town mural.