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The Area   The town of Basel lies in the north-western corner of Switzerland and is Switzerland's third most populous city with about 166,000 inhabitants. It is a cosmopolitan city because of its university and industry and its proximity to the borders of France and Germany. Basel is among the most important cultural centres of Switzerland. The city comprises a large number of theatres and many museums, including the Museum of Fine Arts, the world's oldest art collection accessible to the public. Arriving by Plane  EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg is the only bi-national airport in the world. It is an international airport 4 km northwest of Basel (Switzerland), and is only 20 minute drive from the airport itself. Several major airlines, including Swiss, Air France, British Airways and Lufthansa, serve the airport. In the arrival hall you can choose to go through the Swiss customs and take the customs-free road to Basel or to go through French customs. Some flights to the EuroAiport are described with Basel (BSL, Switzerland) as the destination, while flights from France or other Schengen airports usually indicate Mulhouse (MLH, France) as their destination, although it is the same airport. From the airport, you may wish to rent a car. However though, the most comfortable ways of getting into the city centre are by either taking bus 11 from the French exit to the railway station in St Louis and changing to the Basel commuter train to Basel SBB station, or by taking the bus no. 50 from right outside the Swiss arrivals area to the Basel SBB train station. Arriving by Train Basel has two main train stations. The Basel SBB station is south of the town centre and the Basel Badischer Bahnhof is to the north in Kleinbasel. The Basel SBB station serves the Swiss SBB rail and French SNCF rail, with German DB trains connecting to the Basel Badischer Bahnhof. Badischer Bahnhof serves the German DB rail. There are also various international train connections which include high speed train links from Germany (Frankfurt, Berlin). Fast trains from Paris, Strasbourg, Amsterdam, Luxembourg, Brussels, Milan and yet also night trains from Amsterdam, Berlin, Brussels, Copenhagen, Moscow, Paris, Prague, Rome. Arriving by Car When arriving from Germany via the A5 highway, you pass the border control near Weil am Rhein just outside Basel and enter the city via the same highway, now named A2/3. To get to the city centre in Grossbasel (the larger section of the city) look for signs to Bahnhof SBB. Arriving from Zurich or central Switzerland, you are on the same A2/3 highway, just in the opposite direction - same exits. If you drive into Basel, make sure you have a valid Vignette (toll sticker) if you drive on the Autobahn! The Vignette costs CHF 40 and is valid for the calendar year indicated on the sticker. If you do not and are caught without one, expect to pay a fine of CHF 100 plus the cost of a Vignette. On Foot This is the standard mode of travel for many within the city. Old Basel isn't very large and there are many narrow and winding side streets with incredible slopes. The walking can be a bit strenuous after a while, particularly when walking on cobblestone alleys in the old town, which can also get quite steep. WARNING: Trams have the right of way over just about everyone - all the time. Keep an eye out for them as you cross a street, including on pedestrian crossings. Buses and Trams Basel has an extensive tram and bus network. Each stop has maps of the public transport system and a listing of arrival times. Tickets Machines-You can buy single tickets here as there is no vending inside the trams and buses and take both Swiss Francs and Euros. Mobility Pass- All hotels in Basel, including the youth hostel, offer each registered guest a free "Mobility Pass" upon check in. This gives free unlimited travel in Basel and suburbs (including to and from the airport) for the duration of their stay. Eating Out Basel has a thriving restaurant and café culture, and the streets of the old town are lined with outdoor seating in the summer. Not all restaurants in Basel accept credit cards. However though, an increasing number do so if in doubt check first. Museums and Attractions Most of the "old town" attractions in Basel are in a walkable area between the Basel Zoo and the Rhine. Since most stores are closed on Sundays, it is a good day to plan to see one of the many museums, which are usually open. Basel and surroundings have over 20 museums, and many of these have a free opening hour at the end of the day. |
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