Switzerland is a central European country that France, Germany, and Italy border. In the northwest corner of the country, the location of Basel allows visitors to take fantastic day trips to neighboring countries and other parts of Switzerland.
There are a host of great possibilities for you to see more than just Basel. Here are some great ways you can expand your trip to Basel by taking a few day trips.
Near the Switzerland border, Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg
Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg
The location of this French castle offers visitors an incredible view of the Upper Rhine Plains as it sits atop the mountainous terrain that surrounds it. This castle dates as far back as the 12th century, and it is a beautiful way to see this area of Europe. The best part is that it is only about an hour away from Basel, and it allows you to fit a little bit of France into your trip without planning a large excursion.
Rotteln Castle
Rotteln Castle
This castle is in a region that sits atop the mountainous terrain. Located near Lorrach, Germany, the Rotteln Castle is just across the German border. Not repaired like Koenigsbourg, Rotteln lies in mostly ruin. However, the tower is still easily accessible, and it gives visitors another excellent way to see this region. It is the perfect place for hiking and soaking in the forested scenery of the European interior.
Bern, Switzerland
Bern is the capital of Switzerland, and visiting there is like stepping back into Medieval times. You would never think that this is the capital as you meander through the winding streets of the old town as it maintains its antique appeal and tranquility. Bern is just a short train ride from Basel, and it should be on your list of places to go and see while you are in Switzerland.
Basel as the start or end of a bigger trip
Most of my clients who see Basel are there because of a river cruise. Many Rhine cruises begin or end here, so it is a natural place to add a night or two before you board or after you step off the ship, and the day trips above fit neatly into that extra time. I wrote about the ports along the way in 4 incredible countries you’ll explore on the Rhine, and my river cruising page covers how I plan these sailings.
Basel is also an easy way into Switzerland’s scenic trains. Bern and Lucerne are each about an hour away by train, and from either one you are within reach of the routes people fly over for. The Glacier Express runs between Zermatt and St. Moritz, and the Bernina Express climbs over the Alps and down into Italy. A Rhine cruise that ends in Basel followed by a few days on Swiss trains works well, because the cruise drops you right where the train part of the trip begins. My Switzerland page shows how I put those trips together.
If a Rhine cruise or a Swiss train trip is on your list, book a consultation and I’ll show you how I would plan it.