Originally settled by the Romans, Basel has always been a vibrant centre of commerce,
culture and carnival. This city on the Rhine’s proximity to France and
Germany has enabled it to draw on the best aspects of both. The river divides
the city into Kleinbasel on the North bank and Grossbasel on the south. Head
to the North Bank for the cathedral and the old town and to the South bank for
subcultural adventure. The University is the oldest in Switzerland and still
donates an atmosphere of youthful imagination and innovation to the city.
Basel has the usual vegetable and flea markets as well as an Autumn Fair that
starts on the Saturday preceding the 30 October and the famous Christmas market.
Basel is a city with a great sense of occasion and several times a year the city
gives itself wholeheartedly to carnival. Vogel Gryff marks the end of winter
in Kleinbasel. The three-day Fasnacht carnival is held every year on the Monday
following Ash Wednesday and starts at 4 am on the dot with the Morgestraich,
when the city is plunged into total darkness and a procession of elaborately
costumed marchers holding lanterns begins. The cuisine of Basel is excellent,
offering both value and variety. After sampling some food, why not head to see
one of the many theatre groups or take in a concert by one of the two symphony
orchestras in the city. There are many beer halls where local brew can be sampled
in an authentic atmosphere and many fine restaurants and cafés.
