Photos of Basel, an Underrated Swiss Destination along the Rhine

Basel may not figure in the itinerary of travelers heading to Switzerland, but it should and these photos will show you why.

Published: January 15, 2018 5:47 PM IST

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Beautiful and vibrant, Basel is one of Switzerland’s most important cities, but it doesn’t usually rank high on a traveler’s list of places to visit in the country. But it has a lot going for it, and the number of visitors to this small but historically rich city is rising every year. Basel is home to a number of incredible museums, built by the likes of Herzog & De Meuron, Mario Botta and Renzo Piano. It has a namesake annual carnival that sees merriment and festivities on a grand scale. It has an ancient Munster or cathedral built in the style of the Romans and a Renaissance-style Rathaus or town hall. Here’s a look at some pictures of the underrated Swiss city and its gems. ALSO READ: Photos of Gstaad, a Magical Swiss Town by the Alps

A view of Basel Munster and the city

A view of Basel Munster and the city

Rathaus, the Town Hall of Basel, Switzerland

Rathaus, the Town Hall of Basel - Switzerland

Revellers playing piccolo and snare drums and marching during a Basel Carnival procession

Revellers playing piccolo and snare drums and marching during a Basel Carnival procession

Old town of Basel with red stone Munster cathedral on the Rhine river

Old town of Basel with red stone Munster cathedral on the Rhine river, Switzerland

View up to the cityscape of Basel with its famous red sandstone cathedral

View up to the cityscape of Basel with its famous red sandstone cathedral

Middle bridge over Rhine river in Basel

Middle bridge over Rhine river, Basel, Switzerland

Night view of the Rhine River with the illuminated Basel Minster

Night view of the Rhine River with the illuminated Basel Minster

Detail of the medieval fish market fountain with the crest of Basel and a lute player, in Basel downtown

Detail of the medieval fish market fountain with the crest of Basel and a lute player, in Basel downtown

Basel lies in Dreiländereck, also known as three countries’ corner. From here, you can see and head to the majestic Swiss Jura mountains. The city is also considered a gateway to the more popular cities of Lucerne and Zurich, along with the German Black Forest and the French-speaking Alsace. The countryside of Sissach lies just around half an hour away from Basel city proper,  and the city itself has plenty to see and do. Located on either side of the Rhine River, Basel has historically been a big trade hub for the region. It is home to pharma giants Novartis and Roche, but travelers will find themselves drawn more towards the art galleries, historic buildings and architecture of Basel, along with the Basel Carnival and ART Basel Festival.

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