A seasonal guide to Basel

Sharing boarders with France and Germany, the Swiss city of Basel offers the perfect mix of both cultures, architecture, and nature, every season of the year.

Winter

This esteemed Swiss city shares borders with France and Germany, so expect a good mix of cultures and architecture that looks particularly picturesque under the frosty veil of winter. As the season comes to an end, the whole of Basel celebrates Fasnacht. This festival sees processions full of colourful costumes, masks and music across what locals call ‘the three loveliest days of the year’. Don’t forget to set your alarm though – the first parade kicks off at 4am!

Spring

The transformation of winter into spring is welcomed with open arms in Basel – there’s even the annual festival of Fasnacht that’s celebrated to drive away the cold. Yet when the warmer weather returns and the trees on the banks of the Rhine begin to bloom, Basel becomes a hive of activity as locals and visitors begin to enjoy the city at its best. Green spaces like Kannenfeldpark and the Tierpark Langen Erlen are particularly good if you’ve got kids, while the city itself boasts nearly 40 museums if there’s still a touch of winter in the air.

Summer

The Rhine is at the heart of any summer in Basel. As soon as it’s swimwear weather, you’ll often find locals heading down to the river to indulge in a cooling dip or just sunbathe on the banks. The balmy weather makes exploring the city’s medieval old town all the more enchanting, and regular summer programmes of open-air cinema and festivals ensure you’ll never be short of a spot of entertainment.

Fall

There are loads of great reasons to head to Basel in autumn. There’s visiting the Spalentor, the impressive city gate that leads to the city’s walled old town. Then there’s the tradition of the Basel Autumn Fair, which has been going for more than 500 years and is full of food, funfairs and festivities. Even with all that, the top reason has to be raclette. This traditional Swiss dish consists of creamy, nutty cheese melted over potatoes, pickles and meat. It’s certainly filling and makes a great way to warm up on a cool autumn evening!