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Basel in 24 hrs - Part II (Switzerland)

The first thing in the morning of Day 2 (check out Day 1 post here), I set out to Dreilandereck. Its located in the outskirts of Basel and as the name says (Tri-Land), its the merging point of Switzerland, France and Germany. In this below pic, all the 3 countries are visible - standing on Swiz; on the right of the curved bridge is Germany and left of it is France. 

Reaching the very endpoint is a bit confusing. After the very last stop by bus or tram, after about 1km along the river in a tiny lane, beside a dock, is the monument with 3 wings directing to the 3 countries. 

Also here is a bar called Sandoase aka Sand Oasis, where a beach like set-up is created which also has boards that show the distances of various cities in different directions.

From there my next stop was Spalentor. Basel had fortification walls built in 11th C CE and again another one covering larger area in 13th C CE. Today certain sections of the wall still stand. Spalentor is one of the still surviving 3 gates. The 3 sculptures on it were added in 15th C CE& represent Madonna & 2 prophets. Unfortunately climbing this isn't allowed. 

My next destination was Tinguely Fountain. This was created by Jean Tinguely, a Swiz artist who grew up in Basel, in 1977. He's known for his kinetic art where the engineering thought process goes into installations, making them an animated sculpture, called kinetic art or metamechanics!!! Tinguely Fountain is a complex set of 9 sculptures constantly moving to make it a very quirky fountain. There's another smaller fountain in front of the Tinguely Museum.

Next I visited St.Alban Tor which is another one of the 3 surviving gates. From there as I started walking along the picturesque river, I came across this rather interesting castle like wall. This is the Letzi Platz, a portion of the fortification walls of Basel.

Next was the waste of my time. But anyways, I'm sharing the info here, so you don't end up wasting your time. I walked upto the La Roche Tower which is the tallest building in Basel atop which is the Pebble Lounge, which was supposedly a must-visit to view Basel from up above and look at the gorgeous Rhine river! Unfortunately when I went there and enquired, I was informed that the lounge was open only for employees (and their friends) and there are certain days a week when its open for general public which also requires a pre-booking! Though I tried to contact them prior to my visit via Facebook, I didn't get response and couldn't find any details. That was a 'face-palm' moment. Anyways, so unless you have a confirmed prior booking, save yourself a trip.
As a part of the Basel Card, I was entitled for 1 ferry trip across the Rhine and I chose to take the Munsterfahre, so that I could get a glimpse of the Church from the river. The ferry ride itself was an interesting thing - it was neither manual, nor mechanical. You could call it manual but it didn't have an oar. All it has is a rudder! The boat is connected to a rope atop with a cable and when the rudder direction is changed and the boat is released from the dock, holding the rope atop, it moves with the current of the river!!! That's something that I've never seen before!!! 
Not only is there this ferry crossing, but Rhine is a centre of various activities incl kayaking, rowing and even swimming. The hotels & hostels rent out something called Wickelfisch which is an waterproof bag which can be used to store dry clothes, gadgets etc and serves as a flotation device as well. You can swim with it from one point to another point with it, get out of the water, change and get going!!! Its available to buy as well.
I reached the Cathedral on the other side and visited the Cathedral, coz the previous day on my walk, by the time I went, it was already closed. And with this my 24hrs in Basel wraps up! All I had was 24 hrs and this all I could manage. If you have more time there is so much more to see & do. Thun, Murren, Bern, Betmerralp, Zermatt, Interlaken are few of the best places to visit in Switzerland. 
A couple more posts in detail about some more places in Basel are coming up soon. 

 My complete Basel Travelogue: Basel in 24 hrs Part 1, Part 2, Basel Zoo, Basel Munster

P.S: I was invited by Basel Tourism Dept - Basel Card to experience the city for review purpose, however the opinions are my own and this post does not to advertise the product/service.

Bhushavali

An ardent traveler by passion. Being an ex - Art History Teacher, my area of interest especially lies in Nature and Heritage. Visited 85 UNESCO World Heritage sites as of June 2022. I've been listed among the Top 7 Women Travel Bloggers of India, Top 50 in UK. I have been interviewed in a couple of TV Shows, Radio Channels and Events as well. Read more about me and read the testimonials of different brands

40 comments:

  1. Shrinidhi HandeJanuary 24, 2017 at 2:02 AM

    nice read... reminded me of a topgear challenge

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  2. Sunshine KellyJanuary 24, 2017 at 8:36 AM

    Wow! great view and photos you got there. I love your travel post.

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  3. Happy Go KLJanuary 24, 2017 at 8:47 AM

    Looks like a lovely trip! Great outdoors and fresh air!

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  4. Miera NadhirahJanuary 24, 2017 at 9:11 AM

    that was quite an awesome experience in such a beautiful country and city... i would dearly love an experience one fine day

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  5. Blair VillanuevaJanuary 24, 2017 at 11:42 AM

    Thanks for sharing your Basel trip. I only know Basel for its annual BaselWorld, an event showcasing top watchmakers and jewelries. And Switzerland as they say have a nice skiing attraction.

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  6. rupam sarmaJanuary 24, 2017 at 12:16 PM

    Awesome pics :)

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  7. IvianatJanuary 24, 2017 at 1:15 PM

    I have never been to Switzerland. Your post are so beautifully written. I would love to go someday.

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  8. UnknownJanuary 24, 2017 at 3:27 PM

    when will i have the chance to travel to such a beautiful place! ur so lucky! Love it!

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  9. Lux G.January 24, 2017 at 4:17 PM

    Adding this on my bucket list.

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  10. Kcalpesh AjugiaJanuary 24, 2017 at 4:23 PM

    Triland must be amazing as it allows you to see Switzerland, France, Germany all at the same time. Wow, that's something. Kinetic art is something that has always kept me interested. I guess if I ever visit here I'll definitely go out to view the animated sculptures. I'd definitely read your post about details of some of the mentioned places...

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  11. Abang FadliJanuary 24, 2017 at 4:47 PM

    It seem like a very peaceful place.... but Switzerland is quite expensive.....

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  12. travelwithtarahJanuary 24, 2017 at 6:01 PM

    Only been to Switzerland once and it was one of my favorite places I've ever been. This is making me think I need to get back there sooner than expected!

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  13. berlinJanuary 24, 2017 at 8:10 PM

    Love the structures and sceneries. Appreciate the fountain as well and indeed the person who made that is a genius. Excited to read more of this. I get to learn more about places even when I havent seen them personally.

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  14. EmilyJanuary 24, 2017 at 8:48 PM

    What a memorable trip your must have had. I personally am fascinated with border points, so Triland is definitely in my bucket list!

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  15. UnknownJanuary 25, 2017 at 12:04 AM

    Basel has such stunning architecture! Love the cathedral and castle like building.

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  16. Betchie AbrenicaJanuary 25, 2017 at 6:07 AM

    What a lovely trip to Basel. Looking forward to the next series of your travel blog. I was interested in seeing the interiors of the Cathedral. Im always fascinated with this kind of edifice..

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  17. Sebrinah YeoJanuary 25, 2017 at 8:19 AM

    Love the photos! Great place to visit. Seems very relaxing and just amazing looking at the buildings and sceneries at this place.

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  18. Amila Dananjaya De SilvaJanuary 25, 2017 at 10:08 AM

    This is my first time of hearing about Basil and it looks like a gorgeous little town. Love the idea of swimming in that river with your belongings floating next to you!
    :D

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  19. Wai Yee aka RaneJanuary 25, 2017 at 10:55 AM

    Basel seems so beautiful place! I miss Switzerland a lot

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  20. Nadine Smith (Scenes From Nadine)January 25, 2017 at 1:38 PM

    What a beautiful place! This scenery is just so breathtaking and the architecture is amazing! You are really lucky to have been able to visit such a wonderful place. I can't wait to see this for myself

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  21. ashokJanuary 25, 2017 at 3:17 PM

    wow! lovely place

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  22. Blair VillanuevaJanuary 25, 2017 at 3:29 PM

    What a lovely place, and I could imagine me and my Dada having a morning stroll. When is the best month to visit Basel?

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  23. JoannaJanuary 25, 2017 at 7:03 PM

    It's funny to see that there is a sign near the river pointing to how far away Romania is (I am from Romania and I don't see many references towards my country when I travel). The Rheine looks really peaceful and it's great that you had a free boat trip included in your Basel card. I guess it was a bit strange to be in 3 countries in one day.

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  24. MariaJanuary 25, 2017 at 9:59 PM

    Wow. It's a lovely destination for a lovely person like you! Well, this is a dream destination for me. I've been wanting to travel Europe to see and experience different museums and culture as well. The structure and the grandeur is very much breath taking!

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  25. Gloria @NomadicChicaJanuary 25, 2017 at 10:34 PM

    What a beautiful place to visit!
    Thank you for sharing all the great tips also, now I know that I have to book before going to the Tower!
    It's always good to know those details in advance so you don't waste time when doing a short visit.

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  26. UnknownJanuary 25, 2017 at 10:48 PM

    I have never been to Switzerland and I have always wanted to go. Thanks for sharing these pictures! Hopefully we can visit soon.

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  27. NyaJanuary 26, 2017 at 1:20 AM

    I've never been to Switzerland before. I asked my boyfriend and he neither. We are gonna move to France soon and we won't be too far away from Switzerland actually. Basel looks like a beautiful city and we'll put that on our list to visit soon! Really nice pictures by the way

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  28. AnaJanuary 26, 2017 at 1:46 AM

    Switzerland is once such destination that should be visited before you die! On my bucket list. Hope to visit there soon someday in my life!

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  29. TraveleretteJanuary 26, 2017 at 7:02 AM

    Basel seems like a great and relaxing destination. I would like to see Tinguely Fountain. That unusual ferry ride sounds interesting too.

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  30. Absolute YanaJanuary 26, 2017 at 7:15 AM

    such a beautiful place....definitely in my travelling list..

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  31. TeresaJanuary 26, 2017 at 9:06 AM

    Switzerland is indeed a dream destination for many. Your photos make us even want to visit it soon. I love the cathedral's photo and the red boats on the water. I wonder when I could bring my family here.

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  32. Elena (@TRavelingBytes)January 26, 2017 at 5:43 PM

    To me, Basel is one of these cities that everyone heard about but not at the top of the list of places to visit. Interesting, that you mentioned Tinguely Fountain. I knew about him from NYC MoMA’s that displays a piece of what he called a “self-constructing and self-destroying work of art.” Homage to New York installation spectacularly failed to operate (destroy itself) and caught fire instead.

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  33. Bonvoyage BitchesJanuary 26, 2017 at 8:49 PM

    Yessss!! Switzerland is my absolute favorite country!! I haven't been to Basel but it is definitely on my list. Did you know the art show in Miami called Art Basel is spawned from this city? Pretty cool!

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  34. UnknownJanuary 27, 2017 at 4:07 AM

    Wow, I love the serenity of the place. I'd always loved to visit Switzerland! The cathedral looks like a mini castle, though - it's really nice! Now thinking about it, their architecture is really one that fascinates travelers. Gotta go there someday asap!!

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  35. AmiJanuary 27, 2017 at 12:59 PM

    I would love to see Basel with all that history and the lovely Rhine river. I missed it the last time when I was in Lucerne though I managed to pass through the town. Would love to Kayak in the Rhine. Next time maybe!

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  36. GengQianJanuary 27, 2017 at 4:13 PM

    beautiful and tranquil place, reminds me of cambridge. would love to visit again!

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  37. Sharon LeeJanuary 27, 2017 at 7:04 PM

    This is such a quiet and peaceful place! I feel like I am somewhere over the other side of earth, so pretty!

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  38. UnknownJanuary 28, 2017 at 12:14 AM

    I did not know that Basel was that old. I had thought that this city is a modern industrial centre. Isn't La Roche the same as Roche chemicals? Or am I mixing up?

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  39. KT NielsenJanuary 28, 2017 at 5:24 PM

    I'm never been to Switzerland but hopefully I will set foot in it in the future. Looks like Basel will be added to my bucket list now because it's my kind of place to visit - old with lots of character. I love walking on cobblestone streets and seeing structures that have existed for so long and stood the test of time. Thank you for sharing all these photos.

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  40. AnonymousFebruary 3, 2017 at 11:08 AM

    nice place and nice buildings! hope to be able to travel there next time :)

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