Anne-Charlotte PasseraIf you’re looking for a picturesque day trip in Switzerland, Basel is the perfect starting point. From charming towns to stunning natural beauty, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in hiking, sightseeing, or simply relaxing, a day trip from Basel is sure to be a memorable experience. Now, will you be able to afford it? That is up for debate.
Things to know before taking a day trip from Basel
Switzerland , I’m not going to lie, is an expensive destination. My son and I were lucky enough to spend some time in Basel and around because we have friends who live there. Hence, we did not need to pay for lodging, food, nor getting around. Yes, we were kinda treated like royalty and it felt good.
While it is easy to get around Switzerland by bus or train, renting a car might be a more viable solution if you are not travelling alone. Also, having a car will allow you to stray off the beaten path and explore on your own time.
Money saving tips:
- As Basel is located close to the French and German borders. It might be worth it to rent a car from one of those countries rather than in Switzerland.
- Consider sleeping in France around Mulhouse which is located 30 minutes from Basel and save money.
- Go grocery shopping in France and eat in your lodging as much as you can or pack your lunches.
- If you sleep in Basel, you’ll have access to the free Basel Card which provides you with free access to transportation during your stay and discounts to some of Basel’s main attractions. However, I don’t know if it is for everyone in your party or per reservation.
- Buy a Swiss travel pass (flex) – Le Grand Train Tour if you plan on taking the train often.
Explore the medieval town of Lucerne
Just an hour train ride away from Basel, the beautiful lakeside medieval town of Lucerne is a must-see destination. It’s located on a lake with the Alps as a backdrop.
Best to be explored on foot, take a stroll across the iconic Chapel Bridge, visit the Lion Monument, walk the remparts and explore the charming Old Town.
The 14th century covered wooden bridge is one of the town’s highlights that you shouldn’t miss out on. It is the world’s oldest pedestrian bridge with paintings inside the roof representing Lucerne’s history. In 1993, the bridge caught fire, destroying some of those paintings. Luckily, the firemen did their thing and managed to salvage the bridge.
Other activities include:
- Walk along the Musegg Wall while eating ice cream as for some reason there are loads of places to do just that.
- Take a cruise on the magnificent lake while enjoying a glass of wine with jaw dropping snow capped mountains as a back drop. The boat ride lasts 1h30, but there are other options available on deck.
We hadn’t booked our cruise ahead of time. When we got off the train in the morning, we walked directly over to the ticket booth and booked our cruise for later in the day. This allowed us to have ample time to walk around the town and grab something to eat.
The cruise is very pleasant but you won’t be alone on the water. However, it allows you to spot some other areas of interest, making you wish you had booked a room overlooking on the lake.
Also, there is a little castle on a hill you can visit and where “apparently” crazy rich Asians get married.
- Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit. Swing by the beach (free access and changing rooms), a short 10 minute walk from the train station. Beware, a swan might take its lifeguarding duties a little too seriously. Also, watch out , they might do a #2 next to you.
With its rich history and stunning scenery, Lucerne is a day trip you won’t want to miss.
Take a scenic train ride to Interlaken
Interlaken is a picturesque town nestled between two lakes and surrounded by the Swiss Alps. It’s a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities like hiking, skiing, and paragliding.
Interlaken, the adventure capital of Switzerland.
The 2 hour train ride from Basel to Interlaken is a scenic journey through the Swiss countryside, passing by charming villages and rolling hills. Once you arrive, take a stroll through the town center and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a cable car ($) up to the top of Harder Kulm for panoramic views of the region.
When visiting during the summer months, there are more free (outdoor) activities available.
- For instance, you can take a free (minus the tip) walking tour around town with a local guide (Interlaken Walking Tours).
- Free open-air concerts take place every Thursday night (Summer).
- August 1st, is the National day of Switzerland. Expect tons of free folkloric performances and of course, fireworks.
- Instead of taking the cable car to the top of Harder Kulm, hike. It takes about 2 hours to reach the top. Don’t forget to bring a water bottle that you can fill up from a fountain in town as some parts of the trail can be hard. There is however a restaurant at the top where you can reward yourself with a cold brew or something sweet while admiring the amazing view.
- Swim in the crystal clear waters of Lake Thun. You’ll need to hop on a bus or walk for 2 hours.
Discover the picturesque village of Appenzell
Appenzell is a charming village located in the eastern part of Switzerland. It is known for its traditional architecture, colourful homes, and stunning mountain views.
Take a two day trip from Basel and explore the narrow streets lined with shops selling local crafts and delicacies. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Appenzell Museum, which showcases the region’s rich history and culture.
Appennzell is known for its cheese, so don’t be surprised if you run into some fat cows with a traditional cowbell around its neck while hiking around.
For a unique experience, take a hike to the nearby peak of Hoher Kasten and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
For a breathtaking stay, spend the night at the over 170 year old Äscher inn, one of the oldest mountain guesthouses in Switzerland. You can easily access it by taking a cable car and then take a short walk, or hike all the way up. Wear comfortable shoes (no flip flops) and bring a water bottle. Prior to arriving to the inn, you’ll have to pass through three interlinked caves (Wildkirchli) with a hermit hut
Swim in rivers and pools or cruise
If you are travelling with kids, how about taking them swimming? You can do so in the villages of Reinach and Gartenbad at their outdoor pools. They are about 10 minutes away from each other.
There is ample space for kids to run around on grass covered ground and swim. Also, you can pack your own lunch to minimize the cost.
Reinach and Gartenbad swimming pools are both accesible by tram from Basel (about 20 minutes).
This makes for a simple and budget-friendly day trip from Basel with kids.
Float down a river
The Rhine river encourages relaxation and it is no surprise there that people enjoy floating down it thanks to its strong currents. In fact, it is a popular activity to do during the summer months. How does it work?
As I did say floating and not swimming, you are probably wondering what the catch is since clearly you’re going to need a floating device. Will it be a donut, a jacket, a board?
None of the above.
You can put your clothes in a “Wickelfisch” swim bag (made in basel) and simply float down on the “gentle” current through the picturesque Old Town.
Basel.com
The bag carrying your clothes functions as a floating device and can be purchased at the tourist information, near the train station. Instructions on how to use the bag are provided with your purchase. It’s a fun souvenir to bring back home and to be used over and over again whenever you do a water activity.
Apart from purchasing the bag, the activity is free. You are not allowed to use other floating devices on the river.
Most people will take the tram to the Schifflände stop, but you can swim anywhere between the Tinguely Museumand the last bridge, Dreirosenbrücke. Never float alone and try to stay to the right hand-side as to not be bothered by potential boats.
Cruise to Augst
Cruise on the Rhine river to visit the Roman city “Augusta Raurica” the largest open-air archaeological museum in Switzerland. It has the best preserved ancient 10,000 seat theatre north of the Alps.
Located near Augst/Kaiseraugst, this 2000-year-old settlement is an easy day trip to take from Basel.
In the early 1960s, one of the most important Roman silver treasure hoards was unearthed at that site. No less than 270 silver objects were buried, including numerous large platters, bowls, spoons, and coins. All artifacts are still in very good condition and many are displayed in the museum.
newlyswissed.com
The boat only functions during the warm months (May-Oct) from Basel-Schifflände or Rheinfelden to Augst or Kaiseraugst. Then, it is about a 20-minute walk to the museum. The boat ride is about 110 minutes. Another option is of course the train, and is only half hour long or a bus.
Aside from walking the site (free) and visiting the museum ($), activities are available for families.
Every august, over the span of a week, takes place the Römerfest, a Roman festival. Assit to roman battles, chariot races, concerts and watch bands of legionaries walk around this historical town. Children can take part in various workshops such as metalworking or mosaic-making.
More information on this festival HERE.
Drive through the poetic Canton of Solothurn
Are you into scenic drives? Experience the excitement of a short 69km day trip into the Basel countryside at the gates of the city. Witness more than 10,000 cherry trees in full bloom, having their day in the golden, springtime sun. During the summer months, stop to pick some to eat along the way.
Renting a car is a sign of freedom with asphalt under the wheels, wind in the hair, turn up the sound and drive through gentle hills covered with forests and roads full of twists and turns. There are iso many beautiful things to see and do in the area that it’s best to explore it with a car so that you can have more options.
It is the perfect area for hiking or mountain biking.
Where to go:
- Have lunch at the over 100 years old Bärgbeiz Gempenturm (inn) and enjoy the view. A lot of hikers stop there while hiking in the area. On your way there, you’ll spot some Cherry tree fields.
- Stop and eat at Schonmatt which also has a market. You can get fresh picked cherries, syrup for drinks, fresh meats, local crafts, etc.
- Visit the original town of Dornach.
Rudolf Steiner was a clairvoyant architect. Ever heard of him? He was Austrian and died in 1925 in the village of Dornach in the Canton of Solothurn.
It’s like Steiner designed his own town!
The town has multiple original and quite intriguing buildings that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s also home to the second Goetheanum built in concrete. Rebuilt in 1928, this building “remains one of the most original large-scale uses of reinforced concrete in the history of architecture.”
Visit the Fairytale land of Arlesheim
Drive through the area of Arlesheim, known for its numerous castles and fortresses that line the 1,000 km of hiking trails.
Stops to consider:
- Birseck Castle
The Eremitage building group that includes the castle is listed as a heritage site of national significance.
While the castle is nice, people flock there for the grounds and views around that are simply gorgeous.
You can access the castle by taking Tram 10 from Basel to Arlesheim Dorf, a 25 minute ride. Then, it is about a 15 minute walk by simply following the signs.
- Arlesheim town
Visit the only Dom in Switzerland from the 17th century of baroque style. You can park for free behind the church.
Don’t be surprised when driving around to see people driving old convertible cars on a warm summer day. It is the ideal place to do so.
Travel to Alsace, France
Why stay in Switzerland when you can easily travel to France for the day? Basel is ideally located close to Alsacian towns of Mulhouse, Colmar and Strasbourg. They are all accessible by train from Basel from a short 30 minute ride to 1h30.
These towns are highly representative of the architecture style of the region of half-timbered homes. The region of Alsace used to also belong to Germany. Therefore, the region has a rich history worth stopping by for.
After all this excitement, finish your day trip in Basel on the terrace of the Ritz – Les 3 Rois by sipping some Rivella for the kids, a Swiss soft drink, a Feldschlosschen beer made only in Swiss or a cocktail . You’ll have an amazing view on the Rhine and the setting is well, pretty glam.
