Admire the art in Fondation Beyeler, bask in the sun along the Rhine River, and visit the beautiful Old Town of Basel. So now take a look at what is outside Basel. The good news? Europe has some of the most lovely small towns near Basel, only a few minutes by train.
Basel is located at the intersection of Switzerland, France, and Germany. Day trips from Basel are the ideal start for memorable experiences. You can experience a wonderful adventure in no time, be it medieval history, the best wine in the world, or a new scenery. This 7 Charming Day Trips from Basel guide will help you throughout your journey.
Getting Around: The train is your best friend in Switzerland: The SBB network and its links with the French SNCF and German Deutsche Bahn are efficient and scenic. The majority of the listed Small Towns Near Basel are a direct or very easy ride out of Basel SBB or Basel Badischer Bahnhof. SBB app check schedules. For that extra pinch of luxury, you may also choose a Basel chauffeur service.
Crossing Borders: Don't be nervous! To the citizens of the EU, it can be a smooth sail. Otherwise, it is always advisable to have your passport at hand, though it is rare to be checked on trains. You will only hear an announcement to welcome you to a new country!
What to Bring: Good footwear to walk on cobblestone streets, a water bottle that you can use again, and most importantly, your camera.
Ready to explore Basel? These are 7 Day Trips from Basel that you should visit.
Why You'll Love It: Colmar feels like entering a live-action storybook with its canals, flower boxes, and its endlessly well-maintained half-timbered houses.
Getting There: About 45 minutes by direct train from Basel SBB.
Don't Miss:
Losing oneself in the picturesque canal quarter, called Petite Venise.
Visiting the shocking Isenheim Altarpiece at the Unterlinden Museum.
Having a glass of local Alsatian Riesling in a small wine bar (winstub).
Perfect For: Romantics, photographers, and wine lovers.
Why You'll Love It: A sunny and bright university town peppered with medieval history and relaxed atmosphere, with notorious miniature bachle (rivets filled with water) lining its streets.
Getting There: Approximately 45-60 min. by direct train from Basel Badischer Bahnhof.
Don't Miss:
Exploring the tower of the great Freiburg Munster (cathedral) to see beautiful things.
Spending time in the sun and socializing in a beer garden in the Augustiner Platz.
Eating an old-fashioned Bratwurst in a market booth outside the cathedral.
Perfect For: Students, families, and anyone who loves a lively vibe.
Why You'll Love It: Colmar is a fable; Riquewihr is a restored medieval film set. This small town near Basel is a treasure of the Alsace Wine Route.
Getting There: By train (to Colmar), 1 hour 15 minutes, and then a short bus ride. Reach Riquewihr from Basel in 1 hour via Basel limo service.
Don't Miss:
Passing the Dolder Gate and having the sensation that you are in the past.
Tasting the wines in one of the local caves to get a real taste of Alsace.
Just by walking down the major street, Rue du General de Gaulle, and observing the architecture.
Perfect For: Couples, wine connoisseurs, and history enthusiasts.
Why You'll Love It: To experience a day trip from Basel that seems distant without crossing the border, this beautiful Swiss town on the Rhine has a beautiful Old Town and a well-known brewery.
Getting There: Only 20 minutes by the direct train in Basel SBB.
Don't Miss:
Strolling through Old Town, which is car-free and full of color.
Going on a tour at the Felsenburg Brewery (where Feldschlosschen beer is made).
A stroll along the banks of the river and across to its sister town on the other side, Rheinfelden (Baden).
Perfect For: A fast and simple escape, drinkers, and a brisk walk.
Why You'll Love It: A beautiful medieval small town near Basel, located on the banks of Lake Murten, whose walls you can walk on, and with magnificent views.
Getting There: Only a little more than 1 hour (one change, at Kerzers) by train, out of Basel.
Don't Miss:
Using the medieval ramparts as an exclusive view across the terracotta roofs and the lake.
Wandering up and down the beautiful main street, Hauptgasse, with its covered arcades.
Spending time on a coffee or ice cream at the calm lakefront.
Perfect For: History lovers, a peaceful retreat, and stunning photography.
Why You'll Love It: A picturesque wine-growing town with a rich history, with a much calmer atmosphere compared to Freiburg.
Getting There: About 45 minutes by train at Basel Badischer Bahnhof (usually direct).
Don't Miss:
Going on a walk to the remains of Staufen Castle to view the Black Forest foothills.
When browsing the quaint cobbled market square with its pastel-coloured townhouses.
Having a glass of local Pinot Noir (Spatburgunder) at a classic gasthaus.
Perfect For: Hikers, those seeking authenticity, and a peaceful afternoon.
Why You'll Love It: This town, the southern entrance to the Alsace Wine Route, boasts a spectacular Gothic cathedral, which appears to be too large to be in a town of the scale it is, without the crowds of its northern neighbors.
Getting There: Approximately 50 minutes by car in a Basel airport transfer.
Don't Miss:
Looking at the complex sculptures carved at the front of the Collegiale Saint-Thiebaut.
Walking into the vineyard hills, a short drive or bus ride into the surrounding hills.
Going to a local winery to taste and not having the hustle and bustle.
Perfect For: People who love architecture, do sightseeing, and savor wine in a cool environment.
In the case of Ultimate Fairytale Experience: Select Colmar or Riquewihr.
Don’t think you can find History and a Lively Atmosphere: Freiburg is your spot.
To take the Easiest & Most Relaxing Trip, Rheinfelden (CH) is impossible to beat.
To a Lakeside Medieval Charmer: Have a visit to Murten.
Another best thing about living or visiting Basel is its unbelievable Day trips from Basel. During the time that one watches a movie, one can be in a different country, surrounded by a different culture, and make new memories. So check the train schedule, grab your day bag, and find out what magic is on every doorstep of Basel.