car hire basel

guide to basel

history
Basel is Switzerland's third-largest city and sits on the Rhine at the point where the Swiss, German, and French borders intersect. Originally settled as a Roman fort in the year 374, Basel joined the Swiss Confederation in 1501 and became a Protestant-dominated region. During the time of the Reformation (1529), Basel became known for its tolerance and willingness to shelter those under religious persecution. People flooded in from Italy, Holland, and France. Along the way, Basel developed a reputation as a cultural centre, and was at the forefront of a burgeoning publishing industry. The philosopher Nietzsche and the painter Holbein the Younger are among the cultural luminaries who called Basel home. Today, Basel is a major player in the arts and antiquities marketplace, and its economy is also bolstered by a thriving chemical and pharmaceutical industry.

things to do
Dreiländereck, or the Three Countries' Corner, is a novel attraction for travellers in Basel. This piece of land juts out into the Rhine, and if you walk around a pylon marker, you can "cross the border" into Germany and then France, all without a passport! If a few steps aren't quite all the exploring you want to do, consider driving your hire car (easily retrieved at EuroAirport) to nearby Alsace, in France. Although technically French, the region is considered predominantly German in character. The wines of Alsace are renowned, and you'll do well to sample some of its signature dry Rieslings. The area is also a big beer-producer, and you can visit breweries such as Kronenbourg in and around the city of Strasbourg.

Basel is a leading museum capital, with several top galleries to choose from. Foundation Beyeler is a stunning private collection that's been opened up to the public. Among the modern legends gracing the walls here: Warhol, Seurat, Pollock, Ernst, Degas, Braque, and Calder. Kunstmuseum (Fine Arts Museum) is the oldest in Switzerland, and showcases a venerable collection of pieces ranging from old masters to modern standouts. The entrance is through a courtyard populated by Rodin and Calder sculptures, and once inside you'll find a thorough representation of local legends like Holbein and Konrad Witz, as well as pieces by van Gogh, Klee, and Picasso.