Top 5 Basel Outdoor Activities: A Local’s Guide
Basel, that beautiful Swiss town right on the Rhine, has very many neat spots, and I mean, that is absolutely what I love most! Beyond all of its famous art and neat historical spots, lies quite a collection of cool outdoor adventures waiting for you. I mean, there’s lots more than just what’s in the buildings. If you like stretching your legs, or I guess seeing sights, and that sort of thing, I’ll show you around my five absolutely favorite spots to soak it up out here! Get your walking boots ready, you know? And discover Basel’s hidden gems!
1. A Stroll Along the Rhine River
Walking along the Rhine, it really might be the simplest pleasure, but I will say it’s also one of the best things here. What’s awesome, that, it is not any old river walk; you have people doing everything imaginable along the banks here! During those super hot summer days, you have locals actually swimming down the river with these cool waterproof “Wickelfisch” bags – those keep all of their stuff bone dry, so too they can enjoy that float, almost worry-free. Along the Kleinbasel side, people hang about having drinks in the sun, which usually offers one or two different views! I would recommend starting by the Mittlere Brücke. If the mood strikes you to take a longer walk, follow the path way beyond the city toward the nature! Honestly, at sunset, that light, almost looks straight out of a painting! Soak it all in! So why wait? Go for a stroll along Basel’s iconic river.
2. Exploring the Botanical Garden (Botanischer Garten)
Alright, if it’s some peace and quiet you want, there may well be no need to search further. Head to Basel’s Botanical Garden, a total treat. It’s almost in the middle of all the things, a collection of plants so rich it, to be honest, will totally amaze anyone even with just a slightly green thumb. Roam around greenhouse displays of various sizes. Each house takes you on a different little vacation! That there are tons of tropical plants or some unusual alpine species all coexisting in a very small spot is just very awesome, you know? So be sure to stop here for some air and some awesome plant sightseeing; trust me. Get away from city life when you visit Basel’s oasis of greenery.
3. Hiking in Lange Erlen Animal Park
Just outside of the central part of Basel there’s a animal park and recreation area known as Lange Erlen. Families might adore this; really anyone who’s a nature-lover! You can take a very pleasant walk through this big, green spot right next to the Wiese river. All of its open green spots could be good spots to let young children run about if you need it! There is actually even a wildlife park. A little petting zoo almost, with local animals like deer, wild boar, as well as birds. A bunch of walking trails there can connect up if you wanna check out some of the backwoods. If you wanna mix open walking and spotting animals and what have you, that spot hits every requirement. So enjoy the best of the wildlife. Explore the wild side of Basel!
4. Cycling Through the Bruderholz District
Ok so maybe we got your tempo all wrong before and you’d rather roll than walk? See Basel from the seat of your bicycle then. Head up into Bruderholz, that bit on higher ground giving incredible sights of that city, to give yourself a cycling trip and see neighborhoods like this! Cycling those nice winding paths is cool enough but just imagine you seeing the French Vosges mountains in one direction while you can nearly look over to the Swiss Jura mountains the other. So much cooler that you were walking that long, wouldn’t you tell me? You’ll cycle though several tree shaded sections with really quaint houses, anyway. Just don’t overlook that view, okay? Take that scenic ride! Experience the beauty of Bruderholz by bike!
5. Vineyard Visits in the Basel Region
Oh come on, who wouldn’t like a vineyard? Seriously, who can refuse fine local wine?? See a vineyard at a bit past Basel! Aargau as well as Basel-Landschaft house awesome, family run wineries doing awesome things, in the growing and drinking space, yet that are actually a short ride out of Basel. Quite many tours actually get you hiking from spot to spot for sights; while you end at cellars! Sample that wine of theirs while someone guides you through what makes this certain place a very important vineyard around here. Maybe you are trying to soak in some of this part’s traditions a little while trying some local wines, after all, I recommend that very, very much. Have fun on the best wine trips! Go ahead, savor local wines in Basel’s vineyards.