The Switzerland no one talks about (but should)

I lived near Basel for about a year starting in 2001 and loved it! Nearly every weekend a new event takes place in this bustling yet maneuverable city. There are over 20 museums in the area and most, if not all, are accessible by public transportation. There are so many excursions from the three-country corner that it is simply amazing the number of things that could be seen on just one visit. Strasburg, France; Freiburg, Germany; the Black Forest and the ancient city of Augusta Raurica are just a few of the possible day trips one can take from Basel. Basel may seem off the beaten track for those who want to see the "typical" Swiss scenery, but for those who want an intersting trip no matter what the weather, I would suggest Basel, Switzerland.

Quick Tips:

Bring your camera!

A word to the wise: Swiss German is a very strong German dialect. You may not be able to understand the local dialects, and if you know High German, you may get nervous. Don't freak out! If someone starts speaking Swiss German to you, just ask them politely if they could speak in High German. English is widely spoken, but knowing a few German words would certainly be helpful.

Another important point: Swiss Franks are the common currency; Switzerland is not part of the European Union so don't expect to be able to use your Euros. There are ATMs around the city, including in the main train station. Exchanging money is a rip off unless you exchange a lot, so the best bet is plastic.

Best Way To Get Around:

FYI: If you arrive at the international airport that France, Germany, and Switzerland share, you can take a bus to the Basel Train Station.

The fall festival is like a giant carnival throughout the city. Roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and booths are set up -- all within walking distance of each other. If you walk through the middle of the city during this time of year, you will surely notice this fantastic festival. The night is lit with the festival lights so you can wander through the city watching people experience the Ferris wheel, eat food, and buy tasty, traditional treats.

This fabulous event occurs within the Easter season and is one of the most spectacular festivals in Basel. Fastnacht occurs in many cities across Switzerland, but the one in Basel is considered by many to be the best. A few weeks before the event actually begins people begin selling Fastnacht pins. You may hear youths yelling at what seems to be no one, it is possible they are selling Fastnacht pins. These pins help contribute to the Fastnacht committee and come in three different shades, which means three different prices. Every year a new design is created so the pins are different from year to year. The pins can be bought from various venues if you feel uncomfortable asking one of the local youths for one. The Basel Tourism office would know more about that. (There is a Basel Tourism office in the main train station. Next to the Migros is a newspaper stand, if you take a right from there you will come upon a small room that serves as a Basel Tourism station.)

Fastnacht in Basel starts at 4am. Large lantern are carried throughout the streets while traditional music is played. The participants wear masks and costumes. The lanterns are made every year and no lantern can be reused. This march is kind of like a unique parade. The leader of each group often takes them down side streets: just by motioning to the crowd they can part a group of people to make way. Many people go just to see the beginning and then leave so don't be discouraged if someone is in your way.

The following three days are full of activities. The Basel Tourist office will have a schedule of activities. For the most part, conffeti is tossed around wildly and bands play off beat music.

This is an amazing event. If it gets too crazy, you can always go on a side trip, which is one of the best things about Basel.

FUN! There is a very industrial part of town, I would suggest not swimming there, but other than that,there is not a lot I can tell you. During the summer,it can get pretty warm and a dip in the River is quite nice. The River, on the outer edges at least, is not that deep (at least not where I was). The smell is not so great, but you do get to say that you swam in the famous Rhein River. FYI: I was told that it's illegal to jump off the bridge, so I wouldn't try it.

I will put a list of all of the museums I know of later, but, we'll just say there are a lot!

A few years ago, the city began the Museums Night event. From 6pm until 2am, all of the museums in the city are open! There are free buses exclusively for people traveling to and from these museums. Special events are set up at some of the museums. (For example, the Pharmaceutical Museum gave people a chance to make their own hand lotion.)

Tickets for people 25 and under are free and they're cheap for people 26 and older.

Europa Park is in the middle of nowhere in Southern Germany, but it is supposed to be a better amusement park than Euro Disney. The park is divided into sections and various European countries get their own sections. Theme rides and traditional food of these countries can be found here. This is a fun amusement park.

Three countries in an hour? Why not? This is, after all, a three-country corner with France, Germany, and Switzerland coming to a point around the Rhine River. Basel is the ideal anchor city to see all of these countries and some of the most noteworthy sights in them. First stop: The Alsace region of eastern France. This region toggled between the hands of Germany and France for well over a hundred years and is rich in history, natural beauty, and wonderful wines.

Strassburg is about a two hour train ride from Basel. The historical significance of this city can be seen everywhere. The gorgeous Notre Dame de Oeuvre towers over the city. A not-so-quick climb to the top is definitely worth the view.
Colmar, an hour closer to Basel than Strassburg, is ideal for those looking for the Alsace-style excursion without traveling two hours to do so. Noteworthy sites include the Musee d'Unterlinden, home to the Issenheim altarpiece amongst other works, the Saint Martin cathedral, and the Musee Bartholdi, the sculptor of the Statue of Liberty.
Next stop: The Black Forest. A trip to Freiburg, renowned for its university and position within the Black Forest region, is a short 40 minutes away by train. Rebuilt after being destroyed during World War II, the city can appear to be older than it really is. A side trip to the Black Forest is just a skip away.

In Switzerland: Augusta Raurica is an excavated Roman city a few minutes outside of Basel. Many of the sites can be seen free of charge, but the museum costs about $3.