A winter trip to Basel is an excellent idea. You won’t get to swim in the Rhine, but you will get to experience one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, explore all the town’s best landmarks, and maybe even witness the iconic Morgenstreich carnival!
Basel has a surprisingly mild climate for a northern Swiss city, making it an excellent destination for travelers who want a winter city break, preferably somewhere where it’s not extremely cold. You’ll still be able to walk around the town as much as you want, and if it ever gets too chilly, there’s always a hot cup of coffee or a bucket of fondue to warm you up!
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Winter Weather in Basel
Basel is cold and gloomy in the winter, but probably not as cold as you might expect considering its geographical location. Although it’s situated in the north of Switzerland, the city boasts a milder climate than the Swiss Plateau. This means that Basel, along with Lugano, is one of the least snowy cities in Switzerland.
The temperatures in the winter can drop below freezing, but it’s usually just as night. During the day, it is somewhat warmer as the temperatures often stay above zero degrees (Celsius), although in the single digits.
Best Things to Do in Basel in Winter
Shopping And Treats At Basel Christmas Market
The Christmas Market in Basel has previously won the title of the best in all of Europe. The city’s entire historic center gets adorned with lights and Christmas decorations, transforming the heart of Basel into a winter wonderland.
The traditional Christmas Markets are at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz in the center of the old town, and it’s where to go if you want to spend money on mulled wine and unique souvenirs. Stop by the courtyard of the Basel City Hall and write down a wish in the Basel Wish Book to leave a permanent trace of your presence in the magical city.
I can’t discuss Christmas in Basel without mentioning the Johann Wanner Christmas House. The shop at Spalenberg sells Christmas decorations year-round, and it’s by far the best place to visit if you want to take home some gorgeous Christmas decor.
Experience The Fabulous Basel Carnival – Morgenstreich
If you can’t visit Basel in December for the Christmas Market, then a trip to the city in late February is the next best thing. Aim to be in Basel during Morgenstreich, the iconic city carnival that has been added to the list of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The three days of the carnival are the best time to be in the city, so don’t hesitate to visit Basel during this period if you want to experience something truly incredible. The carnival starts at 4 AM on Monday after Ash Wednesday, with thousands of people joining the costumed parade. Witness a lantern exhibition, attend concerts, or just watch from afar as the costumed carnival-goers march throughout the heart of the city.
See The Best Landmarks In Basel’s Old Town
The best and most famous landmarks in Basel don’t change seasonally. Make the most of your winter trip to Basel by exploring all of the city’s top attractions, starting with the Basel Cathedral. The Gothic-style church originates from the 9th century and only two of its original five towers are still present. It’s possible to climb either tower for epic city views.
If you’re not in the mood to climb 250 steps, head to the Pfalz Viewing Terrace instead. It’s just behind the cathedral and offers a beautiful view of the Rhine River and Kleinbasel. After a visit to the Cathedral, head to Marktplatz and see the Rathaus (Basel City Hall). The building is famous for its decorated red facade and sculptures and paintings in the inner courtyard.
The best way to Marktplatz is through Freie Strasse, Basel’s best shopping street. With dozens of stores on either side of the street, this is the best place in the city to shop for winter sales. Spalenberg Street also has some great stores and cafes, especially if you prefer smaller boutiques to huge shops. Also, following Spalenberg Street will eventually get you to Spalentor, one of only three remaining city gates in Basel.
The final landmark you need to visit in Basel is the Tingley Fountain. Rain shouldn’t be an excuse to miss this fabulous attraction because the fountain is wet anyway, plus all the sculptures in it are covered with a layer of ice in the winter and look even more impressive. The fountain is an homage to the city’s old theater company, featuring a choreographed chaos of sculptures dancing in water.
Take A Guided Tour of Basel
A walking tour of Basel is the best way of exploring the city, so consider it if it’s not wet or too cold. You can book a guided walking tour and be taken around the town by a local who knows all the best spots in Basel, or you could organize a tour yourself and just walk to the top attractions in the city.
The alternatives to a walking tour are bus or tram city tours. They’re the best way of exploring Basel in the rain or snow because you’ll keep out of the wet and warm up a bit while riding past the top city sights in Basel. A Vintage Tram Tour is a unique way of seeing the city but the tours are available only in (Swiss) German.
The BaselCitytour sightseeing bus offers two tours per day, with 12 stops at the city’s best landmarks. The bus tours are available in multiple languages and are generally the best option for tourists in Basel.
Seek Shelter In Basel Museums & Zoo
If it gets too wet or too cold for walking around the city, seek shelter in one of the countless museums in Basel. The city has loads of excellent museums that can keep you busy for hours, allowing you to stay warm and dry, while still learning about Basel and its history.
The Museum of Natural History Basel is possibly the best one in the city, the Toy Worlds Museum Basel is unique and perfect for families with children, and the Basel Fine Art Museum is the best destination for all art lovers in the city.
The Basel Zoo is also a great place to visit on a rainy day because it features several large indoor areas. The aquarium and the reptile house are both fully indoors, plus many animals are moved from their outdoor enclosures for the winter season. The zoo is right next to the Basel SBB train station, so it’s easily accessible even if you’re staying a bit outside the city.
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Finally, you can always avoid the rain in the University of Basel’s Botanical Garden greenhouse. The imposing Victorian-era greenhouse is home to all the plants that couldn’t make it in the regular Swiss climate, so you’ll get to see some cacti, orchids, agave, and many other wonderful plants.
Have a Coffee Or Afternoon Tea
Any time of day is a good time for coffee, and cold weather is the perfect excuse to walk into the nearest coffee house and take half an hour to recharge. Warm up a little, rest your feet, and recharge your batteries with some much-needed caffeine or tea.
Basel’s old town is home to countless cafes, and any one of them is a good option for a cup of coffee. Look for a place that looks cozy and inviting, preferably with a beautiful view you can enjoy with your coffee.
If you’re not a coffee drinker, afternoon tea at Hotel Les Trois Rois might be a better fit for you. It’s Basel’s take on classic British afternoon tea with delicious sandwiches and even a “Royal” option that includes a glass of champagne.
Take a Break At a Wellness & Spa Center
Switzerland is known for its many elaborate wellness and spa centers, and Basel is one of many Swiss cities that attract tourists for this reason. There might not be too many fabulous options in the city proper, but they’re all easily accessible by tram and from the main train station.
Naturbad Riehen is a short tram ride away from central Basel and it’s perfect if you want to experience a Finnish sauna. The natural swimming pool transforms into a yurt village for the winter season, and it’s perfect for experiencing something out of the ordinary.
Dampfbad Baselis in the northwest area of the city, easily accessible by tram from the Basel SBB railway station. It’s a proper wellness center with hammam steam rooms, a dip pool, and many types of massage treatments, all of which will get you in a state of pure bliss and relaxation.
Go On A Rhine River Cruise
Although most shorter boat rides from Basel are only possible from spring to fall, winter is as good a time as any for a proper river cruise. I’m talking about multi-day cruises on the River Rhine, which will take you from Basel to other Swiss cities, but also to other countries.
Board a cruise ship in Basel and travel to Cologne or Amsterdam for an epic adventure. Most cruises are a week long and include stops at multiple ports that you can explore until you arrive at the final destination. If you have plans to travel to multiple cities in Europe anyway, cruising on the Rhine River is definitely a special way of traveling through Europe!
Warm Up With Fondue & Raclette Cheese
Hardly anything epitomizes winter in Switzerland as well as fondue. The iconic Swiss dish is served everywhere as soon as it gets a little cold, and it’s the perfect meal for a cold winter’s day. Dipping tiny pieces of bread into a bucket of hot, melted cheese is an easy (and delicious) way of staying warm in the harsh Swiss winter.
And then there’s Raclette, a dish centered around a slice of melted cheese with side dishes no one really cares about. Many restaurants in Basel serve both Fondue and Raclette, but few do it as well as Walliserkanne. Situated in the heart of Basel’s old town, this cozy restaurant is the top destination for anyone who wants to try some delicious, melted Swiss cheese, whether it’s in a pot or on a plate.
Spend an Afternoon Ice Skating
Winter season in Basel means open-air ice skating rinks in several places in the city. They’re open to the general public, and anyone is welcome to come and enjoy some ice skating for a small admission fee.
Margarethen Park boasts two ice skating ratings, one open-air and the other covered, so you can enjoy gliding on ice even if the weather is poor. The park is a short walk from the Basel train station, and easily accessible to anyone staying in the city.
The other ice skating rink is at Eglisee, closer to the Basel Bad train station. This ice rink often stages fun events for both children and adults, so there’s everything from disco on skates to ice hockey games.
An Evening At The Basel Theater
A particularly gloomy winter’s day is the perfect excuse for purchasing theater tickets. The performing arts theater in Basel is the perfect place to escape the cold while staying engaged in the city’s culture and tradition.
Most plays are performed in German language, so you’ll need to know the language to enjoy the experience fully. A ballet or opera are better alternatives if you don’t speak German, but still want to experience a night out at the theater while you’re staying in Basel. Tickets usually start at 30 CHF, but it’s very important to note that discounts are offered for everyone under 30, and young adults can often get tickets for as little as 10 CHF.
Alternatively, you can just hang out in the foyer. The Basel Theater opened its foyer to the public, and it’s a great place to come if you want to meet friendly locals. The foyer is like a vast coworking space, where you can read, work, play video games, board games, or just interact with others.
What to Pack for Winter in Basel
Winters in Switzerland are cold, wet, and gloomy, so you’ll want to bring clothes that will allow you to explore the city even in those conditions. At the very least, you need a warm and waterproof jacket and a pair of shoes.
Pack t-shirts to layer under sweaters and hoodies, so you can easily take off the clothes when switching from outdoor to indoor tours. It’s warm inside Basel’s cafes, shops, and theaters, so you might be a little too warm if you’re wearing thick sweaters indoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Basel have snow?
It snows every now and then in Basel, but the snow doesn’t usually settle for very long periods.
Is Basel good at Christmas?
Yes, Basel is a great place to visit at Christmas. The city’s Christmas Market has previously won the title of the best one in Europe, and it’s easily the highlight of any winter trip to Basel.
Is Basel worth visiting in winter?
Basel is absolutely worth visiting in the winter. The city offers loads of attractions to tourists who are into city breaks, and there are several great ski resorts in its vicinity for those who prefer skiing or snowboarding.
