Basel, Switzerland

Basel Highlights & Festive Markets

A Swiss Cultural Capital at Christmas Immerse yourself in festive cheer where three nations meet—Switzerland, France and Germany—by foot and by motor coach. Discover Basel’s inviting cluster of medieval buildings and explore the festive markets on foot. With your guide, visit Marktplatz, or Market Square, surrounded by guild halls of late Gothic, Renaissance and baroque styles. Admire the ornate spires of the Rathaus, or Town Hall, and stroll to the Münsterplatz, where the thin towers of the 13th-century Romanesque Cathedral overlook the wooden chalets of the festive market. Its red sandstone was quarried from the nearby Vosges Mountains in neighboring France. Enjoy free time to browse the city’s Christmas stalls, and perhaps sample a local delicacy, such as freshly prepared röstis , a fragrant fondue, a grilled bratwurst , or a grittibänz —a delicious, sweetened brioche shaped like a gingerbread man. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.