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BaselCulture & history

Our most recommended Basel Culture & history

Basel History Tour for Groups

1. Basel History Tour for Groups

Through an interesting tour of the city, discover Basel's romantic winding alleyways and well-preserved Old Town. Immerse yourself in the city's history and admire the imposing structures, cozy squares and many more highlights. Beginning at the Tinguely Fountain at Theater Basel, make your way through the Basel oppidum, known as Basel-Münsterhügel, to the Rotes Rathaus (Town Hall), which dates back to the 16th century. Pass Basel Minster and "Barfüßer Kirche," a former church that now houses the Basel Historical Museum, as well as other sites capturing the spirit of the city. See the most beautiful sights in Basel and let a friendly tour guide teach you all about the history and landmarks of the breathtaking Swiss city.

Basel: 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour

2. Basel: 2-Hour Historical Walking Tour

Discover Basel's vibrant history with a passionate local tour guide on a walking tour. Begin your tour at the iconic Marktplatz and embark on a journey through various time periods and their corresponding architectural styles as you discover some of the city's most important buildings. Learn more about how Basel has changed over time and get off the beaten track as you visit churches and the city hall. Discover sites that a normal tour group would not visit and even get the opportunity to cross the oldest bridge in town.  During the tour, benefit from the knowledge and experience of a local guide who will share with you insider tips and the city's best-kept secrets. Feel free to inform your guide of any particular interests or desires you may have as they will be happy to adjust the itinerary to your requirements.

Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Private Tour from Basel

3. Jungfraujoch Top of Europe Private Tour from Basel

Begin your tour by meeting your guide at the hotel and make your way together to the train station in Basel. An intercity train takes you within 2 hours to Interlaken, where you change to the local train. After 20 minutes, you will arrive at Lauterbrunnen, a small village at the end of the valley. While you change the train, have a look at the famous "Staubbach" waterfall. The cogwheel railway from Lauterbrunnen to Kleine Scheidegg takes 35 minutes, passing Wengen, a small alpine town known for winter sports and the annual FIS world cup downhill race. At Keine Scheidegg at 6600 ft above sea level, you will change onto the Jungfrau railway, which will take you within 40 minutes to the top. During the ride, the train will stop once in the middle of the tunnel for a scenic stop, where you will get off the train for 5 minutes.  Once you arrive at Jungfraujoch, your tour guide will lead you through the attractions of this destination. The walking tour will take approximately 1 hour inside the tunnel system. The sightseeing tour is protected from the weather outside and easily accessible. At the Sphinx Terraces and in good weather conditions, you may see the Black Forest in Germany. Visit the "Alpine Sensation" exhibition, a tribute to the construction work of the Jungfrau railway. You will continue through the ice cave to the plateau, a charming place outside in the middle of the snow. The walk around will be finished by passing the chocolate heaven from "Lindt", a small exhibition about chocolate making in Switzerland. According to your preferences, you may have lunch at one of the 3 restaurants at Jungfraujoch. Your tour guide will be happy to assist you and to join you for lunch. Admire the views of mountain peaks all around you. Then hop back on the Jungfrau railway for the descent to Kleine Scheidegg. From here, you will travel on the route to Grindelwald, where the tour guide can make an optional stop. The local train takes you within 40 minutes back to Interlaken with a connection to the intercity train to Basel, and finally back to your hotel.

Basel City Center Private Walking Tour

4. Basel City Center Private Walking Tour

Discover the highlights of Basel on a private walking tour with an expert guide. Enjoy a comprehensive overview of the notable landmarks of the city center. Meet your guide at your hotel and begin by exploring the Kleinbasel district. Enjoy the stunning views of the Rhine river and the city cathedral. Cross the river by a short ferry ride and walk along the old town buildings at Grossbasel. Explore narrow alleyways and hidden squares as you make your way to the beautiful city hall. Get insider tips about the life, culture, museums, and history of the city.

From Basel: Gruyères Switzerland - Castle, Cheese, Chocolate

5. From Basel: Gruyères Switzerland - Castle, Cheese, Chocolate

Starting at the Basel SBB station we’ll take the train to “La Maison du Gruyères,” a traditional dairy where master cheesemakers will reveal the process behind authentic Gruyères AOP cheese. Watch as fresh milk is transformed into delicious Gruyères, using huge copper cauldrons and giant curd presses. Learn how the region produces around 48 wheels a day, all of which undergo a rigorous inspection by Gruyères AOP before they are allowed to be sold with the official label. After the demonstration, it’s time to indulge your taste buds. Learn to recognize and appreciate the full-bodied, nutty flavor of authentic Gruyères as you sample the cheese straight from the wheel. Next, a short scenic hike will bring us to the delightful town of Gruyere, birthplace of the iconic sweet and salty cheese which shares its name. Nestled within the picturesque Fribourg canton, this medieval town is bursting with rustic charm. Explore the maze of cobblestone pathways, glimpsing panoramic views of the surrounding countryside as you make your way to the hilltop Castle of Gruyères. This stunning fortress dates back to the 13th century, and was once home to the notorious Counts of Gruyères. Now visitors can explore the castle's sordid history, and wander through treasure lined museum rooms and ancient ruins. After the tour we will enjoy a quick lunch stop - but don’t fill up too much! Stomachs full of cheese, we will make our way to our final stop: the Cailler Chocolate Factory. This legendary cocoa wonderland was created by the grandfather of Swiss chocolate, François-Louis Cailler, whose secret ingredients remain in use today. His iconic chocolate is famous for its rich, creamy flavor, achieved by using condensed milk rather than the standard milk powder used in most other brands. Master chocolatiers will show you how to craft your own unique box of truffles, using foolproof ganache techniques. Take your chocolates home, or eat them on the train! After a full day of food and adventure, it's time to head back Your guide will ensure you have a comfortable journey back to Basel.

Schilthorn Piz Gloria Private Tour from Basel

6. Schilthorn Piz Gloria Private Tour from Basel

Your tour begins as you meet your tour guide in your hotel lobby. You will then make the journey from the Lauterbrunnen valley to the top of the Birg. 2100m above sea level. First, take a 2-hour ride on the intercity train to Interlaken East. From there, take a local train to the Lauterbrunnen. Then ride a bus from Lauterbrunnen to Stechelberg. As you ride, you’ll pass the “Staubach” waterfall, the helicopter base, and the steep mountain walls. After arriving at Stechelberg, you’ll begin your ascent up the mountain via cable car. Ascend 2100-meters above sea level up the Birg. Once there, walk the “thrill walk,” a steel walk that hugs the side of the mountain. The “thrill walk” has netting that you can climb through that will almost give you the feeling that you are floating hundreds of meters above the ground. Take a second cable car and ascend to 2970-meters above sea level, into a majestic world surrounded by mountains. After your cable car ride, head to the James Bond exhibition where you will see memorabilia from the 007 films. Enjoy lunch at the 360-degree rotating restaurant. The restaurant was partly financed by the James Bond production team and served as the setting for the 1969 Bond film “Her Majesty’s Secret Service.” Take in fantastic views of the famous peaks of “Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau,” in what was once a James Bond villain’s secret lair. In clear weather, you may even be able to see Mont Blanc. Afterward, your tour guide will lead you to the intercity train back to Basel, and then finally, back to your hotel.

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4.7 / 5

based on 184 reviews

Great tour with personalized recommendations of what to do after the tour as well