Basel Travel Guide
Sitting proudly where the French, German and Swiss borders meet, Basel is the third largest city in Switzerland. Boasting 27 museums and an array of other attractions, it makes for an excellent travel destination. Just four or five hours from Paris and an hour away from Zurich, the city is certainly well situated.
Some of Basel's best museums include the oldest one in the country, Kunstmuseum. This historic building houses a wide range of fine art and features paintings by Gaugan, Klee, Van Gogh, Picasso and Chagall, to mention just a few. A 14th century Franciscan church is home to the Historisches Museum Barfüsserplatz, which displays many rare pieces of ecclesiastical art and 15th century tapestries.
Tourist Attractions Around Basel
There are many other historic buildings to visit within the city, including the Burgundian-style Rathaus on Marktplatz and Basel Cathedral, which was constructed first in 1019 but rebuilt in 1356 after being destroyed by a great earthquake. Decorated with some incredible frescos and shields of the ancient guildhall, it is a remarkable place to visit. Animal lovers will enjoy the Basler Zoologischer Garten -the Basel Zoo - which is known for breeding endangered animals in captivity.
Outside of the city visitors are often stunned to see an incredible collection of waterfalls, scenic valleys and medieval-type villages. Ancient architecture remains everywhere and the sleepy feel of the region makes visitors feel as though they have travelled back in time. Gruyères, known for its excellent cheese, makes for a pleasant visit as do historic Neuch&acric;tel and the walled university town of Fribourg. Directly outside the city are over 600 miles of marked trails, known as wanderwegs, and the intrepid explorer can walk for miles among the many scenic attractions.
Although Basel is known to be a safe city, it is advisable that travellers take out adequate insurance. Medical needs can come up at any time, and it is a costly city to get sick in. There is always a risk of crime or theft while on holiday, but with the right insurance travellers can relax and enjoy their time away knowing that if the worst does happen they will be protected. If you are planning on hiring a car or participating in any sports while abroad, you should ensure that this is covered in your policy.
| 
