We drifted in from all directions to our meeting point at the Basel Badischer Bahnhof underneath the Tower. Everyone was here for the same purpose: to take one of Basel’s Free Walking Tours given by a Basel local. Today it would be a 2 hour wander thru Kleinbasel “Lesser Basel”. Kleinbasel is the unconventional family member of “Basel Stadt”. Unlike its’ serious and dignified brother-Greater Basel (Grossbasel) across the Rhine river; Kleinbasel is the colorful, quirky, eccentric, renegade family member. Today we were going to find out just how creatively different it is!
Free Walking Tour Thru the Eyes of a Local
Finding out about Basel Free Walking Tours was the best and most cost effective way to discover a part of Basel I was not too familiar with. Although living in this city for 20 years (on the grossbasel side) I really did not know much about this area other than the main street. The Kleinbasel 2 hour walking tour was a great way to learn interesting historical facts, funny stories and see comical things you would not have noticed otherwise.
Towards the end of our tour we find out about the water fountain monsters.
Loved by Visitors and Locals
In our group of 20 walkers only 6 were actually tourists! The other 14 were local expats who now lived in Basel from only a few days to many years. They were just as interested and excited as the tourists to be learning new facts about their adopted city.
A Photo Glimpse of Kleinbasel
I will not spoil the tour for you by offering too many details about the history of Basel beer breweries (who knew?!), effects of moving the train station and other items underfoot (yikes!). Nor will I tell you about the local heroes who defeated a powerful cartel and water fountain monster for the greater benefit of Basel citizens. You will just have to take this tour yourself. Instead I will provide you with a few photographic multicultural highlights of today’s travels.
Ever notice this above the clock? Neither did I.
I always wondered why this stood in an area on its’ own – now I know. Take the tour and find out too.
How many times have I walked down this street and never noticed this painted high above my head!?! You will enjoy the tale behind these 3 figures, and I thought I knew the whole story……
Brauerei Fischerstube is a traditional brewery restaurant with an intriguing history. We were asked to please wait until the tour was over before we ordered any Ueli Bier.
Loved the bottle used for a refill from the Basilisk water fountain… how very appropriate!
Once again must always remind myself to “LOOK UP!”
Secret paths and beautiful buildings.
The Swiss are so organized… even the section where “Ladies of the Night” are allowed to linger is clearly marked on streets and sidewalks.
Artistic business signs hanging on the side of buildings are only seen if you…”Look Up!”
Healthy, Fun and Informative
It was a great afternoon learning and laughing our way through Kleinbasel. Many thanks to our informative guide and I love your “ruck sack/back pack”! Now I am looking forward to going on all the other Basel Free Walking Tours – must go check the dates and times…..
Lovely tour guide, lovely back pack.
Lessons Learned
- Don’t forget to check out their website for additional Basel free walking tours offered: Downtown, Historical, Modern Art, and Jewish Synagog.
- Whether a tourist, Basel Expat or actually born here, this is a great way to spend an afternoon learning new tips and stories about Basel in English!
- Guess what?! Free Walking Tours are available in several other Swiss cities
- Traveling to cities in other countries? Be sure to google “free walking tours” to see if they are available. This seems to be a global trend to offer free tours guided by locals. The only “real” cost is however much you decide to tip your tour guide.
Travel Tidbits
- Basel Free Walking Tours – For a great inexpensive and fun way to spend an afternoon in Basel
- Swiss Free Walking Tours – Look at all the other cities in Switzerland offering free walking tours
- Restaurant FischerStube – Stopping for a bite to eat and a few Ueli beers is a kleinbasel “must do”.
