A Stroll Through Basel

All the snow has melted away and the weather turned almost spring like in the past few days. The sun demanded to be enjoyed outside and so I set off on a city walk and photo hunt to Basel.

So follow me on a stroll through the Swiss metropolis at the bend of the Rhine:

Starting in front of the town hall, right at the Marktplatz. The city council convenes here to direct the matters of Basel.

On the battlements at the top of the 500 year old building, the coat of arms of the twelve Cantons are displayed with which Basel formed the Confederation at that time. Today, the town hall also harbors the government of the Canton of Basel City

Basel's first address, the Grand Hôtel Les Trois Rois (Hotel of the Three Kings) with its exclusive location at the bank of the Rhine.

The view across the Rhine towards the city district of Kleinhüningen. In the back the two Roche-Towers, Switzerlands tallest buildings. Kleinhüningen is the only Swiss national territory on the right bank of the Rhine. Almost like an enklave surrounded by the big neighbour Germany.

Walking over Basel's oldest bridge, the Mittlere Brücke. Built in the 13th century and Basel's only bridge across the Rhine until the late 19th century.

The Rhine promenade starts to fill up with sun hungry citizens.

One of the traditional Rhine ferries. All the energy for the crossing is provided by the river's current. The ferry is tethered to a steel cable with a roller so that the pressure from the current pushes it into a sideways movement.