Our last stop on this festive trip was Basel—a city uniquely positioned at the crossroads of France, Germany, and Switzerland.
It turned out to be the perfect place to end a trip built not on plans, but on wandering—where even something as simple as crossing a border became part of the experience.
The logistics alone made that clear.
The airport was in France, our hotel was in Germany, and the city itself was in Switzerland. Getting from place to place wasn’t always straightforward. There was a tram that ran from our hotel toward the city, but tickets could only be purchased up to the border. From there, it was easier to simply walk across the bridge into Switzerland before picking up another tram into the city.
Even calling a ride to the airport came with its own twist—we had to walk across a different bridge into France before an Uber could pick us up.
It was a little inconvenient at times, but also oddly fitting for a place defined by borders.
- Christmas Markets in Basel
- Climbing Basel Minster
- Small Moments Around the City
- Basel at Christmas- Know Before You Go
Christmas Markets in Basel
We made our way first to Barfüsserplatz, where the Christmas market was in full swing against the backdrop of the city skyline. Often described as one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Switzerland, it was easy to see why.
Wooden stalls filled the square, decorated with lights and greenery, while the scent of seasonal treats drifted through the air. There were playful touches too—like a pair of talking moose heads chatting back and forth, though we couldn’t understand a word they were saying.
Just up the street, the market continued into Münsterplatz, where the historic cathedral stood watch over the festivities.
What stood out most here, though, was the children’s area.
This wasn’t your typical setup of simple crafts and quick activities. Instead, kids could take part in hands-on experiences like wood burning, metal working, and candle making—real crafts that felt both creative and meaningful. There were train rides, a marionette show, and more to explore. It would be easy to spend an entire afternoon just in this section alone.
Climbing Basel Minster
Towering above the market is the Basel Minster, a striking cathedral built from red sandstone with a colorful tiled roof. Construction began in 1019 and continued for centuries, leaving behind a building that has witnessed much of the city’s history—including an earthquake in 1356 that reduced its original five steeples to two.
While much of its interior artwork was lost during the Protestant Reformation, the building itself remains breathtaking.
Visitors can climb to the top of one of the towers for a view over the city—and we decided to give it a try. What I didn’t realize when I suggested it was just how narrow the climb would be.
At times, the walkway was so tight that we had to turn sideways and duck our heads to make it through. There were moments when both of us felt just a little unsure, carefully navigating each step and holding on a bit tighter than usual.
And yet, somehow, that made reaching the top even better.
At one point, I was convinced my phone might slip right out of my hands and disappear over the edge, so I made sure to take a picture quickly… just in case we needed proof that we had actually done it.
From above, we could see the Christmas market spread out below us, the lights just beginning to glow as the day shifted toward evening. It was beautiful—and just a little thrilling knowing what it took to get there.
Small Moments Around the City
After taking in the view from above, we made our way back down into the market to experience it from the ground. Later, we wandered behind the cathedral to the Pfalz, a wide open terrace overlooking the Rhine River.
With tables and chairs scattered throughout, it was the perfect place to pause, sit, and take in the view of the city below.
Basel is often called the cultural capital of Switzerland, known for its museums, universities, and art. It’s also one of the wealthiest and safest cities in the world, shaped by the influences of the three countries that meet at its borders.
As we continued exploring, we stumbled across one of the more unexpected moments of the trip—a tree covered in small pieces of paper.
This was the city’s Wish Tree.
People of all ages were writing down their hopes and tying them to the branches, adding their own small piece to the collective display. We each wrote down a wish and added it to the tree, joining hundreds of others. It was a quiet, simple moment—but one that stayed with me long after.
Not far from there, we came upon the striking red facade of Basel’s Town Hall, known locally as Roothuus. With its painted frescoes and detailed archways, it felt almost unreal—like something out of a storybook.
We were delighted to discover that we could step inside the courtyard, where another festive surprise awaited. This was one of the city’s Christmas courtyards, decorated with a tree and subtle seasonal touches that added to the charm without overwhelming the space.
From there, we found ourselves seeking out more of these hidden courtyards throughout the city. Each one was simple, beautiful, and quietly festive in its own way.
Even the bridges across the Rhine joined in the celebration. One in particular featured a playful installation where a pillar had been transformed into a festive hat. If you stood in just the right spot, it looked as though you were wearing it—a small detail that brought out laughter from both kids and adults passing by.
With one last look across the river towards Old Town, we said goodbye to Basel. This city was full of surprises and beautiful moments and we felt so grateful to have been a part of it for a short time.
Basel at Christmas- Know Before You Go
If you are planning your own visit to Basel during the holidays, here are a few things to know before you go:
- Location
Basel sits at the meeting point of Switzerland, France, and Germany- which makes for a unique (and sometimes confusing) travel experience.
- Crossing Borders
It’s very possible to stay in one country, fly into another, and spend your days in a third. Trams and public transportation don’t always cross borders seamlessly, so be prepared to walk short distances between countries or purchase separate tickets.
- Getting Around
Basel’s tram system is easy to use within the city, but pay attention to ticket zones-especially if you’re staying just across the border. When in doubt, walking is often the simplest (and most scenic) option.
- Christmas Markets
The main markets at Barfüsserplatz and Münsterplatz are the heart of the holiday experience. Plan time to explore both—they each have their own charm.
- Great for Families
The children’s area at the market is one of the most unique we’ve seen, with hands-on activities like candle making, wood burning, and more. It’s worth setting aside extra time if you’re visiting with kids.
- Climbing the Cathedral Tower
You can climb the tower at Basel Minster for incredible views—but be prepared for narrow stairways and tight walkways. It’s not for the faint of heart, but the view is worth it.
- Best Time to Visit
Late afternoon into evening is ideal—you can see the markets in daylight and then watch them come alive with lights after dark. Just keep in mind that evenings (especially weekends) can get crowded.
- Slow Down & Wander
Some of the best moments in Basel aren’t planned—like stumbling across a quiet courtyard or adding a wish to a tree. Leave space in your day to explore without an agenda.
Basel was memorable, but not because of a checklist of must-see places.
With the exception of one stop earlier in the trip, almost nothing about this journey was planned. Instead of mapping out every day, we chose to wander—taking each moment as it came and letting the experience unfold naturally.
We may have missed a few well-known sights along the way. But in exchange, we found something else: unexpected moments, small discoveries, and the freedom to experience each place without expectation.
Basel ended up being the perfect final stop—not because we saw everything, but because we didn’t.
It was a place of crossing borders, slowing down, and finding joy in the in-between moments. And in the end, that felt like the best kind of Christmas gift.
Want more festive fun? Then here are some other great places for holiday cheer:
Thanks for coming along on this visit to the unique border town of Basel. May your wish upon a tree branch come true in the new year.
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