Basel Old Town and Münster
Basel, Switzerland
The red sandstone Münster stands above the Rhine, and its terrace gives a broad view over the river and the old lanes below. Walk down to the water, then cross by the small ferry; use a garage, as street parking is scarce.
Basel Minster, built of red sandstone, was constructed in stages between 1019 and 1500; it was consecrated in 1019 in the presence of Emperor Henry II and Empress Kunigunde. The earthquake of 1356 destroyed, among other things, all the towers, and the rebuilding was carried out in the Gothic style. The two towers are 67.3 m (St George's Tower) and 65.5 m (St Martin's Tower) high, and both can be climbed. Behind the minster lies the Pfalz, a terrace about 20 m above the Rhine, with views across the old town as far as the point where three countries meet.
A flight of steps leads down from the Pfalz to the landing stage of the Münster ferry. Other remains of the fortifications are the Spalentor (around 1400) and the St Alban Gate. Allow about two to three hours for the minster, the Pfalz and a stroll through the lanes.
- Nearest town
- Basel, Switzerland
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 47.5566, 7.5929
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. Cold, short days in December–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Switzerland: Vignette needed for motorways. Vehicles over 3.5 t pay the heavy vehicle charge instead of the vignette. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Nearby
.jpg){kind=link}
Campsites nearby
- Camping Waldhort ReinachCampsite6 km from Basel Old Town and MünsterTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Weingut Claudia StraubMotorhome stopover16 km from Basel Old Town and Münster · 3 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Campingplatz Lug Ins LandCampsite18 km from Basel Old Town and MünsterTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Terrassen Camping KandernCampsite19 km from Basel Old Town and MünsterTentsCaravansElectricityDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Stellplatz in den Bergen mit AlpensichtCampsite22 km from Basel Old Town and Münster · 6 pitchesTentsMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Ruhiger Übernachtungsplatz im Kleinen WiesentalCampsite25 km from Basel Old Town and Münster · 2 pitchesTentsMotorhomesDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
All campsites in Switzerland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Basel Old Town and Münster?
Basel Old Town and Münster is in Basel, Switzerland, at GPS 47.5566, 7.5929. It is about 38 km from Staufen im Breisgau.
Can you camp near Basel Old Town and Münster?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Wohnmobilparkplatz Bäumlihofstrasse, about 3 km away; within 25 km there are 36 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Basel Old Town and Münster?
Places worth a stop nearby: Feldberg (47 km), Hartmannswillerkopf (47 km), Lueg viewpoint (53 km) and Grand Ballon (53 km).
When is the best time to visit Basel Old Town and Münster?
The most pleasant months are usually May–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)