Interview with Natascha Martin of Basel Tourism
Basel may be Switzerland’s third largest city but it is often overlooked by visitors who head straight for the more well-known tourist destinations of Zurich, Lucerne, Zermatt and the Jungfrau Region.
I, too, am guilty of bypassing Basel on my many visits to Switzerland. Sure, I’ve passed through Basel on many occasions on my way to or from other destinations but I’ve never actually stopped in the city to explore it.
I’m sure today’s guest is going to ensure I rectify my oversight! I’ve read a lot about Basel and I know there are some pretty incredible sights and some very unique things to do in the city so I’m really excited to learn more.
You may remember my guest Natascha Martin from the Christmas Markets episode. I loved chatting with Natascha in that episode – I could really get a sense of her passion for her city – so I had no hesitation in inviting her back to tell us more about Basel.
I hope you enjoy what Natascha has to share with us today and will be packing your bags – and your camera – soon for a visit to Basel.
If you need the perfect shot, you need Switzerland, so why not make Basel a part of your trip?
Thanks again to Switzerland Tourism for sponsoring the podcast. Their website myswitzerland.com is packed with practical information and ideas to help you plan your trip to Switzerland.
Click the green button below to listen:
[This post may contain compensated links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.]
Show Notes
Topics covered in this episode include:
- Natascha’s background and her career in the tourism industry
- Important things to do about Basel
- Why visitors to Switzerland should include Basel in their itinerary
- Where Natascha recommends visitors stay in Basel
- The top things to do in Basel
- Unique experiences to enjoy in Basel
- Popular events to attend in Basel
- Local specialties to try in Basel
- Natascha’s one day Basel itinerary for first-time visitors
Places and activities mentioned in this episode:
>> Old Town – the medieval centre of Basel.
>> Basel Minster – a Gothic style cathedral which dates back to the 12th century.
>> Spalentor – one of three surviving medieval gates, the Spalentor was built in 1370.
>> Spalenberg – a shopping street in Basel which is home to small boutiques and antique book shops.
>> Rhine River – the lifeblood of Basel, the Rhine divides the city into two districts known as Grossbasel and Kleinbasel.
>> Foundation Beyeler – the most-visited art museum in Basel.
>> Tinguely Fountain – a shallow fountain that features statues with moving elements.
>> Jakob’s Basler Leckerly – Switzerland’s oldest biscuit factory which is home to the Basel specialty, Leckerly, a gingerbread biscuit.
>> Morgenstraich – the name given to the opening of the Basel Carnival (Fasnacht in German)
For details of all the places and activities mentioned in this episode you can download a PDF version of the transcript here.
Useful Resources
The Basel Tourism website is full of useful information to help you plan your visit to Basel. You can find out more about the BaselCard, which offers free travel on public transport and other discounts to overnight guests, here.
You might also find these articles from Holidays to Switzerland helpful:
You can hear more about the festivities and events which take place in Basel at Christmas time in episode 34 of the podcast – click here to listen.
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This episode is sponsored by Switzerland Tourism.
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