Day Trips from Basel: Ideas for your Luxury River Cruise in Europe

Located in northwestern Switzerland, the city of Basel is the beginning or end of many river cruises on the Rhine. Its location on the border of Germany & France is ideal to take day trips. As such, it is a great place to extend your stay to enjoy the city and the surrounding areas on your next trip to Europe. 

Chocolate, mountains, and cheese are three things that come to mind immediately when thinking about the beautiful Alpine country of Switzerland. There is beauty that will surely amaze you at every corner, no matter where you head in Switzerland. With one of the most comprehensive travel systems in the world, traveling here is not only easy but also offers a wide variety of types of transportation. Trains, buses, boats, lake steamers, funiculars and cable cars are all types of public transportation you can choose to explore this stunning country.

Cathedral & Rhine River View in Basel Switzerland

Switzerland is a central European country that is bordered by five countries: France, Germany, Liechtenstein, Austria, and Italy. The location of Basel, in the northwest corner of the country, allows visitors to take fantastic day trips to neighboring countries as well as other parts of Switzerland.

There are a host of great possibilities for you to see more than just Basel. Here are some great ways you can expand your trip to Basel by taking a few day trips.

Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg

haut-koenigsbourg castle in Alsace France

The location of this French castle offers visitors an incredible view of the Upper Rhine Plains as it sits atop the mountainous terrain that surrounds it. This castle dates as far back as the 12th century, and it is a beautiful way to see this area of Europe. The best part is that it is only about an hour away from Basel, and it allows you to fit a little bit of France into your trip without having to plan a large excursion. A trip to the castle is nice paired with an Alsatian wine tour and stopping in some of the most picturesque villages in all of France like Colmar, Riquewihr, and Eguisheim.

Bern

view of Bern switzerland bridges from water

Bern is the capital of Switzerland, and visiting there is like stepping back into Medieval times. You would never think that this is the capital as you meander through the winding streets of the old town as it maintains its antique appeal and tranquility. Bern is just a short train ride from Basel, and it should be on your list of places to go and see while you are in Switzerland.

Rötteln Castle

child's feet in hiking boots - family friendly hiking

This castle is in a region that sits atop the mountainous terrain. Rotteln Castle is located near Lorrach, Germany, just across the German border. Unlike Koenigsbourg, Rotteln has not been repaired, and it lies in mostly ruin. The tower is still easily accessible, and it gives visitors another excellent way to see this region. It is the perfect place for hiking and soaking in the forested scenery of the European interior. 

Lucerne

Lucerne Switzerland at Night

An hour southeast of Basel lies Lucerne, a city that boasts an incredible setting. Surrounded by an impressive landscape of mountainous limestone and the beautiful lake at its western end, the city hosts plenty of activities to keep you busy. From Lucerne you can easily access the Golden round trip tour to Mt. Pilatus taking you by boat, cogwheel railway, aerial cableway, and Panorama Gondolas up to the top. I suggest scheduling a private tour to in Lucerne to see the beautiful city with a local guide.

These locations are just the tip of the iceberg of amazing places to explore when visiting Basel, whether you are taking a river cruise or planning a multi-city itinerary around Switzerland. For a stress-free travel planning experience, contact me, your European Travel Specialist, to make these European dream destinations a reality.