Basel Favorites

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Favorite thing: First mentioned in 1434 Mariastein is nowadays the second largest pilgrimage site in Switzerland. As the name "Mariastein" indicates, people go on pilgrimage to "Maria" in the "stone", meaning a grotto in the rock formations high above a valley where the actual chapel with a figure of Maria, the "Black Madonna", is.

In 1648 the Benedictine monks from Beinwil erected the monastery Mariastein. The basilica is built in post-Gothic style and was redecorated in Baroque style in the 18th century (altars, pulpit). In the 1830s the facade was redesigned in classicistic style. The beautiful frescos on the walls and ceilings were created even later, in the 1930s.

You access the chapel/grotto through a door left of the main facade of the basilica. Stairs and a flight of long halls lead you to the chapel. Half way you'll see another chapel, called the chapel of pains.

Check the schedule of masses online prior to your visit. I arrived right in time for Vesper which was interesting, but it meant 50 minutes sitting on the bench and listening and praying. No sightseeing in the basilica during masses (but in the grotto chapel).

www.kloster-mariastein.ch

Fondest memory: As Mariastein is a place of pilgrimage I thought it was best to walk there. I took the tram #10 from Basel proper to Flüh (runs every 10 minutes, takes about 20 minutes) from where I took the main street of the village UP to Mariastein. It is a quite steep ascent, leads through the residential area first (beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the ruins of castle Landskron), then through the woods and finally over the plateau to the actual village and monastery.

I enjoyed the walk very much even though it was overcast. But the foliage was still very beautiful, the setting is peaceful and scenic. If you're not into walking just take the bus which runs at least hourly.

Advice for folks with Mobility Ticket: Before getting on the tram in Basel purchase a ticket. The Mobility ticket covers the ride as far as Ettingen. So you need either a short ride ticket (Kurzstrecke) from Ettingen to Flüh (4 stops, 2 Sfr.) or a 2 Zonen Ticket from Ettingen to Mariastein (4 Sfr.). To get them you must select "Ettingen" as starting point (not Basel!) and type in the destination village at the ticket machine. Quite confusing, took me a while to figure it out how. And the machines only accept coins!

Favorite thing: While this response, won't help you, maybe it helps someone else.
The closest one I can think of, is
In general there are not that many internet cafes in Basel.
This is one operator which is centrally located.

Internet-Dome GmbH
Steinenvorstadt 53
4051 Basel

The closest tram station would be Theater or Barfüsserplatz.
It is not that far away, you can also go on foot.
Maybe 15 minutes.

This internet cafe is located at the pedetrian precingt Steinenvorstadt.

I think there is also an internet cafe inside McDonalds.
Also Tram station Barfüsserplatz.

Favorite thing: The photograph here shows the point where Germany, Switzerland and France meet on the Rhine and ships leave the the North Sea. If you look closely you just see the Swiss flag and the French flag on two of the sculpture "wings".

Favorite thing: Basel is almost a car-free city.
On your arrival in Basel you can rent bike, which is not only comfortable, but also very favorable. Biking is a great way to become intimate with the city and get excercise at the same time.
Pedestrians and bikers have the right of way! Drivers will stop as soon as you THINK about crossing an intersection!
Every main street has independent bike paths, traffic signals; lane has a median between it and the road. The only thing you have to worry about is the trams, which are awesome by the way.

Fondest memory: Virgin Atlantic Airways has put together a list of the top 11 friendliest cities for bikes in the world.
There is no surprise that Amsterdam leads the list, since bicycles account for 40 percent of all traffic in that city, but Basel is also on the list.

1. Amsterdam
2. Portland, Oregon
3. Copenhagen
.....................................
8. San Francisco, California
9. Berlin
10. Barcelona
11. Basel, Switzerland

Veloplus bike shop: http://www.veloplus.ch/

Favorite thing: Hi there

Many possibilities. No. one is the public library (Universitätsbibliothek Basel; near Petersplatz and the University), on the first floor; in the first room with computers you'll have 5 or 6 computers where you don't have to pay for surfing and I think you can even print. [Another 6 computers in that room are only open if you're a student of the University - ask at the information desk].

Besides: Thalia Bücher in Freie Strasse; on the 1,5st floor, where they sell travel guides; don't know if you can print but at least surf.

Fondest memory: My fondest memory from my first trip here was at the currency counter in the railway station in February 1997. We had a good idea we were in Switzerland but didnt know for sure. My friend Mike goes to get some money. The teller asks what currency he would like and he says 'ah????, Local.' She replies 'oh then you want Swiss francs?'

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Favorite thing: For me this is easily the most beautiful building in Basel. It can be difficult getting a good shot of it during the day because of the market; but persever late into the afternoon. In the mean time go inside it to the courtyard, which is most peaceful.

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Favorite thing: The symbolic and actual meeting point of Switzerland, Germany, and France; this is not to be missed. It is a tram-ride from the city centre, and then a ten minute walk by train tracks and the harbour side; but is worth it.