Extension 2 -  Rhein crossing to Kleinbasel

The Mittlere Brücke, also known as the Middle Rhine Bridge, is the oldest existing crossing of the Rhine in Basel. The first mention of the bridge dates back to 1225, but it is possible that the structure already existed before then. At that time, the bridge was still partly made of wood and partly of stone. The Mittlere Brücke initially served as a local link between the Kleinbasel and Grossbasel districts. In the 14th century, it became internationally and economically important, as it was located on the long-distance trade route over the Gotthard Pass and enabled traders to cross the Rhine. This enabled the city of Basel to collect customs duties and Basel became a cosmopolitan city, which it remains to this day. Today, trams and buses use the bridge to connect Kleinbasel on the northern side of the Rhine with Grossbasel. In 1392, the Käppeli, a chapel in the centre of the bridge, was built as a symbol of the fusion between Kleinbasel and Grossbasel. Today, the Käppelijoch is famously adorned with many love locks from all over the world.

Another special feature on the Kleinbasel side of the Mittlere Brücke is the statue ‘Helvetia on her travels’. This sculpture is a well-known Basel monument created by the artist Bettina Eichin in 1980 and depicts Helvetia, the allegory of Switzerland, sitting on the bridge and gazing into the distance. She has placed her spear, shield and coat beside her and a travelling suitcase stands next to her. Next to the sculpture is a plaque with an explanation by the artist. The statue could symbolise Switzerland's wanderlust, as Basel is the only port in Switzerland with an indirect connection to the sea via the Rhine. Ten percent of all Swiss imports are handled via Basel's Rhine port and 6 million tonnes of goods are transhipped every year. If you want to see more of the harbour, you can take a harbour tour (https://bpg.ch/home). Basel has always benefited economically from its border location and today many international companies are based here, including the pharmaceutical companies Roche and Novartis, as well as organisations such as the BIS (Bank for International Settlements). With almost 38% of the population coming from abroad, it is not surprising that there are many international and bilingual schools here. All these factors make for an international climate in Basel.

... A straight path leads over the Mittlere Brücke through Kleinbasel and on to Messeplatz.

Kleinbasel is the northern half of Basel on the other side of the Rhine. An important location in Kleinbasel is the exhibition centre. This is an important hub for the public transport network, which provides connections to the city and the border region. Tickets for public transport in Basel can be purchased at any TNW ticket machine at the SBB railway station or simply in the ‘TNW Tickets’ app (https://www.tnw.ch/tickets-preise/verkauf-und-beratung/ticket-app).

The Messeplatz is also of economic importance. As the name suggests, internationally important trade fairs are held here every year. These include Art Basel, a world-renowned art fair. Art Basel had around 82,000 visitors in 2023, and the number is rising. This makes Art Basel the largest art fair in the world. It has also had additional branches in Hong Kong and Miami Beach since 1970. Visiting Art Basel can be expensive, which is why Art Basel organisers also offer a free art exhibition for anyone interested in art. This art exhibition is held in a different public space in Basel every year. Various works of art are exhibited there and can be admired by everyone. The architecture at Messeplatz is also unique. The new building, ‘Window to heaven’ by Herzog & de Meuron, a world-renowned architectural firm (https://www.herzogdemeuron.com/), is a favourite photo motif and one of Basel's many landmarks.

... we continue along Feldbergstrasse.

The special thing about Feldbergstrasse is its diversity. In an article about Feldbergstrasse in 2021, the Basler Zeitung wrote ‘Nowhere is Basel more of a city than in this very place’. This statement is true, because there is always something going on in Feldbergstrasse. Rents here are lower than in other neighbourhoods in Basel. That's why this neighbourhood is a popular place to live among students. The Unimarkt of the University of Basel (https://markt.unibas.ch/category/wohnen-angebot) lists flats and rooms for rent for students. During the day, Feldbergstrasse is home to hip cafés such as the Finkmüller Café (https://finkmueller.ch/), hairdressing salons and shops such as ‘unverpackt’ (https://baselunverpackt.ch/de/) and second-hand shops. Towards the evening, bars and pubs open, such as the ROUINE Bar(https://www.rouine.ch/).

... now walk along the Rhine to the Klingental ferry.

A total of four ferries connect Grossbasel with Kleinbasel. One of these is the Klingental ferry, which is located between the Mittlerenbrücke and Johanniterbrücke bridges and enables people to cross the Rhine there. The Klingental ferry is also known as the ‘Vogel Gryff ferry’, named after a heraldic figure from the mythology of Kleinbasel. Vogel Gryff Day takes place in Kleinbasel every year in January. The ‘Wild Maa’, the ‘Leu’ and the ‘Vogel Gryff’, the three badges of honour of Kleinbasel, parade through the city. However, this holiday has nothing to do with carnival.

The origins of the Rhine ferries go back to a time when only the Middle Rhine Bridge existed as a crossing over the Rhine. The ferries were introduced to make it possible for more goods and people to cross the Rhine. The Rhine ferries are all attached to a wire cable and are propelled solely by the current of the Rhine. Today, the ferries usually serve as a more tranquil alternative to the roads. A crossing on the Klingental ferry costs two francs and the ferries can also be booked for private events. For the timetable, please check the website(https://www.vogel-gryff-faehri.ch/).

... if you feel like it, take the Klingental ferry now. Otherwise you can walk back to the starting point.