21 BEST Day Trips from Basel, Switzerland 2024
Looking for the best day trips from Basel, Switzerland?
After exploring Switzerland, France, and Germany, we found Basel to be the *perfect* hub for day trips.
In this article, we’ll share the top day trips from Basel by tour, rental car, bus, and train.
Unsure about the best transportation options for day trips from Basel? We’ll guide you to create a smooth and efficient itinerary.
Plus, we’ll recommend where to stay to make your day trips from Basel a breeze!
Let’s get into the details of the best spots to make the most of your time in Basel!
Day Trips from Basel by Tour
Taking a tour on day trips from Basel can be more convenient and stress-free than driving, as it eliminates the hassle of navigating unfamiliar roads and arranging transportation.
Additionally, we love that these guided tours are hosted by experts which means you get insights that really add to the experience!
Mount Pilatus
⏱Tour Length: 7-9 hours | ⭐️Rating: 5/5 | ➡️ Book Now
Mount Pilatus is a stunning peak near Lucerne, making it an ideal day trip from Basel at only a little over 1.5 hours away.
Known for its breathtaking views and outdoor activities, Pilatus offers a mix of adventure and relaxation.
Picking a reputable company to tour Mount Pilatus is so important! Below is the company we trust to give you the best experience:
Swiss Travel Guide
The Pilatus Golden Round Trip is a top choice for experiencing the best of this mountain.
You start with a scenic cruise across Lake Lucerne (Kelsea’s favorite Swiss boat trip), then ride Europe’s steepest cogwheel railway to Pilatus Kulm for panoramic Alpine vistas at 6,995 feet (2,132 meters).
After, you descend by cable car, stopping at Fräkmüntegg for Central Switzerland’s largest rope park, tree tents, a toboggan run, and hiking trails.
This epic small group tour from Basel includes all transportation, and great info from the guide, and lasts 7 to 9 hours!
Luzern
⏱Tour Length: 7-9 hours | ⭐️Rating: 4.5/5 | ➡️ Book Now
Lucerne, or Luzern, is a picturesque city known for its well-preserved medieval architecture situated on Lake Lucerne and surrounded by mountains.
Highlights include the Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument, and the charming old town with its cobbled streets and colorful buildings. Lucerne is one of our very favorite Swiss towns!
Lucerne is perfect for a day trip from Basel, being just over an hour away by train.
For a comprehensive experience, we recommend the Luzern Discovery: Small Group City Walk and Lake Cruise from Basel.
This 7 to 9-hour tour starts with a guided walking tour of Lucerne’s old town, followed by a relaxing boat cruise on Lake Lucerne, delivering stunning Alpine views. The tour includes a return train ticket to Basel.
Alsace Wine Country
⏱Tour Length: 6 hours | ⭐️Rating: 5/5 | ➡️ Book Now
A day trip from Basel to the Alsace wine region is a great idea! The wine in this area is outstanding and the views are incredible.
You can explore charming medieval villages and sample some of France’s best wines.
For a personalized experience, we strongly recommend the full-day private wine tour with WineWeinVinoVin.
This tour includes visits to family-owned wineries in Alsace, where you can learn about viticulture and taste prestigious wines.
The tour is tailored to your interests and offers the chance to explore wineries that are difficult to find on your own, making it a perfect choice for wine enthusiasts.
Zermatt
⏱Tour Length: 11-12 hours | ⭐️Rating: 4.5/5 | ➡️ Book Now
Zermatt, home to the iconic Matterhorn, is a fantastic (but LONG) day trip from Basel.
The Exclusive Zermatt and Matterhorn: Small Group Tour from Basel is an 11 to 12-hour journey that takes care of the hard part – logistics.
You’ll explore Zermatt’s charming Swiss chalets and ascend to the Gornergrat Ridge by cog railway for spectacular views of the Matterhorn.
With a local guide, you’ll learn all about the area which we thought was very interesting.
The tour also takes you to the Kirchbrücke bridge for the perfect Zermatt village picture with the Matterhorn in the background.
Jungfrau Region
⏱Tour Length: 9 hours | ⭐️Rating: 5/5 | ➡️ Book Now
The Jungfrau Region, located in the heart of the Swiss Alps, is a stunning destination for a day trip from Basel.
Known for its breathtaking landscapes, this area includes charming towns like Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, and Interlaken.
A fantastic way to explore this region is through the Private Full-Day Tour to Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, Interlaken, and Mürren.
This 9-hour tour, led by a local Swiss guide, takes you to the Lauterbrunnen Valley, known for its 72 waterfalls, and includes a cable car ride to Mürren.
You can enjoy easy walks, visit picturesque towns, and eat great food. The tour is fully customizable to fit your preferences, ensuring an unforgettable experience in the Swiss Alps.
Bernese Oberland
⏱Tour Length: 9 hours | ⭐️Rating: 5/5 | ➡️ Book Now
The Bernese Oberland is a fantastic day trip from Basel. Here, you’ll see stunning Alpine landscapes and charming villages of the central region of Switzerland.
The Best of Bernese Oberland from Basel tour makes it easy to explore this region.
Over 9 hours, enjoy a private tour with a round-trip transfer via an air-conditioned minivan from your Basel hotel. Relax as you visit top spots like Aare Gorge, Giessbach Falls, or Sulwald, with your local guide providing great information the whole time.
Giessbach Falls is one of our favorite Swiss waterfalls – and there are A LOT!
This tour offers an easy way to enjoy the beauty of the Bernese Alps, making it an unforgettable day trip.
Jungfraujoch
⏱Tour Length: 10-12 hours | ⭐️Rating: 4.5/5 | ➡️ Book Now
Jungfraujoch, known as the “Top of Europe,” is an incredible day trip from Basel.
This 10 to 12-hour private tour takes you to the 11,353-foot peak, where you will have stunning views.
The tour includes visits to charming mountain towns Lauterbrunnen and Wengen, two of our favorite towns in Switzerland.
It really is the easiest way to experience the Top of Europe – You’ll have hotel pickup and drop-off, travel by reserved train seats, and have a super knowledgeable guide helping the whole time!
Mount Titlis
⏱Tour Length: 7 hours | ⭐️Rating: 5/5 | ➡️ Book Now
Mount Titlis is a fantastic day trip from Basel.
The private tour to Mount Titlis from Basel lasts 7 hours and includes a ride on the Rotair, the world’s first rotating cable car, providing a 360° view of the Swiss Alps.
At the summit, you can enjoy the stunning panorama from the observation deck. Plus, there is the Titlis Cliff Walk, Europe’s highest suspension bridge, and the cool Titlis Glacier Cave.
You can also dine at one of the panoramic restaurants at the summit. Mount Titlis is our favorite Alpine adventure location (besides the Matterhorn).
Klausenpass
⏱Tour Length: 8-9 hours | ⭐️Rating: 5/5 | ➡️ Book Now
Klausenpass is a fantastic day trip from Basel. This mountain pass connects the cantons of Uri and Glarus, featuring winding roads and breathtaking scenery.
You can drive through charming villages, admire the dramatic cliffs, and enjoy various hiking trails.
For a cool experience, check out the Natural Wonders of Switzerland: Private Tour from Basel.
This 8-9 hour tour is fully customizable. You’ll learn about Swiss culture and history, enjoy a Swiss picnic with raclette, visit a luxury chocolate and cheese factory shop, enjoy Stäubifall, and hike to an idyllic glacier lake.
Day Trips from Basel by Train
Taking day trips from Basel to other parts of Switzerland is incredibly easy due to the country’s efficient and extensive train system.
Lucerne
Lucerne is just over an hour by train from Basel.
The town is known for its preserved medieval architecture, highlights include the Chapel Bridge, the Lion Monument, and the stunning views from Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi.
We recommend enjoying a boat cruise on Lake Lucerne and exploring the charming old town with its colorful buildings.
Interlaken
Interlaken, nestled between Lake Thun and Lake Brienz, is around 2 hours by train from Basel. It’s a hub for outdoor activities like hiking, paragliding, and boat trips.
We recommend visiting the Harder Kulm viewpoint for spectacular views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. The town is also the gateway to the Jungfrau Region’s stunning landscapes.
Bern
Bern, the capital of Switzerland, is about an hour by train from Basel. Visit the Zytglogge clock tower, the Federal Palace, and the Bear Park.
The UNESCO-listed old town offers cobbled streets and beautiful arcades. Don’t miss the Einstein Museum and the Rosengarten for panoramic city views.
Zurich
Zurich is an hour from Basel by train, offering a mix of modernity and history.
We recommend taking a stroll along Bahnhofstrasse, visiting the Swiss National Museum, and enjoying the views from Lindenhof Hill.
The Old Town, with its medieval streets and Grossmünster Church, is a must-see. Zurich’s lakefront is perfect for a relaxing walk or boat ride.
Lausanne
Lausanne is approximately 2 hours from Basel by train, situated on Lake Geneva’s shores.
The highlights include the Olympic Museum, the historic Lausanne Cathedral, and the lovely Ouchy waterfront.
We had a lovely day strolling through the old town, visiting the Collection de l’Art Brut, and enjoying the beautiful views of the lake and the Alps on a boat trip.
Lausanne’s vibrant cultural scene and stunning surroundings make it a great day trip from Basel.
Day Trips from Basel to Germany
Day trips from Basel to Germany are easy due to the city’s close proximity and excellent transport connections.
Freiburg im Breisgau
Freiburg im Breisgau is a charming city in the Black Forest, just a 45-minute train ride from Basel.
Known for its medieval old town, you can explore the iconic Freiburg Cathedral, wander through cobblestone streets, and visit the lively Münsterplatz market.
The city is also a gateway to the Black Forest, perfect for hiking and nature walks.
Don’t also miss the Schauinsland mountain for stunning views.
Heidelberg
Heidelberg, about 1.5 hours from Basel by train, is famous for its picturesque castle and historic university.
Stroll along the Philosopher’s Walk for panoramic views of the city and the Neckar River.
Visit the Heidelberg Castle, which has tours and a fascinating museum.
The old town’s narrow streets are filled with cafes, shops, and historic sites, making it a delightful place to explore.
Stuttgart
Stuttgart, approximately 2 hours from Basel by train, is known for its automotive heritage and vibrant cultural scene.
Visit the Mercedes-Benz Museum and the Porsche Museum to dive into automotive history.
Explore the beautiful Schlossplatz, the heart of the city, and the nearby New Palace. Stuttgart also offers excellent shopping and dining options along the Königstrasse.
For nature lovers, the Wilhelma Zoo and Botanical Garden are must-sees.
Europa-Park
Something we don’t talk about a lot is that we LOVE theme parks. We are frequent visitors to the ones in the USA when we are home and like to try international theme parks when traveling.
So, believe us when we say Europa-Park is worth visiting! It is one of Europe’s largest and most popular amusement parks, is just over an hour from Basel by car or shuttle bus.
Located in Rust, Germany, the park has more than 100 attractions and shows spread across themed areas representing different European countries.
Thrill-seekers can enjoy roller coasters like the Silver Star and Wodan, while families will love the variety of rides and live performances.
The park also has numerous dining options and themed hotels for a complete experience.
Day Trips from Basel to France
Taking day trips from Basel to other parts of France is easy due to the short travel times, allowing you to reach fantastic destinations in just over an hour.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg, just over an hour by train from Basel, is a perfect day trip destination.
Start your visit with the stunning Strasbourg Cathedral, known for its intricate Gothic architecture and astronomical clock.
Wander through the charming Petite France district, with its half-timbered houses and canals.
Enjoy a boat tour on the Ill River for unique views of the city and don’t miss the European Parliament building and the historic Alsatian Museum.
Colmar
Colmar, about 45 minutes from Basel by train, offers a fairy-tale experience.
Stroll through its well-preserved old town, marveling at the colorful half-timbered houses. Visit the Unterlinden Museum to see art from the Middle Ages to modern times.
Explore Little Venice, where picturesque canals wind through the town and sample Alsatian wines and enjoy local delicacies in cozy restaurants.
Alsace Wine Region
The Alsace wine region, reachable within an hour by car or train from Basel, is renowned for its picturesque vineyards and charming villages.
Start your tour in Eguisheim, famous for its medieval architecture and winding streets. Visit local wineries to sample Alsace’s unique white wines, like Riesling and Gewurztraminer.
Continue to Riquewihr, often called one of the most beautiful villages in France, for its preserved historical center and stunning views of the surrounding vineyards.
The Alsace Wine Route offers a delightful blend of wine tasting, scenic beauty, and cultural exploration, making it a perfect day trip from Basel.
Mulhouse
Mulhouse, a 30-minute train ride from Basel, is known for its impressive museums.
The Cité de l’Automobile showcases a vast collection of vintage cars, while the Cité du Train is the largest railway museum in Europe.
Stroll through the historic center to see the Temple Saint-Étienne and the vibrant Place de la Réunion.
Mulhouse also offers a taste of Alsatian cuisine and local wines. Its unique attractions and proximity to Basel make it a great day trip choice.
Is Basel, Switzerland a great hub for day trips?
Basel, Switzerland, is a fantastic hub for day trips due to its prime location at the meeting points of Switzerland, France, and Germany.
With excellent transport links, you can easily reach charming cities, scenic countryside, and cultural hotspots.
Basel’s efficient train network offers quick and convenient access to places like Zurich, Lucerne, and Strasbourg.
You can explore the Black Forest in Germany or the Alsace wine region in France with minimal travel time.
Basel’s location also makes it ideal for visiting the Swiss Jura mountains for hiking or the picturesque towns along the Rhine River.
Its central position, combined with diverse nearby attractions, makes Basel our favorite hub when seeking a variety of day trip options.
Basel, Switzerland Transportation
We recommend using Swiss Public Transportation to get around on your day trips from Basel.
The Swiss Travel Pass gives you access to trains, buses, trams, funiculars, and boats around the country.
Trains
Switzerland’s train system is one of the best in the world, making it easy to plan day trips from Basel.
The main train station, Basel SBB, is centrally located and well-connected to major Swiss cities like Zurich, Lucerne, and Bern.
Trains are frequent, clean, and punctual, which made our travels to other cities so easy.
To make traveling even easier, consider getting a Swiss Travel Pass. This pass offers unlimited travel on the Swiss Travel System network, including trains, buses, and boats, for a set number of days.
We love that you don’t have to waste time purchasing tickets for each ride. You just get right on the train, bus, or boat!
It also includes free admission to many museums in Basel and discounts on mountain excursions.
Rental Cars
Renting a car in Basel is convenient with major rental agencies located at Basel Airport and Basel SBB train station.
Driving offers flexibility for day trips to cities like Zurich, Lucerne, and Freiburg. Switzerland’s roads are well-maintained, and scenic routes add to the experience.
However, be aware of high parking fees and limited parking spaces in city centers. Swiss road signs are clear, but it’s essential to know local driving rules and purchase a motorway vignette. GPS navigation is highly recommended for smooth travel.
Renting a car gives you freedom, but consider costs and parking when planning your trips.
Buses
Buses in Switzerland are highly reliable and complement the train network for day trips from Basel.
They extend access to destinations not directly served by trains, ensuring seamless travel. Known for their punctuality, Swiss buses help you reach even the most remote spots efficiently and comfortably.
Where to Stay in Basel, Switzerland
When taking day trips from Basel, we recommend staying in hotels near the Basel SBB train station.
Staying close to Basel SBB also means you’re conveniently located near public transportation options, dining, and shopping areas.
Whether you’re heading to Zurich, Lucerne, or across the border to Germany or France, being near the train station ensures you can maximize your day trips without worrying about long commutes or complicated transfers.
FAQs for Day Trips from Basel, Switzerland
Where can you travel to from Basel?
From Basel, you can travel to cities in Switzerland like Zurich, Lucerne, Bern, Interlaken, and Lausanne. You can also visit nearby destinations in France and Germany, including Freiburg, Heidelberg, Stuttgart, Strasbourg, and the Alsace Region.
How many days do you need in Basel Switzerland?
You need 2-3 days to explore Basel’s key attractions like its museums, Old Town, and the Rhine River. For a longer stay, add 3 more days and enjoy various day trips from Basel to nearby cities and attractions in Switzerland, Germany, and France.
How do I get to the Swiss Alps from Basel?
To reach the Swiss Alps from Basel, take a train to Interlaken or Lucerne, both about 2 hours away. From there, transfer to mountain railways or cable cars heading to popular Alpine destinations like Jungfrau, Zermatt, or Engelberg.
In Conclusion: Day Trips from Basel, Switzerland
We hope our article has convinced you to choose Basel as your hub for unforgettable day trips around Switzerland, France, and Germany.
With our detailed recommendations, planning your perfect day trips from Basel has never been easier.
Enjoy your travels and have a fantastic time exploring all the amazing destinations Basel has to offer!
We wish you the best travels and don’t forget to set your “Out of Office!”
🌟 Loving our content? Support the journey — buy us a coffee! ☕️
Read More About Switzerland
Basel
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- Basel Old Town Guide: 23 Best Things To Do, Where To Stay + More!
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- 2 Days in Basel, Switzerland: GREAT Itinerary and Tips 2024
- 21 BEST Day Trips from Basel, Switzerland
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Geneva
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Switzerland Travel Planning Guide
🚙🚄 Is renting a car or public transportation better in Switzerland?
For traveling in Switzerland, we recommend using public transportation. Switzerland’s train system and other public transportation options are some of the best in the world.
We always buy the Swiss Travel Pass, which provides access to trains, funiculars, boats, lifts, and buses. It also gives you free access to over 500 museums.
Renting a car in Switzerland has its pros and cons. Pro: You get the freedom to explore at your own pace and visit remote areas. Con: Parking can be expensive and challenging in cities. When we rent a car, we always use Discover Cars for reliable service.
📲 Will my phone work in Switzerland?
Maybe, but it will be expensive— Depending on your provider, plans can charge you $10 per day while in Europe.
To use your phone in Switzerland and save money, we recommend an eSim with Airalo. Airalo simplifies the steps and provides you with all the necessary data for convenient travel.
There is not a lot of free WIFI in Switzerland, so you’ll need your phone for navigating.
🌐 Do I need a VPN when on the internet in Switzerland?
While abroad, we consistently prioritize our online security by using a VPN to appear as if we’re streaming from the US and protect ourselves from cybercrime.
NordVPN serves as an incredibly convenient solution for both mobile phones and laptops, effortlessly ensuring our safety while browsing or streaming.
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Switzerland accommodations?
Our go-to for Switzerland hotels is Booking.com. They offer the widest range of choices, and their filtering system simplifies the process of discovering the perfect accommodation for your needs.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy flights to Switzerland?
For finding cheap flights to Switzerland, we recommend Kayak. Their awesome multi-city flight search and handy price notifications help us save big, allowing us to splurge on other adventures once we arrive.
Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) is usually our airline of choice while in Switzerland.
🚐 Should I book tours in Switzerland? Do the guides speak English?
We LOVE taking tours in Switzerland.
We prefer to book our tours on Viator and GetYourGuide for easy searching, trusted reviews, and transparent pricing. We always filter for the tours that are offered in English.
For free walking tours in English, we always book through GuruWalk.
🚑 Should I buy Switzerland travel insurance?
100% YES! — Switzerland has a publicly funded healthcare system known as the LAMal (L’Assurance Maladie Obligatoire), also known as the Swiss Health Insurance Law, which provides basic health insurance to all Swiss citizens and legal residents!
Foreigners visiting need travel insurance in case anything happens on their visit. We recommend Safety Wing – they provide general travel coverage as well as medical!
💧Can you drink the water in Switzerland?
Drinking water in Switzerland is exceptionally safe and clean. You can drink tap water anywhere, and it’s often better than bottled water.
There are many public fountains in cities and towns where you can fill your water bottle. If a fountain is not safe to drink from, there will be a sign indicating this. Generally, no sign means the water is safe to drink.
For an extra layer of protection, we recommend always using a LifeStraw Go Series to stay safe and hydrated.
🎫 Do I need a visa for Switzerland?
Citizens of the European Union (EU) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries do not need a visa for short stays.
For travelers from many other countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, no visa is required for stays up to 90 days within a 180-day period. However, always check the latest visa requirements before you travel, as rules can change.
💸 What currency is used in Switzerland?
Switzerland uses the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s good to have some cash for smaller purchases.
🗣️ What languages are spoken in Switzerland?
Switzerland has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
