Our weekend in Basel
Experience ...
... To get a little closer to the city, we recommend a city tour, especially in Basel. There are tours on various themes, currently of course also on Basel Christmas, and they are also interesting for your children. The fairytale forest on Münsterplatz is more playful, where children, teenagers and adults alike can be enchanted: they can decorate gingerbread, listen to stories, make candles, ride on the children's railway or simply warm their hands by the fire. And while you're here: There are interesting short guided tours (30 minutes) for the whole family in the cathedral every day at 4 pm, and afterwards you can climb up the illuminated steps to the top of St Martin's Tower. If you want to add a contemplative note to the day, you will find a public book of wishes in the inner courtyard of the town hall , where anyone can immortalise their wishes and hopes - the book is kept in the state archives for posterity.
Guided tours: www.basel.com > Guided tours
Fairytale Forest: Robi play activities, until 22 December, Mon to Fri 1.30 pm to 7 pm, Sat/Sun 12 pm to 7 pm. Costs Fr 5.- to Fr 15. -. www.baslerweihnacht.ch > Christmas market
Martinsturm: until 23 December, Mon to Fri, Fr 5.- per person, admission until 5.30 pm. www.baslermuenster.ch
Wish book, Town Hall, Marktplatz 9, inner courtyard, until 6 January 2017. www.wunschbuch.ch
... Christmas is also the time of fragrant spices and ingredients. The exhibition Heavenly Scents from Around the World at the Museum of Cultures tells the story of the origins, history and significance of aniseed, ginger, cinnamon, vanilla, cardamom and candied orange peel. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Toy Worlds Museum shows what happened to the simple gift tree for children, decorated only with apples, nuts and baked goods, with its Christmas trees for dreaming: a lavishly and extravagantly decorated tree as a showpiece for adults, with Dresden cardboard, Sebnitz cotton wool, Victorian jewellery, glass, mica and glitter. You can find ideas on how to decorate your Christmas tree all year round at Weihnachtshaus Wanner. Johann Wanner is one of the largest manufacturers and retailers of handmade Christmas tree decorations.
Museum der Kulturen, Münsterplatz 20, until 8 January 2017, Tue to Sun from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Mon). Admission: adults Fr. 16, children under 13 free, up to 20 years Fr. 5. www.mkb.ch
Spielzeug Welten Museum Basel, Steinenvorstadt 1, until 12 February 2017, open daily in December from 10 am to 6 pm (24 Dec. to 4 pm, 25 Dec. closed). Admission: Fr. 7, children up to 16 years free (only when accompanied by an adult). www.swmb.museum > Veranstaltungen
Johann Wanner, Spalenberg 14. Open all year round, during Advent: Mon to Fri 9.30 am to 6.30 pm, Sat 10 am to 5 pm, Sun 10 am to 3 pm. www.johannwanner.ch
Enjoy ...
... The people of Basel are proud of their Christmas market. And when you're there, you'll understand why. The mixture of arts and crafts, culinary delights and rarities of all kinds in wintery Christmas decorations and scents creates a special atmosphere. On the market from Barfüsserplatz to Münsterplatz, almost two hundred vendors in mini wooden chalets try to tempt you with exclusive, everyday and fine items for yourself or as gifts.
Until 23 December, daily 11 a.m. to 8.30 p.m.; on 23 December until 6 p.m. on Münsterplatz and until 8 p.m. on Barfüsserplatz.
www.baslerweihnacht.ch
... A more culinary Christmas market can be found after a walk across the Mittlere Brücke in Kleinbasel. During Advent, Rheingasse, one of Basel's oldest streets, is transformed into Adväntsgass im Glaibasel with all kinds of specialities. Children will have a great time with play activities in the fairytale forest in Glaibasel , and they can listen to storytellers and musicians and look forward to surprises in the circus wagon.
Adväntsgass, until 23 December, 6 to 9.30 pm; Märliwald and circus wagon: Wed to Fri, 1.30 to 7 pm, Sat/Sun 11 am to 7 pm. www.advaentsgass.ch, www.rheingasse.ch
Overnight stay ...
... In the large, family-friendly rooms of the Hotel Spalentor on the edge of the old town, you will find the peace and relaxation you need after an eventful day. Some child-friendly extras and a special offer for families await you.
Hotel Spalentor, Schönbeinstrasse 1, telephone: 061 262 26 26, price example family package: from CHF 260. www.hotelspalentor.ch
... Would you like to stay overnight in the centre of the Christmas action? The Motel One has been located right next to Barfüsserplatz for six months now. This design hotel also offers family rooms.
Motel One: Barfüssergasse 16, telephone 061 226 22 00. Price example family room (children up to 12 years free): from Fr. 134.-.
www.motel-one.com
Read more:
Tips for a short weekend trip especially for families can be found in every issue of the Swiss parents' magazine Fritz+Fränzi. Order your subscription here.