7 Of The Best Small Towns For A Day Trip From Basel

Switzerland’s pretty Old Town, top museums, and lively culture, visitors to Basel can easily enjoy northwestern Switzerland and the areas near France and Germany. If you’ve managed to cover a lot of art and architecture already, you may be looking for something different. Charming villages dot the region around Basel, making for a great place to spend a day trip from Basel, full of old history, interesting sights, and beautiful nature.

Train, car rental, or private trip from Basel will bring you close to these towns, which are worthwhile to see in one day, yet leave a strong impression for years to come.

The following are 7 Of The Best Small Towns For A Day Trip From Basel.

1. Colmar, France

Because of its canals, Colmar in Alsace is nicknamed “Little Venice.” Residents enjoy this French town because it’s just an hour from Basel by either car or train. Half-timbered buildings, cobblestones, and flowers make it look like a postcard everywhere.

Highlights:

• Enjoy the area’s historic atmosphere as you wander between medieval timber-framed buildings.
• Take time to see the underlined Altapiece at the Unterlinden Museum.
• Sample food and drink from Alsace in typical restaurants known as winstubs.
• Experience La Petite Venise by floating through it in a canal boat.

You can't miss a Basel to Colmar trip if you’re interested in culture, treats, and dreamlike landscapes.

2. Lucerne, Switzerland

From Basel, visitors to Lucerne can find scenic lakes, classic wooden bridges, and the magnificent Swiss Alps—all only 90 minutes away. Naturescape and history are mixed in this town near Basel, making it a favorite day trip from Basel for locals.

Highlights:

• Walk over the Chapel Bridge and see the Water Tower.
• Go boating on Lake Lucerne.
• Did you know you can go to the Lion Monument and see the Swiss Museum of Transport?
• Take the world’s steepest cogwheel train up to Mt. Pilatus.

Book a Basel to Lucerne transfer with a chauffeur service if you prefer private and flexible travel. It is easy.

3. Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

On the other side of the German border, Freiburg is known for its activity, classic Gothic style, and environmental leadership. A gateway to the Black Forest, it’s only slightly over an hour from Basel and uniquely mixes nature and culture.

Highlights:

• See the beautiful Gothic Freiburg Minster for yourself.
• Join the crowd at the Münsterplatz market.
• Experience a sensational view by riding the Schlossberg funicular.
• You can understand sustainable urban living by visiting eco-neighborhoods such as Vauban.

Travelers who want to know what Germany’s charm is all about can do so in one day with a Basel to Freiburg trip.

4. Solothurn, Switzerland

Often called Switzerland’s prettiest Baroque town, Solothurn can be reached in an hour from Basel and shows visitors a blend of French, Italian, and German influences.

Highlights:

• See the Baroque-style St. Ursus Cathedral for yourself.
• Head to Weissenstein to see breathtaking views.
• Notice that 11 is important in Paris’s architecture and way of life.
• Flow along the banks of the Aare as you unwind in some of the city’s cafés.

Because Solothurn is calm and brimming with history, it’s often overlooked as a day trip from Basel via a Basel chauffeur service.

5. Murten (Morat), Switzerland

Murten, a quiet medieval town beside Lake Murten, stands out for its fine city walls and beautiful lake views. Because it’s just about an hour from Basel, it is perfect for peace and natural beauty.

Highlights:

• Explore the city walls built more than 800 years ago.
• The old streets are steadily lined with arches, arcades, and fountains.
• Don’t miss the chance to swim or sail in Lake Murten.
• Don’t miss the chance to try Nidelkuchen, one of Schwerin’s traditional cakes.

Hiring a private limousine from Basel to Murten saves you from planning around the train or finding parking.

6. Saint-Ursanne, Switzerland

In the quiet Jura mountains, the medieval town of Saint-Ursanne looks like a place from the past. Because not many know about it, you’ll find it’s a friendly and peaceful day trip from Basel.

Highlights:

• Pass through the ancient 18th-century stone bridge into the part of town called Old Town.
• See the Romanesque Collegiate Church of Saint Ursanne.
• Travel by the Doubs River on a hike or rent a kayak to try it out.
• Join in on celebrations such as the Medieval Days in July every year.

If you want to discover history, be with nature, and spend time alone, Saint-Ursanne is the right place.

7. Alsace Wine Route (Eguisheim, Riquewihr, Kaysersberg)

A trip on the Alsace Wine Route is crucial if you like wine, small villages, and vine-covered mountains. Between Eguisheim and Riquewihr to Kaysersberg, every town in the area comes from a storybook, less than 1.5 hours away from Basel.

Highlights:

• You can try wine tasting at local family wineries.
• Discovering quiet and charming little alleys and Italian Renaissance architecture.
• Getting to know Alsatian pastries by sampling them.
• Beautiful scenic routes between vineyards.

With a Basel airport service, you can plan a Basel to Alsace day trip—it’s comfy and private and features an expert guide.

Why Opt for a Private Transfer From Basel?

Private transfers from Basel are more convenient, comfortable, and free than public trains and buses. A Basel chauffeur means you will not lose any time, can visit secret attractions, and experience luxury travel, perfect for all visitors.

Benefits:

• Door-to-door service.
• Tours designed just for you.
• Don’t worry about checking timetables from different train stations.
• The chance to see several towns during a single day.

Tips for Planning a Day Trip From Basel

• Start early: Small towns are quieter in the afternoon if you come early in the day.
• Check opening hours: Museums and restaurants close earlier, mostly on Sundays.
• Book transport beforehand from Basel to Lucerne or from Basel to Colmar.
• Dress appropriately: Since most towns are best discovered by walking, wearing comfortable shoes is a good idea.
• Pack light: There isn’t much you’ll need for a day trip from Basel; take water, sun protection, and a camera.

Final Thoughts

A range of fascinating towns surrounds Basel, each one different in history and feel. From Basel, you can see medieval surroundings in Colmar, taste wines in Alsace, or view Baroque architecture in Solothurn.

A private connection between Basel and the ski resorts helps you move freely and peacefully. They may be near Basel, but traveling to these towns gives you plenty to explore.

Travelers with only a day in Switzerland or those planning Basel itineraries shouldn’t miss out on these 7 Of The Best Small Towns For A Day Trip From Basel.