Basel NotesA local guide to Basel

By Updated

Basel guide · The Rhine

The Rhinein Basel.

Bridges, ferries, a long promenade and a river people swim in: how to enjoy the Rhine in every season.

The Rhine in Basel from above, with its bridges and the Münster on the far bank.
The Rhine and its bridges

In short

The Rhine divides Basel into Grossbasel, the Old Town side, and Kleinbasel. In summer, locals swim downstream with waterproof swim bags and meet at riverside buvettes. In winter, the river is for walks, views from the Pfalz and a sauna on the water.

The Rhine

The river, in every season

  • Mittlere Brücke

    Grossbasel – Kleinbasel

    The bridge between Grossbasel and Kleinbasel; a bridge has crossed here since 1226. Walk over and follow the Kleinbasel promenade, where the city gathers on warm evenings.

  • Swimming the Rhine

    Kleinbasel riverbankSummerHost favourite

    Locals walk upstream, pack their clothes into a waterproof swim bag and float back down with the current. Only for confident swimmers, and only when conditions allow. The SLRG’s advice: never swim alone, don’t jump from bridges or cross the river, keep away from bridge piers and shipping lanes, and don’t tie the swim bag to your body. Swimming in the harbour is not allowed.

    Official information

  • Buvettes

    Kleinbasel riverbankSpring to autumn

    Seasonal riverside kiosks for a drink in the sun. There are several along the Kleinbasel side; wander until one appeals.

  • Sauna am Rhy

    St. Alban-Rheinweg (Breite)End of October to MarchHost favourite

    A sauna at the Rheinbad Breite with views over the Rhine. Cool off in the pool between sessions (a dip in the Rhine is at your own risk), then rest in the coffee yurt or the quiet yurt. Mondays are women-only; a ticket covers three hours.

    Official information

  • Hafen & Landestelle

    Klybeck harbourSummer

    The old industrial harbour, reclaimed with bars, graffiti and art installations. Most of the bars only open in summer.

Notes from a local

What the usual guides leave out

  • The easiest way in is on the Kleinbasel side, just below Museum Tinguely. Float with the current along the Kleinbasel bank and get out before the Dreirosenbrücke.

    Official information

  • The official rules: never swim alone, no inflatables, keep away from the bridge pillars and never jump off a bridge.

    Official information

  • The Wickelfisch is Basel’s own waterproof swim bag for your clothes. It can be rented for CHF 10 a day plus a CHF 30 refundable deposit. Hold on to it; never tie it around your body.

    Official information

  • Not a confident swimmer? The Rheinbad St. Johann, by the Johanniterbrücke, is the easier place to cool off.

    Official information

  • Four small ferries, the Wild Maa, Leu, Vogel Gryff and Ueli, cross the Rhine pulled only by the current. A crossing costs CHF 2 for adults and CHF 1 for children.

    Official information

Checked against the linked official sources on 4 October 2026.

Questions & answers

Yes. In summer many people float downstream through the city with a waterproof swim bag. It is only for confident swimmers and only when conditions allow; follow the official safety advice.

The Pfalz terrace behind the Münster looks down on the river, and the Mittlere Brücke gives a view along the water towards both banks.

The part of Basel on the right bank of the Rhine, opposite the Old Town. Its long riverside promenade is where the city gathers on summer evenings.

More from the Basel guide

Back to top