Hotel Märthof Basel

Basel is one of the most historic and intiquring cities in Switzerland! We visited this beautiful destination while on our honeymoon during Christmastime, and it quickly became one of our most favorite places we’ve traveled to. Nestled along the serene banks of the Rhine River, Basel Switzerland weaves a tapestry of history and culture that enchants every visitor with its history. Founded as the settlement Augusta Raurica by the Romans in 44 BC, this ancient town quickly grew into a vital trade nexus, bridging the realms of the Roman Empire with the northern tribes. Wander through Basel’s medieval core, where cobblestone streets meander past half-timbered houses and charming squares. The Basel Minster, an I’m posting gothic cathedral dominates the skyline with its rose-colored sandstone and twin spires. Inside, intricate carvings and beautiful stained glass tell tales of the city’s spiritual past. The Town Hall, with its vivid red facade and elaborate frescoes, stands as a testament to Basel’s prosperous mercantile history. Here, vibrant markets and lively festivals echo the city’s enduring spirit. Today, Basel remains a dynamic blend of old-world charm and contemporary flair, where history and modernity coexist in a captivating partnership. While on our honeymoon in 2022 we visited Basel Switzerland in the middle of wintertime, a couple weeks before Christmas. We fell in love with this city and the magical winter wonderland that it becomes during the festive time of year. Basel’s Old Town, with its medieval charm is adorned with twinkling lights and shimmering decorations, creating an enchanting backdrop for its renowned Christmas markets. The scent of mulled wine and warm treats wafts through the crisp air, mingling with the magical atmosphere. The Christmas markets’ vibrant atmosphere, coupled with Basel’s rich heritage and history create an unforgettable holiday experience, earning it a place as the crown jewel of Swiss Christmas celebrations.

Welcome to a magical journey through the heart of Europe's enchanting Christmas markets! This is your 2023 guide to the Ultimate European Christmas Market trip. In this guide, I share my top tips and recommendations for an amazing trip across Europe seeing the most festive Christmas markets across 6 cities (all accessible to each other via train). I include tips on accommodation, food spots, and Christmas Market information with 2023 dates for each city. I also share the best time of year to visit, as well as transportation tips between each city. This guide includes Switzerland, France, and Germany. I personally took this trip in 2022, so I share all my photos and insider tips :)

Basel, Switzerland's third-largest city, is beautifully situated at the tri-border area with Germany and France, offering a perfect blend of history, art, and modern architecture. A stroll through the old town takes you past medieval buildings, the impressive Basel Minster, and charming squares like the Marktplatz, home to the colorful Town Hall. The city is a paradise for art lovers—the renowned Kunstmuseum Basel and the Fondation Beyeler house world-class collections. The Rhine adds a special charm to Basel; a boat ride or a swim in the river during the summer is an absolute highlight. The map includes all notable places in Basel and the region (photo spots, to-dos, museums, hotels, restaurants, etc.)