Switzerland will host the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. But which city in the Helvetic Confederation will welcome the thousands of artists, media people and fans? Geneva, Sankt Gallen, Basel and Fribourg have already expressed their interest. Other obvious options are Zurich and Bern. And why not Lausanne? Swiss broadcaster Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF) also sees Biel/Bienne and Lucerne as viable options. Combined, Danny and I have visited almost all of them. So let us introduce them. 

Basel (sometimes spelled Basle; and Bâle in French) has expressed wanting to host the Contest. 

“Basel is ready”: The Canton of Basel-City (Basel-Stadt) announced this at the request of Keystone-SDA shortly after the Contest. “The whole of Basel was rooting for Nemo on Saturday and was incredibly happy about his victory.”

“It would be great and honorable if Basel could host the next edition of this globally popular popular singing competition for Switzerland”, government spokesman Marco Greiner is quoted by SRF. Cantonal President Conradin Cramer weighs in on three other arguments for Basel: the infrastructure, accessibility and hospitality.

The St. Jakobshalle is arena fitting approximately 12,400 spectators. The arena dates from 1967, although concerts are also organized there. 

City on the Rhine

Basel, Switzerland’s third-largest city with some 180,000 inhabitants, is a vibrant and culturally rich metropolis located in the northwestern part of the country. Basel in an entry port to the Confederation. The city is situated along the banks of the Rhine and bordering both Germany and France.

Basel’s history dates back to ancient times, initially as a Celtic settlement and later a Roman fortification known as Basilia in the 1st century BC. During the Middle Ages, Basel grew into a significant center of trade and learning. 

The University of Basel, founded in 1460, is Switzerland’s oldest university, cementing the city’s role as a beacon of education and research. Basel’s strategic location on the Rhine has historically made it a key player in European commerce and culture.

Old Town

Basel’s Old Town or Altstadt is a picturesque area filled with narrow, winding streets, medieval buildings, and historic landmarks. Key highlights include:

• Basel Minster: This stunning Gothic cathedral, with its twin towers and red sandstone facade, dates back to the 12th century. Visitors can climb the towers for a breathtaking view of the city and the Rhine River.
• Town Hall or Rathaus: The Town Hall, with its vibrant red facade and intricate frescoes, is a standout architectural gem. The inner courtyard and council chambers are open to the public.
• Spalentor: One of the most beautiful city gates in Switzerland, Spalentor dates back to the 1400s and is a remnant of the old city walls.

Museums

Basel boasts the highest density of museums in Switzerland, offering something for everyone:

• Kunstmuseum Basel: Switzerland’s oldest public art collection, housing an extensive range of artworks from the Middle Ages to contemporary pieces. It includes works by Hans Holbein the Younger, Pablo Picasso, and Vincent van Gogh.
• Fondation Beyeler: Located just outside Basel in Riehen, this museum features a world-class collection of modern art, including works by Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Andy Warhol, set in a serene park designed by Renzo Piano.
• Tinguely Museum: Dedicated to Swiss artist Jean Tinguely, this museum showcases his kinetic sculptures and interactive installations.
• Vitra Design Museum: Located just across the border in Germany, this museum showcases contemporary design and architecture, featuring works by renowned designers like Charles and Ray Eames.
• Museum of Cultures: This museum houses a diverse collection of ethnographic artifacts from around the world, highlighting the cultural diversity and heritage of various societies.

Basel Zoo

Basel Zoo, known locally as Zolli, is one of the oldest and most visited zoos in Switzerland. Home to a wide variety of animals from around the world, it is a fantastic destination for families and animal lovers. Highlights include the large elephant enclosure and the vivarium.

Rhine River

The Rhine is central to Basel’s identity. Visitors can enjoy:

• Rhine cruises: Take a scenic boat trip along the Rhine to see Basel from a different perspective. Cruises vary from short city tours to longer trips into the surrounding countryside.
• Swimming in the Rhine: In the summer, locals and tourists alike enjoy swimming in the Rhine. Specially designated areas and floating bags (Wickelfisch) allow swimmers to drift downstream while keeping their belongings dry.

Cultural events

Basel is a city that celebrates culture with numerous festivals and events throughout the year:

• Basel Carnival or Fasnacht: Held annually in February or March, Basel’s Fasnacht is Switzerland’s largest carnival. The three-day event is known for its elaborate masks, colorful parades, and lively atmosphere.
• Art Basel: This international art fair, held every June, is one of the most prestigious in the world. It attracts artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts from across the globe.
• Basel Tattoo: A military music festival held every July, featuring performances by military bands from around the world.
• Basel Autumn Fair or Herbstmesse: big fair which transforms part of the city in a theme park. 

Walking and biking tours

Basel is an ideal city to explore on foot or by bike. Walking tours of the Old Town provide insight into the city’s history and architecture. The Rhine promenade and numerous parks offer scenic biking routes.

Shopping

Basel offers a mix of high-end boutiques, department stores, and unique local shops:

• Freiestrasse: Basel’s main shopping street, home to international brands and luxury stores.
• Spalenberg: A charming area with narrow streets filled with independent boutiques, antique shops, and artisan stores.

Eating

Basel’s culinary scene is diverse and exciting, reflecting its multicultural population. Visitors can enjoy:

• Local specialties: Try Basel Läckerli, a traditional gingerbread cookie, or Swiss chocolate from local chocolatiers.
• Dining: Basel offers a wide range of dining options, from traditional Swiss cuisine to international fare. Notable restaurants include the Michelin-starred Cheval Blanc by Peter Knogl and Restaurant Stucki.

Day trips and excursions

Basel’s location makes it an ideal base for exploring the surrounding region. Some recommended day trips include:

• Colmar: A picturesque town in France’s Alsace region, known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and charming canals.
• The Black Forest: A short drive into Germany brings you to the Black Forest, famous for its dense forests, quaint villages, and outdoor activities.
• Augusta Raurica: An ancient Roman archaeological site located just outside Basel, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s Roman past.

Parks and nature

Basel is home to numerous parks and green spaces where visitors can relax and enjoy nature:

• Botanical Garden: Part of the University of Basel, this garden features a wide variety of plant species from around the world.
• Kannenfeldpark: A large park offering open green spaces, playgrounds, and sports facilities, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

Getting around

Basel is well-connected with an efficient public transport system, including trams and buses. The Basel Card, provided by hotels to tourists, offers free public transport and discounts on various attractions.

And thus

Basel has an airport called EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg and is located near Mulhouse in France, at the three-country point between Germany, France and Switzerland. 

Basel has two (or three) main railway stations: 

• Basel SBB run by the Swiss company SBB-CFF-FFS.
• Basel Badischer Bahnhof, also known as Basel Bad, run by the German Deutsche Bahn. 
• Bâle SNCF, run by the French SNCF, is twinned to Basel SBB. So it’s not really a separate station. 

Basel has some 114 hotels with an average of 90 beds per accommodation. There are more than enough of them and there are also two other large cities nearby. Fans could, as happened with Copenhagen and Malmö, stay in a nearby city.

So yes, Basel is a serious candidate. There’s political eagerness as well. 

More on Basel

• EUROCITY EC-8 | Basel to Cologne in SBB’s Panoramic Car.
• REVIEW | Hyperion Basel.
• SWITZERLAND | Basel during Herbstmesse.
• EUROCITY EC-52 | Milan to Basel (and to Frankfurt) via the Simplon Tunnel.

Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Switzerland

• SWITZERLAND | Introducing Geneva.