Basel Minster
Basel Minster
4.5
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Altstadt
Stepping into Basel's Altstadt feels like stepping into a picturesque postcard. This neighborhood, with its well-preserved medieval architecture and narrow cobblestone streets, offers a delightful mix of historical charm and modern amenities. The iconic Basel Minster, a stunning red sandstone cathedral, presides over the Rhine River and provides a striking contrast against the blue skies. Altstadt is a haven for art lovers with the Kunstmuseum, the oldest public art collection in the world, and the Tinguely Museum, dedicated to the works of Swiss painter and sculptor Jean Tinguely. For those with a culinary inclination, the area offers a variety of dining options, ranging from traditional Swiss cuisine to international fare. Public transportation is easily accessible, making it a convenient base for exploring the rest of the city.
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1,091 within 3 miles
Attractions
278 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Sara JValladolid, Spain1,900 contributionsRebuilt in the late 14th century after an earthquake. Red sandstone facade and 60m towers. Hours L-V 10:00-17:00, S 10:16:00 and D 11:30-17:00. Free including the cloister except the towers that are 5CHF. It is worth both the entrance to the Cathedral as well as peeking into the viewpoint behind and not forgetting the access to the cloister from a door located to the right of the main facade.Visited June 2024Traveled with friendsWritten October 1, 2024
- Massimiliano PNovara, Italy48,490 contributionsBasel’s impressive medieval cathedral, built entirely of red sandstone, is one of the main attractions of the Swiss city and is definitely worth a visit. The exterior, characterized by the two high Gothic towers, is very interesting in terms of decoration and sculpture, both in the facade and in the contours of the portals. The interior, divided into three naves, is famous for holding the remains of Erasmus of Rotterdam but as a whole it looks rather bare, although not devoid of atmosphere. The visit is completed with the two cloisters behind, decorated with numerous tombstones. It should be noted that behind the cathedral there is the pfalz, the panoramic viewpoint.Visited January 2025Traveled as a coupleWritten March 13, 2025
- Martin BRosario, Argentina1,942 contributionsBeautiful cathedral above the square that is meeting point in Basel. Built from red sandstone of Rhine sediments it gives a particular originality. Built for 500 years from 1000 onwards. modified and rebuilt by an earthquake wears the silhouette of Basel by the Rhine. It has a viewpoint that everyone recommends.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten August 3, 2024
- scvroseFiddletown, California1,296 contributionsA large and amazing cathedral church. I loved the carvings and appointments on the outside of the church and the different stages of construction. Stands like a beacon in the town. Worth a visit and to look in back where you have a great view of the river Rhine.Visited October 2024Traveled with familyWritten November 17, 2024
- JeffCarterFairfax, Virginia999 contributionsWe were on a daytrip from Colmar to Basel. after wandering around town we ended up here. First - fantastic views from the terrace overlooking the river - just awesome. Then the inside of the church was beautiful. Definitely worth a stop on your visit to BaselVisited October 2024Traveled with friendsWritten November 17, 2024
- therese lCobleskill, New York931 contributionsCharming church on a lovely square! For me, the highlight was the cloister area, which was beautiful. The terrace looking over the river offers some beautiful views, and it's easy to imagine monks of old strolling through the area.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 22, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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zuv
Bucharest, Romania41,121 contributions
Dec 2022
A beautiful church but far from being a top church of Europe. One of the bell towers can be visited. And on this occasion I met the most stupid employee/ the stupidest rule.
On their website it says "Admission only in groups of 2 or more people." It seems to me an OK rule, understandable. It is possible that someone has medical problems up there and, if he were alone, he would have no one to call for help. But, when I wanted to buy a ticket, surprise! "You can't climb alone and you can't pair up with another alone tourist /other tourists. You have to be part of a group of friends!" Whaat?! Where does it say that?! Finally, after some parliamentarians, I went up together with two other tourists with whom I had no connection. I have climbed dozens of bell towers across Europe, much higher, and I have never encountered a rule like this...
The view from the top is beautiful, especially towards the Rhine.
The interior of the church is rather ordinary.
On their website it says "Admission only in groups of 2 or more people." It seems to me an OK rule, understandable. It is possible that someone has medical problems up there and, if he were alone, he would have no one to call for help. But, when I wanted to buy a ticket, surprise! "You can't climb alone and you can't pair up with another alone tourist /other tourists. You have to be part of a group of friends!" Whaat?! Where does it say that?! Finally, after some parliamentarians, I went up together with two other tourists with whom I had no connection. I have climbed dozens of bell towers across Europe, much higher, and I have never encountered a rule like this...
The view from the top is beautiful, especially towards the Rhine.
The interior of the church is rather ordinary.
Written December 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sanka1 🇱🇰🇬🇧
Bicester, UK6,408 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Basel Minster is a free to enter church located at the heart of the city. It's also the location of the Basel Autumn festival and Christmas markets. It's a stunning Gothic cathedral, stands as an architectural marvel. You can buy tickets to go up the cathedral's tower to experience panoramic views of Basel and the Rhine River. Its timeless beauty and cultural significance make it a jewel in Switzerland's heritage and a true testament to Gothic architecture's grandeur.
Written October 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kvasirsblood
County Durham, UK249 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We took a day trip to Basel as we were flying out the following day from the local airport. The city looked interesting on the internet but we were driving and getting to a car park was a nightmare (trams, bikes and narrow streets, lots of building work and the car park we put in the sat nab was closed). We nearly gave up but a kind local stopped us going down an awkward street and pointed us to a multi story car park so decided to stay and at least go and look at the Rhine and the Minster as it looked so imposing on the skyline. It has a lovely square in front of it and a small park and viewpoint behind. The Minster is interesting but we found the cloister building to the right side of the main cathedral facade (which we went into by accident to be even better.
Written September 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MKTBE
Topeka, KS4,159 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
This magnificent Cathedral is the heart of Old Town Basel, and is a focal reference for both sides of the Rhine River. Once a Catholic church, it is now Reformed Protestant, and the building as it stands today dates back to the 12th century and was completed around 1225.
The Basel Minster is an impressive architectural and religious experience, even from the outside. Walking the perimeter, enjoying the quiet cloisters area, and admiring the colorful roof tiles is a humbling experience. Entry to the church is free, with a small fee to go to the top of the East tower. The fun adventure getting to the top, and the beautiful views of the City of Basel, make the trip to the top very rewarding! Basel Minster is an impressive Cathedral, and well worth visiting when in the city.
The Basel Minster is an impressive architectural and religious experience, even from the outside. Walking the perimeter, enjoying the quiet cloisters area, and admiring the colorful roof tiles is a humbling experience. Entry to the church is free, with a small fee to go to the top of the East tower. The fun adventure getting to the top, and the beautiful views of the City of Basel, make the trip to the top very rewarding! Basel Minster is an impressive Cathedral, and well worth visiting when in the city.
Written January 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Razorfish
Little Rock, AR5,490 contributions
Apr 2022 • Solo
I visited Basel Minster on a quiet Sunday morning on the last day of a Viking River Cruise this past April. Very few people were stirring at that early hour of the morning. It was quite tranquil to overlook the river at the back of the building.
Written September 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
swoodruf
Muskegon, MI1,734 contributions
May 2023
This cathedral was really fascinating. I learned so much about the building from our travel leader. There are animal sculptures on the facade of the church, and they all looked a little strange. We found out that these animals were sculpted from a description only. When the crusaders returned from where ever they were, they described these fantastical beasts that did not exist in Europe. (See photos attached) I found it really fascinating.
Written June 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
duck8to
Montville, NJ6,780 contributions
Oct 2020
Originally a Catholic Church in 1019 AD, the Ptarrant Munster has since the 1500's been a Reformed Protestant Church The earthquake of 1358 wrecked havoc on the red sandstone construction but reconstruction efforts were successful. The church has elements of both Romanesque and Gothic architecture and is considered a heritage site of significance. The two towers of the church standout on the cities horizon . One tower is dedicated to St. George (1372), he is slaying a dragon, albeit small. the other tower is dedicated to St. Martin (1340), who is displayed riding a horse.
Entrance to the churchl is free. however if you wish to climb the 242 steps to the top of each tower it is 4CHF. The staircase is narrow and not always lit adequately. At the top there is a viewing platform. It is an excellent view of the city, Mittlere Brucke and Rhine river. Take note of the statue of Henry the II at the main entrance.
There is a crypt which holds the tomb of Gertrude of Hohenburg, who died in 1281 in Vienna. Also in the crypt is the Tomb of Erasmus of Rotterdam. The attached cloister is worth exploring, as is, the Kreuzgang which leads to the Hall of Shields.
Entrance to the churchl is free. however if you wish to climb the 242 steps to the top of each tower it is 4CHF. The staircase is narrow and not always lit adequately. At the top there is a viewing platform. It is an excellent view of the city, Mittlere Brucke and Rhine river. Take note of the statue of Henry the II at the main entrance.
There is a crypt which holds the tomb of Gertrude of Hohenburg, who died in 1281 in Vienna. Also in the crypt is the Tomb of Erasmus of Rotterdam. The attached cloister is worth exploring, as is, the Kreuzgang which leads to the Hall of Shields.
Written May 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mlyne69
Belfort, France94 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
The Cathedral, built on a large and beautiful square, in red Vosges stone with a very beautiful roof of colored tiles, is very imposing from the outside but very austere inside. Disappointed, I expected to be dazzled after the view from the outside.
A few steps lead down to his crypt.
You can go around from the outside with a nice view point behind the Rhine where you can see barges passing by, people bathing letting themselves be carried by the current, a small ferry which goes from one bank to the 'other.
Then, at the back, you enter the cloister adjoining the cathedral. A beauty !!! A must see.
For the bravest and especially if you don't have a fear of heights, a visit to the tower is worth the trip with a superb view of the city.
A few steps lead down to his crypt.
You can go around from the outside with a nice view point behind the Rhine where you can see barges passing by, people bathing letting themselves be carried by the current, a small ferry which goes from one bank to the 'other.
Then, at the back, you enter the cloister adjoining the cathedral. A beauty !!! A must see.
For the bravest and especially if you don't have a fear of heights, a visit to the tower is worth the trip with a superb view of the city.
Written August 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beatriz M
Düsseldorf, Germany5,661 contributions
Mar 2021 • Friends
I really recommend visiting the cathedral, I was lucky that it was a sunny day. Entrance is free but to climb to the top of the tower it costs 4 CHF for students. It was possible to pay by card. I must say that I have been on the top of many cathedrals but this one is really narrow and has some parts which do not get sunlight, luckily my friend turned on his phone light to help. It was tricky at times. At the top of the viewing platform it is also very narrow! We are two very sporty people, I am sure that some people who are larger to the sides or have mobility issues would have problems. But going up or going down was not so tiring, we made it. But just be aware that it is really very narrow even in comparison with other cathedrals.
Written March 15, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
vickiebypass
Stamford, CT321 contributions
Apr 2023
The Minster (cathedral) is in the Germanic/Swiss style - white interior, red sandstone highlights around arches, windows, etc; vaulted ceiling; and not much statuary. Wooden chairs are all carved with different patterns on the backs - fun to try to spot duplicates! Wandered around looking at the effigies, tombs and architecture, plus stained glass. Don't miss the door on the right side (as you face the altar) which leads to the very nice cloister with a wild garden in the middle and views over the Rhine river.
Written May 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A Tripadvisor member
17 contributions
Yes, its 2 SFR pp. But sometimes they only let a minimum of 4 people go up. Why? Haven't a clue.
Written April 23, 2017
soccertoyota
Tokyo, Japan
ガイドブック「地球の歩き方」によると大聖堂の塔の入場CHF4（2名以上のグループのみ可）とあります。一人で訪問するので悩んでいます。10月中旬に参りますがクリアーする方法はありませんか？ 例えば２人分CHF８を払えば可能ですか？
Written June 13, 2015
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