The Engelbourg castle was built around 1224 by the Count Frederic II of Ferrette, on a hill which…read moreoverhangs the town of Thann and the mouth of the Thur valley. It has then been partially demolished in 1673, when it wasn't of any strategic interest anymore, on behalf of King Louis XIV. The main tower divided itself when it was brought to the ground by local miners. The biggest part fell in a way that it makes one somehow thinks it watches the town below. It resulted in being called the Œil de la Sorcière - the Witch's Eye - a name more familiar to the locals than that of the Engelbourg castle. The remaining ruins and the overall site are partially restored each summer by an international project, attracting young people from a wide range of countries. Numerous low walls have been re-erected, and the surrounding vegetation has been carefully dealt with to offer the most beautiful panorama. Ten minutes of walking is what it takes to reach the top of the hill and the castle, starting from the Engelbourg street. The path is not well-kept and quite sloping, but the experience is totally worth the short effort. It is possible, but obviously dangerous and probably forbidden, to climb into the Witch's Eye itself, improving always further the view onto the town of Thann and its magnificent church. There's access to numerous standard walking paths from the back of the site. The site is not watched, and is therefore seen as a romantic place of choice by the local high school students as well as the tourists. Anyway, do not miss the chance to see all of Thann from above.

One of the three remaining city gates, the Gate of Spalen dates back to 1400. There was a time that…read moreBasel was surrounded by walls but most of them are gone. This memorializes those times. Through this gate, a great deal of vital supplies and provisions that had come from Alsace entered the city. You can still see square main tower which is flanked by two circular towers on either side. The figures of the Madonna and two prophets decorate the façade that faces away from the city. Access is free and you can walk right through the gate today. [Review 21216 overall - 66 in Switzerland - 181 of 2024.]

The Spalentor was one of the first things we saw in Basel and it was definitely one of the most…read morememorable. It's a beautiful city gate that stands in the middle of a bustling intersection. It's mind-boggling to think how many centuries old this structure is. It used to help surround the city with walls, but those have long since been removed. The green roof is decorated with an interesting pattern and it looks similar to the ones I saw at Basel Minster. You can walk around and through this structure at all times of the day so definitely come back for some great night pictures as well. There are lots of intricate details to study and appreciate if you take the time to look.

Okay, I have to admit it, I am a sucker for cemeteries. I just love them, especially in other…read morecountries. This cemetery is so haunting...my sister and I often take a picnic lunch and eat, read and relax there. The cemetery is so old that you are not going to offend anyone. My only concern is that between the last time I was there several years ago and this year (2016) the cemetery has become terribly overgrown. A tombstone to a famous person who was involved in the Revolutionary War in the US had disappeared entirely, I hope for restoration or preservation. The grass was terribly high and it was hard to get to some gravesites. I hope this will be remedied, because this cemetery is an absolute treasure.

You cannot miss the character these fresh water runnels add to the city. Take off your shoes and…read morerelax.

it s really nice with the little canals of water running through the streets of the old part. It…read morereally gives it character. I did stupidly think that Die Bächle was one specific little well or something at first.

Lovely place to visit. They also hold lots of events and showcases here, especially around…read moreChristmas time (one of the best Christmas markets in the area). Great restaurants in the area too and an amazing lookout point of the Rhine.

Around since the 1500s, this is a must see site while visiting Basel. Not only is the cathedral…read moreextremely beautiful and has many sites to see but it's also centrally located right by the Rhine River and is surrounded by other famous landmarks and must visit sites. Entering the cathedral is free, but if you want to go up to the tower, which we did and I highly recommend doing, you pay 4 CHF, which is worth it. At the top there are great views of the city and you can really get a true appreciation of how well built the cathedral is. I especially like the pattern on the roof and how it almost contrasts with the Gothic style, but works amazingly well in the end. There are a lot of great photo opportunities here as well as some very interesting history to learn. I highly recommend for any visitor or local.

There is plenty to see at the Tinguely Fountain. Jean Tinguely (1925-1991) was the master of…read morekinetic sculptures. Machinelike structures that move and spin and make noise and eventually, fail. For now, though, this fountain endures. "The Fasnachtsbrunnen was built between 1975 and 1977. It stands on the site of the stage of Basel's old city theatre, which was demolished in 1975 and replaced by today's theatre complex designed by the architects Schwarz & Gutmann." It's not hard to spent an hour here if you wish to appreciate each of the dozen or so moving sculptures as they rise and lower, spin and turn, spit water and go silent. It's an impressive display. A caption nearby points out a description of each piece in German, French and English. [Review 21223 overall - 72 in Switzerland - 188 of 2024.]

Without a doubt the strangest fountain I have ever seen. The Tinguely Fountain was on a list of…read moreinteresting things to see in Basel so we gave it a shot. It's not something you have to pay admission for. You just walk up and look at it and wonder what the heck is going on. The works of art were designed by an artist named Jean Tinguely and I was surprised to learn learn that this was done in the 70's. The works of art in the fountain are really strange looking "perpetual motion" machines. Some look like something you would recognize, such as a mechanical torso that appears to be endlessly running, while others are just completely bizarre contraptions that spit out water in several directions. The fountain is easily accessible via public transport and it intrigued us enough to go visit the Tinguely Museum (which is not close to here).