Basel Bound: Abor & Tynna's Journey From Germany

Axel S�rensen

4 min read

Post on May 05, 2025

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Planning the Basel Bound Adventure

Choosing the Route:

Planning our route was half the fun! We weighed several options for our Basel-bound trip: driving, train, and flying. Driving offered flexibility and the chance to explore scenic German countryside, but the journey would be longer. The train provided a comfortable and direct route, but lacked the freedom of a car. Flying was the fastest but eliminated the joy of discovering charming towns along the way.

• Driving: We estimated a 6-7 hour drive from our home in Freiburg, potentially passing through charming Black Forest towns like Titisee-Neustadt and Baden-Baden. The route offered picturesque views.
• Train: Deutsche Bahn offered direct trains to Basel from Freiburg, taking roughly 2-3 hours, a significant time saver. However, it was more expensive than driving.
• Flying: Flying was the most expensive option and required travel to and from airports, negating the time advantage.

Ultimately, we opted for the scenic route – driving, allowing for spontaneous stops and the chance to truly savor the journey to Basel.

Packing for Basel:

Packing for our Basel-bound adventure required careful consideration of the weather. We went in late September, expecting crisp air and potential rain.

• Clothing: Layers were key: lightweight sweaters, a waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and jeans.
• Documents: Passports were essential, and we ensured copies were stored separately.
• Electronics: Phone chargers, camera, and an adapter (as Germany uses a different plug type than Switzerland).
• Other Essentials: Travel insurance details, a phrasebook, and a Swiss franc guidebook for Basel-specific information.

The Journey to Basel:

Scenic Stops Along the Way:

Our drive from Freiburg was a highlight in itself! We made several unplanned stops:

• Titisee-Neustadt: This picturesque Black Forest town, with its stunning lake, offered a perfect opportunity to stretch our legs and enjoy a coffee break.
• Rheinfall: A detour to see the majestic Rhine Falls was a breathtaking experience. The sheer power of the cascading water left us speechless.

These spontaneous detours added unforgettable memories to our "Basel Bound" trip.

Unexpected Challenges and Solutions:

While the journey was mostly smooth, we encountered a minor setback:

• Flat Tire: About an hour outside of Basel, we experienced a flat tire. Thankfully, we had a spare and a jack in the car, but changing it in a slight rain shower added an extra layer of adventure!

This unexpected challenge taught us the importance of being prepared for anything on a road trip!

Arriving in Basel and First Impressions:

Initial Explorations:

Pulling into Basel, we were immediately struck by the city's charm. The colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, and the clear Rhine River winding through the city were a sight to behold.

• First Impressions: Basel felt both historic and modern, with a vibrant energy. The mix of old town charm and contemporary architecture was fascinating.
• Initial Observations: The city felt clean and safe, with a friendly atmosphere. We immediately noticed the abundance of bike paths, indicative of Basel's eco-friendly approach. We started our exploration at the Marktplatz, the heart of the old town.

Accommodation and Local Experiences:

We stayed in a charming Airbnb in the Kleinbasel neighborhood, providing easy access to the city center.

• Accommodation: Our Airbnb provided a comfortable and local experience.
• Local Experiences: We explored the Kunstmuseum Basel, indulged in traditional Swiss cuisine at a local restaurant (trying Raclette, of course!), and took a relaxing boat ride on the Rhine.

Conclusion:

Our "Basel Bound" adventure from Germany was a truly memorable experience. From the meticulous planning stages and scenic drives through the Black Forest, to the unexpected flat tire and the enchanting first moments in Basel, every aspect contributed to a unique and unforgettable trip. We discovered the beauty of spontaneous exploration, the resilience required to overcome unexpected challenges, and the joy of immersing ourselves in a new culture.

Inspired by Abor and Tynna's journey? Plan your own Basel-bound adventure today! Find great deals and travel inspiration at [link to a Basel tourism website].