Exploring Basel’s Craft Beer Scene with a self-guided Tour

Visiting Basel and looking to explore the local craft beer scene? A self-guided craft beer tour around the city is an easy and exciting way to learn more about beer and sample some of the best brews around. This tour takes you through five of the city’s best breweries and beer halls, giving you a comprehensive overview of what craft beer in Basel is all about.

Basel: A Craft Beer Hub

Basel’s craft beer scene has grown rapidly in recent years. From experimental brewing labs to taprooms with house-brewed ales, Basel is home to some of best craft beer in Switzerland. According to the 2019 Good Beer Guide, Basel is one of the top craft beer cities in Europe, with more than 30 craft breweries bringing creative flavors to drinkers from all parts of the city.

Where to Go on a Basel Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour?

As you plan your Basel self-guided craft beer tour, here are five establishments that should be on your list.

1. Maximilian Bräu

Located in the old town, between Barfüsserplatz and the Münster, Maximilian Bräu is one of the oldest breweries in Basel. Founded in 1375, Maximilian Bräu prides itself on traditional brewing techniques and offers several variations of classic German lagers. The brewpub brews small batches of beer daily with an emphasis on quality and robustness.

2. Blindekuh

Step back a few centuries when you visit Blindekuh, a historic brewery located in the Wettstein Quarter. Blindekuh specializes in traditional German ales like pilsner, hefeweizen, altbier and dopplebock, as well as some seasonal offerings. The brewery also serves up hearty German food such as Bratwurst, Bockwurst and pretzels.

3. Schalander

Take a journey to the Eptingerstrasse in Wiesenplatz to Schalander. With an extensive house selection of ales, lagers, IPAs, sours and stouts, there’s something for everyone on tap. The Brewery also serves up an ever-changing range of food dishes such as house-smoked beef ribs, mushroom risotto and more.

4. Bierhübeli

No self-guided Basel beer tour would be complete without a visit to Bierhübeli near the St. Alban Quarter. The brewpub is known for its specialty beers like barrel-aged imperial stouts, Belgian-style tripels, Brettanomyces wild ales and more. It’s a great place to explore new flavors and make some unexpected discoveries.

5. 847 Platz

Situated near the historic railroad gates of Basel is 847 Platz, one of the city’s most popular beer cafes. Describing itself as “the local”, 847 Platz features an impressive menu of international craft beers on tap. Alongside their house-brewed beers they have a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches and pizzas.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Self-Guided Tour

As you embark on your self-guided Basel beer tour, here are some additional tips for making the most of your experience:

• Booking ahead will help ensure you get the best tables at each location.
• Be sure to pace yourself—it’s no fun if you overindulge and make yourself sick.
• Be prepared for unexpected tastings—you may end up trying something you never thought you’d like!
• Bring along friends so you can taste more beers and share your discoveries.

The Best Way to Enjoy Basel’s Craft Beer Scene

A self-guided craft beer tour around Basel is a perfect way to explore the city’s beer culture and sample some of the best brews in Switzerland. Hop from brewery to brewery, getting a sense of the local scene while trying exciting new beers along the way. With five of Basel’s most popular breweries on your itinerary—Maximilian Bräu, Blindekuh, Schalander, Bierhübeli and 847 Platz—you’ll get an inside look at how Basel does craft beer.

So why not book a craft beer tour for yourself? With GetYourGuide’s Basel Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour, you’ll learn all about world-class beers brewed right in your own backyard while having an exciting time with your friends. Enjoy some of Switzerland’s tastiest beers as you discover the stories behind each one—it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!

Insider’s Guide to Exploring Basel’s Unique Charms

Welcome to Basel, Switzerland’s artistic and cultural hub, nestled in the heart of the country where the Rhine River flows into the Swiss Plateau. This city is renowned for its art, history, and hospitality, but there’s much more to discover beyond the well-trodden tourist paths. In this insider’s guide, we will take you on a journey to explore some of Basel’s hidden gems and show you what the locals love.

Discovering Basel’s Hidden Gems

Basel is full of unique places that rarely make it to travel guides. If you want to explore something off the beaten path, we recommend visiting the Tinguely Fountain, where Swiss artist Jean Tinguely’s kinetic machines and sculptures come to life. The people-watching in the Vogelpark or along the banks of the Rhine is another must, with vibrant street performers, artists, and musicians. Finally, the Basel Paper Mill is a fascinating historical and cultural site that will transport you to a different time and provide an unexpected glimpse into Switzerland’s artistic heritage.

Savouring Basel’s Culinary Delights

Switzerland is famous for its cheese and chocolate, but there’s much more to Swiss cuisine than that. Basel is well known for its sausages, including the cervelat, which is a must try. You can actually purchase a grilled cervelat on a bun from street vendors. Head to Rheingasse for mouthwatering local snacks and Schweinshaxen, a traditional roasted pork knuckle dish. But if you’re looking for something really special, try Basel’s Mässmogge – donut-like buns mixed with cumin seeds, and a local specialty served fresh from street vendors.

Experiencing Basel’s Cultural Traditions

Basel is full of cultural events, but the Fasnacht tradition, held every February, stands out for its grand showcase of traditional tunes, costumes, and masks. Basel’s three-day carnival is an opportunity to get to know the locals and become immersed in their dazzling and wild customs. Beyond Fasnacht, Basel is home to an impressive array of museums and galleries, including the world-renowned Fondation Beyeler, which exhibits different art movements from the 19th century to the present day. The Kunstmuseum Basel, which includes modern and contemporary art and holds impressive physical and digital collections to be explored, is also a must-visit museum.

Uncovering Basel’s Fascinating History

Basel has a rich history, and you can see it in its buildings, fountains, and squares. Take a walk through the Middle Rhein Bridge, which connects Kleinbasel to Grossbasel, and enjoy the stunning views of the Rhine River. Basel is renowned for its 40-odd fountains, but Tinguely’s Fountain is a must-visit. The fountain embodies Basel’s innovative spirit and creative character. Basler Münster, the city’s cathedral, has a rich history, and the roof opens up to beautiful views of the city.

Experiencing Basel’s Craft Beer Scene

Finally, since you came here to discover Basel’s craft beer scene, you’re in luck. Basel is one of the prominent cities where you can explore different types of craft beers. You should make a point to visit the Ueli Brewery, which is steeped in culture and tradition. Another must-visit is 3Fach, which is more than just a brewery and bar – it’s the go-to hangout spot. You can also try Volta Bräu, which uses solar-powered energy to produce unique and earthy flavors.

Conclusion

Basel offers more than just fantastic beer. You can uncover hidden treasures, delve into Switzerland’s deep art and musical history, and enjoy locally-sourced cuisine that will tickle your taste buds. Come and experience the soul of Basel, and find out what truly makes this city unique.