Lange Erlen Park And Wiese River

Lange Erlen is a large park on the northern edge of Basel and Riehen, following the course of the Wiese, a river that rises in the Black Forest in Germany and reaches the Rhine in Basel. The park occupies a broad, flat valley floor of meadows, groves and ponds, and it is one of the main places where the people of Basel go to walk, run, cycle and relax. The name refers to the alder trees, Erlen in German, that grow in damp ground along the water, and the landscape of old trees and river meadows gives it a calm, rural character even though the city is only a short distance away.

The park has a practical purpose that is not obvious at first glance. Part of the drinking water for Basel is produced here by letting water from the Wiese seep through the ground, where it is filtered naturally before being pumped up for use. This system has been in operation for more than a century, and some of the meadows and channels in the park belong to the water supply installation. Information boards explain the process, and walking among the channels and ponds gives a sense of how closely the city depends on its landscape.

For families, the most popular feature is the animal park, known as the Tierpark Lange Erlen, a small, free zoo of local and domestic animals. Visitors can see deer, wild boar, goats, sheep, waterfowl and other creatures in enclosures spread through the woods and meadows, with a pond and playground nearby. It is a good place to take young children, as the scale is manageable and the atmosphere is informal. There is also a restaurant with a garden, which provides meals and refreshments in the middle of the park.

Paths run along both banks of the Wiese and across the park, and they are used by walkers, joggers, cyclists and dog owners. The paths are level and mostly paved or well-packed, so they suit strollers and wheelchairs. Benches and picnic spots are scattered through the park, and there are places where you can approach the river and watch the water. The Wiesendamm promenade, nearby, and the Riehen sights such as the Fondation Beyeler are within reach, so a walk can easily be extended.

The park is open at all times and free of charge, and it is easy to reach by tram and bus from Basel and Riehen. It is at its busiest on summer weekends, and early mornings and weekday afternoons are quiet. It suits families, walkers, birdwatchers and anyone who needs a break from urban life. Allow one to three hours depending on whether you visit the animals and have a meal. Wear sturdy shoes if you leave the main paths, since the ground can be damp, and bring insect repellent in summer.