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3-day itinerary

Extended Riehen Experience

Three-day general exploration of Riehen, Switzerland

Length
3 days · 12 sights
Pace
Moderate
Estimated cost
CHF 175 per person
Based in
Riehen

Day by day

  1. Day 1: Art, Architecture, and Historic Manors

    Begin the journey with high culture at the Fondation Beyeler, followed by a stroll through the historic Wenkenhof estate and its gardens.

    • 09:00

      Fondation Beyeler

      Explore the world-class collection of modern and contemporary art housed in Renzo Piano’s iconic building, surrounded by a serene park.

      About 3 hours

    • 12:00

      Lunch at Fondation Beyeler Café

      Enjoy a light lunch or coffee with a view of the park before heading to the next site.

      About 60 min

    • 13:30

      Wenkenhof Manor Estate

      Visit this historic Swiss manor, appreciating its architecture and the contrast between the French and English garden styles.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 15:00

      French Garden at New Wenken

      Stroll through the formal French gardens adjacent to the New Wenken estate, a perfect spot for photography and relaxation.

      About 60 min

    • 16:00

      Rehberger-Weg (Walk of Art)

      Take a leisurely walk along the Rehberger-Weg, an open-air art trail featuring sculptures and installations in a natural setting.

      About 60 min

    • 18:00

      Dinner in Riehen Center

      Dine at a local Swiss restaurant in the heart of Riehen to experience regional cuisine.

      About 1.5 hours

    Meals:
    Lunch at Fondation Beyeler Café; Dinner at Riehen Center
    Where to stay:
    Stay in a hotel in Riehen or nearby Basel city center for easy access.
    Getting around:
    Walking is sufficient for most attractions; use local bus if tired.

  2. Day 2: Nature, Rivers, and Natural Swimming

    Dedicate the day to Riehen's natural beauty, including the famous chlorine-free natural pool and scenic riverside walks.

    • 09:00

      Naturbad Riehen

      Swim or relax at the chlorine-free natural pool designed by Herzog & de Meuron, set in a lush green environment.

      About 2 hours

    • 11:00

      Snack at Naturbad Café

      Grab a drink or light snack after swimming.

      About 60 min

    • 12:00

      Lange Erlen Park and Wiese River

      Explore the diverse flora and trails of Lange Erlen Park, a protected nature reserve along the Wiese River.

      About 2 hours

    • 14:00

      Wiesendamm Promenade

      Walk along the scenic riverside promenade, enjoying views of the Wiese River and the surrounding landscape.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 15:30

      View of the Wiese River

      Stop at key viewpoints along the river for photography and relaxation.

      About 60 min

    • 17:00

      Dinner near Wiese River

      Enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant with a view.

      About 1.5 hours

    Meals:
    Snack at Naturbad Café; Dinner at Wiese River Area
    Where to stay:
    Continue staying in Riehen or Basel.
    Getting around:
    Walking and cycling are ideal for this day.

  3. Day 3: History, Science, and Local Charm

    Conclude the trip with visits to historic manors, a memorial to Leonhard Euler, and the unique MUKS toy museum.

    • 09:00

      MUKS – Museum Kultur & Spiel

      Discover the fascinating historic European toy collections in this unique museum.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 10:30

      Memorial Plaque for Leonhard Euler

      Visit the memorial plaque honoring the renowned mathematician Leonhard Euler, who lived in Riehen.

      About 60 min

    • 11:30

      Bäumlihof Manor Estate

      Explore the historic Bäumlihof estate and its extensive parks, a quiet retreat in Riehen.

      About 1.5 hours

    • 13:00

      Lunch in Riehen Village

      Enjoy a traditional Swiss lunch in the village center.

      About 60 min

    • 14:00

      Maienbühl Woods Walk

      Even if not biking, walk the trails in the Maienbühl woods for a peaceful end to the trip.

      About 2 hours

    • 16:00

      Farewell Coffee and Cake

      End the trip with Swiss coffee and cake at a local bakery.

      About 60 min

    Meals:
    Lunch at Riehen Village; Snack at Local Bakery
    Where to stay:
    Check out of accommodation.
    Getting around:
    Walking is sufficient for all sites.

Practical information

Riehen is a municipality located in the canton of Basel-Stadt, immediately adjacent to the city of Basel. Consequently, the "Extended Riehen Experience" is best understood as a stay within the greater Basel metropolitan area. The best time to visit is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to June) or autumn (September to October). These periods offer mild temperatures ideal for walking and outdoor café culture, avoiding the peak summer crowds and winter chill. While Riehen itself is residential and quiet, its proximity to Basel provides easy access to urban amenities. Transportation is highly efficient. There is no direct train station in Riehen; travelers should fly into Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport (BSL) or Zurich Airport (ZRH) and take a train to Basel SBB, the main hub. From Basel SBB, Riehen is accessible via frequent tram lines (such as Line 10 or 11) or regional buses. Within Riehen, the area is compact and walkable, though bicycles are excellent for exploring the surrounding vineyards and trails. For day trips to the Swiss Alps or other regions, the Swiss Travel Pass is recommended for unlimited travel on trains, buses, and boats, as well as free entry to many museums. Accommodation in Riehen is limited to private guesthouses or short-term rentals, as it is primarily a residential suburb. Most visitors choose to stay in Basel city center for better hotel variety and nightlife, using the efficient public transport network to commute to Riehen for specific visits, such as to the Fondation Beyeler. Budget considerations should reflect Switzerland’s high cost of living. Meals, especially in Basel, are expensive; budget travelers should utilize supermarkets like Migros or Coop for picnics and self-catering. Attractions like the Fondation Beyeler require paid entry, while many parks and the Rhine River banks are free. Pack layers suitable for variable weather, including a waterproof jacket and comfortable walking shoes. Switzerland’s public transport is punctual and clean, so downloading the SBB Mobile app is essential for real-time navigation. Always carry a small amount of Swiss Francs in cash, though credit cards are widely accepted. Finally, respect local quiet hours, particularly in residential areas like Riehen, and remember that littering is strictly enforced with significant fines.

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