Throughout the week, my travel companions and I made our way through Switzerland. We saved Basel for my last day with them. They wanted me to have a truly authentic Basel day. That meant one thing: getting on a bike. In the last decade I had been on a bike once. So, yeah, I was a little nervous to go riding again. But its like they always say, “It’s just like riding a bike!” Soon enough I was cycling like a pro all over town. Our first stop was the market square (Marktplatz) to grab a bite. Market Square houses the Canton of Basel-Stadt’s beautiful City Hall (Rathaus), and during the week offers a bountiful market of fruits, vegetables, and foods vendors. I had the local delicacy “Hot Dog Special” (basically a hot dog in a bun, corndog style, with ketchup and mustard. It was glorious.

After fueling up with wiener, we were off for some more ‘splorin. We cycled along the cobblestoned roads of the Old City, taking in exquisite views of the Rhine River, eccentric street art, and the massive Basel Münster. Since we had been riding for awhile it was time stop for a refreshing spritz and some people watching at a little area along the lower Rhine path (Unterer Rheinweg). Gorgeous and delicious!

My favorite part of the day was a little surprise my Swiss friends planned for me. Knowing that I like weird landmarks and statues, they led the way to the spot where Switzerland meets Germany and France. It was so cool to be looking out and knowing the if I looked to the left I could see France and if I looked to the right I was saying hello to Germany. Such a unique experience. My friends know me so well. This is the exact type of thing I love to see and a great way to end my time in Switzerland!

It wasn’t over quite yet though. Like Vanessa Williams, I was saving the best for last. For dinner we had raclette. I don’t know about you, but I had no idea what raclette was before visiting Switzerland, so let me give you a brief intro if you don’t already know. Raclette is basically melted cheesy goodness on top of various items like potatoes, pickles, and baby corns. It’s so much more than that, but that’s the cliffs’ notes version of it. Life changing really. I can’t wait to have raclette again one day. If you ever get the opportunity to try it, I highly recommend it. So cheesy, so yummy.

Tips, Links, and Locations:

Hotdog Time: Marktplatz Kanton Basel-Stadt Staatskanzlei, Marktplatz 9, 4051 Basel

Amazing street art: Gerbergässlein 4001 Basel

Huge church: Basel Münster Basler Münster, 4051 Basel

Tri-Country Spot: Border Triangle Dreiländereck, Westquaistrasse 75, 4057 Basel