The Rhine river divides Basel city and most often people use the bridges to cross from one side to the other. However, there are four ferries that can be taken instead. These ferries are attached to a cable and are powered exclusively by the Rhine's strong current to get from one side of the river to the other. The first one of its kind was used in 1854. The four in use today are: St. Alban, connecting St. Alban Tal and Rheinweg; Münster, connecting Münsterplatz to Kleinbasel center; Klingental reachable from the city center; and St. Johann connecting that area to lower Kleinbasel.

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Last edited on May 14, 10 3:39 AM.
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Chaim H.

Ursula S.

Aug 24, 2009

Ferries - Rhein: A somewhat anachronistic yet still widely used system of ferry boats links the two shores. There are four ferries, each situated approximately midway between two bridges. Each is attached by a cable to a block that rides along another cable spanning the river at a height of 20 or 30 metres. To cross the river, the ferryman orients the boat around 45° from the current so that the current pushes the boat across the river. This form of transportation is therefore completely hydraulically driven, requiring no outside energy source.

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Jasmine C.

Jul 13, 2011

a nice extra in the city you can cross the river by boot as well, just try it out once, bring a beer and something to eat and just enjoy...it is quite cheap and you have a nice view over the river and the houses around the boarder...the ferry is rentable for hours as well, in case you plan some event...

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