Anyone been to Fastnacht or Fasnacht in Switzerland?
May 4th, 2014, 02:40 PM
#1
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Anyone been to Fastnacht or Fasnacht in Switzerland?
Yes, it seems to be spelled two ways. Sometimes also called Carnaval. But I digress.
Anyway, wondering if anyone has experienced this and if so, in what city or town? Seems like it can take place before Ash Wed and also after.
Anyway, wondering if anyone has experienced this and if so, in what city or town? Seems like it can take place before Ash Wed and also after.
May 4th, 2014, 11:24 PM
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Depends where... Basel and surroundings celebrate a week later than everyone else. There are historical reasons for that but that would be too long to explain now.
Basel is of course the top place to go and absolutely fantastic, not just the Monday morning but the whole 3 days with their various activities. In case you intend to go, though, book your accommodation as soon as possible as hotel prices will skyrocket and the entire city will be booked solid months in advance. Stay within walking distance of the city centre if you can.
Basel is of course the top place to go and absolutely fantastic, not just the Monday morning but the whole 3 days with their various activities. In case you intend to go, though, book your accommodation as soon as possible as hotel prices will skyrocket and the entire city will be booked solid months in advance. Stay within walking distance of the city centre if you can.
May 5th, 2014, 12:09 AM
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Go and see it...
I have seen the full programme in Basel once (all 3 days), Morgestraich again this year, and the afternoon parades a couple of times, and I would go again in an instant.
If you want it really "hardcore" you could combine Basel with the fire parade in nearby Liestal on Sunday night. But be warned, this is not for the faint-hearted. I was there this year, but thanks to the help of local friends we were able to watch from behind a window. I would NEVER enter that narrow main street where they carry the fire brooms and pull the fire carts through.
The adjacent German region - Black Forest, Bodensee, Swabia - has many more impressive Fastnacht events to offer, by the way. But if I start on those I'll still be typing tomorrow morning...
I have seen the full programme in Basel once (all 3 days), Morgestraich again this year, and the afternoon parades a couple of times, and I would go again in an instant.
If you want it really "hardcore" you could combine Basel with the fire parade in nearby Liestal on Sunday night. But be warned, this is not for the faint-hearted. I was there this year, but thanks to the help of local friends we were able to watch from behind a window. I would NEVER enter that narrow main street where they carry the fire brooms and pull the fire carts through.
The adjacent German region - Black Forest, Bodensee, Swabia - has many more impressive Fastnacht events to offer, by the way. But if I start on those I'll still be typing tomorrow morning...
May 5th, 2014, 05:56 AM
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I have done both; Liestal for the fire parade, home for a couple of hours sleep, then into Basel. We were close enough to feel the heat! It was OK because it was absolutely freezing, but amazing and fun! The costumes and lanterns in Basel were beyond anything I could have imagined. We have always planned to go again, but haven't made it. If you can go, do it! Do both! Basel was the best of any parades, festivals, etc. that I have ever seen anywhere, and the two together are an incredible experience.
May 5th, 2014, 06:57 AM
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Living in Basel, I've been to the city's Fasnacht celebrations several times and also to the Liestal event.
The Liestal fire parade is unlike any other fasnacht/Carnival experience, so I highly recommend it. Do get on the main street, it's worth it. However, just be aware that it's a total madhouse trying to get back to Basel afterwards (the S-bahns are packed like sardines). What worked best for us is to catch the S-bahn from Liestal one stop the other way (opposite direction from Basel), get off and then catch the next S-bahn from there to Basel. That's about the only way to get a seat on the train.
Re the "regular" Fasnacht in Basel, IMO, the best part is Morgestraich, the official opening of Fasnacht very early on Monday morning. That's magical and if you go to Basel for Fascnacht, you shouldn't miss it (unless it's absolutely pouring down with rain as it was one year, 2009, I think; I did give that one a miss)
Keep in mind that during Fasnacht, the local transit system will be all discombobulated. During the parades, trams and buses through the heart of Basel and over certain bridges (Wettsteinbrucke, for example) will not be running.
If you plan to stay overnight in Basel, the Hotel Basel, just off Marktplatz has the best location for being in walking distance to everything. Well, ok. the Three Kings might be better located, but you'll pay a lot more.
FWIW, some Basel residents take the week off and head out of town to get away from the celebrations. Others, especially if they're part of a clique or have friends or kids in a clique, throw themselves into it big time. It does make commuting to and from work a PIA, except for the first day which is actually a holiday.
Happy to answer any questions.
The Liestal fire parade is unlike any other fasnacht/Carnival experience, so I highly recommend it. Do get on the main street, it's worth it. However, just be aware that it's a total madhouse trying to get back to Basel afterwards (the S-bahns are packed like sardines). What worked best for us is to catch the S-bahn from Liestal one stop the other way (opposite direction from Basel), get off and then catch the next S-bahn from there to Basel. That's about the only way to get a seat on the train.
Re the "regular" Fasnacht in Basel, IMO, the best part is Morgestraich, the official opening of Fasnacht very early on Monday morning. That's magical and if you go to Basel for Fascnacht, you shouldn't miss it (unless it's absolutely pouring down with rain as it was one year, 2009, I think; I did give that one a miss)
Keep in mind that during Fasnacht, the local transit system will be all discombobulated. During the parades, trams and buses through the heart of Basel and over certain bridges (Wettsteinbrucke, for example) will not be running.
If you plan to stay overnight in Basel, the Hotel Basel, just off Marktplatz has the best location for being in walking distance to everything. Well, ok. the Three Kings might be better located, but you'll pay a lot more.
FWIW, some Basel residents take the week off and head out of town to get away from the celebrations. Others, especially if they're part of a clique or have friends or kids in a clique, throw themselves into it big time. It does make commuting to and from work a PIA, except for the first day which is actually a holiday.
Happy to answer any questions.
May 5th, 2014, 07:08 AM
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Weisser - Hoel Basel is sold out. Looking at the Swiss Hotel Le Plaza. It's more than we ever really spend but it seems central and is one of the very few who seem to have availability. Do you think our dates of arrival Feb 22 and departure Feb 25th are OK for the festivities, including Leistal?
May 5th, 2014, 08:11 AM
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If you want to spend less and don't mind walking a bit, try the Ibis near the train station. It's actually quite nice. You might also want to look into the D Hotel, which has a good location but isn't as well known as the Hotel Basel.
Looks like you're good for the Liestal and Basel Fasnachts.
Looks like you're good for the Liestal and Basel Fasnachts.
May 5th, 2014, 08:28 AM
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We stayed at the Radisson this year, just behind the theatre. Perfect. I cannot tell you about the regular room rates, though, because we got this through some connections and paid a lot less.
As for Liestal: If you are even the tiniest bit scared of fire (I admit that I am) do not enter the main street but watch in the streets outside the old town where there is more room. Also be prepared that your clothes will suffer from heat, smoke, maybe embers. An old leather jacket is the best outer shell.
Basel: The famous event is the Morgestraich which begins at 4 a.m.(!!) sharp on Monday morning. Being out in the streets before 4 is a must. However, there is more, like the Cortège parades on Monday and Wednesday afternoon, the various small groups walking the streets with flutes and/or drums day and night, the monster concerts of the Gugge bands on Tuesday night, the kids parade on Tuesday afternoon, the lantern exhibition in Münster square. It's worth being there from Sunday to Wednesday or Thursday.
The website of Basel's Fasnacht Comité will give you more background what to expect: http://www.fasnachts-comite.ch/en/carnival/general/
As for Liestal: If you are even the tiniest bit scared of fire (I admit that I am) do not enter the main street but watch in the streets outside the old town where there is more room. Also be prepared that your clothes will suffer from heat, smoke, maybe embers. An old leather jacket is the best outer shell.
Basel: The famous event is the Morgestraich which begins at 4 a.m.(!!) sharp on Monday morning. Being out in the streets before 4 is a must. However, there is more, like the Cortège parades on Monday and Wednesday afternoon, the various small groups walking the streets with flutes and/or drums day and night, the monster concerts of the Gugge bands on Tuesday night, the kids parade on Tuesday afternoon, the lantern exhibition in Münster square. It's worth being there from Sunday to Wednesday or Thursday.
The website of Basel's Fasnacht Comité will give you more background what to expect: http://www.fasnachts-comite.ch/en/carnival/general/
May 5th, 2014, 09:09 AM
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Here is a video of Liestal 2014, to give you an idea: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwjVPIle-7I
Scary!
Scary!
May 5th, 2014, 09:43 AM
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May 5th, 2014, 12:14 PM
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May 5th, 2014, 02:09 PM
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Unfortunately all the hotels suggested are fully booked. What about Best Western on Badenstrasse? It looks a little out of the way, but others would know better than I. Price seems right. We have been to Basel once for 1 day, so that hardly makes me an expert!
May 5th, 2014, 02:16 PM
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... or The Royal Hotel on Schwarzwaldallee . Looks like it's next to the railroad. Did Weisser say the trams won't be running? I know this is a bit far from the center, but it looks quite nice.
May 5th, 2014, 03:15 PM
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You need to leave the hotel around 3:30 to 3:45 a.m. if you are staying in the centre. Notably earlier if you are dependent on public transport. Transportation works until shortly before the beginning of the Morgestraich - but you will be among 10.000's of others going into the city. Rather spend more on the hotel and save yourself the hassle. And it is not only a question of reaching the city centre. It is winter and likely to be cold and you will soon be tired, probably want a bit of sleep in the morning. It is good to have a place to rest (and your own WC) within walking distance from the action!
Badenstraße is what looks like an industrial area a bit out of the city, too far to walk. Not my choice.
Hotel Royal is located more conveniently, close to Badischer Bahnhof - activities take place on the Kleinbasel side, too, not just in the old town. The action begins begin just behind Mustermesse, hence less than 10 minutes walk from there. Quite okay in terms of location.
Badenstraße is what looks like an industrial area a bit out of the city, too far to walk. Not my choice.
Hotel Royal is located more conveniently, close to Badischer Bahnhof - activities take place on the Kleinbasel side, too, not just in the old town. The action begins begin just behind Mustermesse, hence less than 10 minutes walk from there. Quite okay in terms of location.
May 5th, 2014, 09:45 PM
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booking.com shows there are still rooms available at the Hilton, the Ramada at Messeplatz and the Hotel Rheinfelderhof (which is in Basel, in the KleinBasel area, not Rheinfelden). None of those are truly great places to stay but they're all fine. Choose one and book quickly.
As for Morgestraich, you need to be there BEFORE 4 am (we usually get to our spot about 3:30 am). But don't worry about being out at the time of night, you'll have tons of company.
We live near St. Alban Tor, which fortunately puts Morgestraich and the Fasnacht festivities within walking distance.
IMO, Basel's Fasnacht is bigger and more extravagant than Lucerne's and will give you more bang for your buck.
The action begins at 4 am in several places. We usually start at Munsterplatz.
As for Morgestraich, you need to be there BEFORE 4 am (we usually get to our spot about 3:30 am). But don't worry about being out at the time of night, you'll have tons of company.
We live near St. Alban Tor, which fortunately puts Morgestraich and the Fasnacht festivities within walking distance.
IMO, Basel's Fasnacht is bigger and more extravagant than Lucerne's and will give you more bang for your buck.
The action begins at 4 am in several places. We usually start at Munsterplatz.
