Cranachin

It turns out I will have 2-3 hours in Basel (in transit) on a Sunday afternoon during the Autumn Fair (a serendipitous bonus - I did not know about it when I booked my travel). I will be going from the airport to the SBB Station and then taking a train from there.

Any advice on what parts of the Fair would be worth taking in? There are 7 different locations around the city, but the three on the SBB (Grossbasel) side of the Rhine (Münsterplatz, Petersplatz, and Barfüsserplatz) seem to make the most sense.I have found a few websites that describe the Fair in general terms or talk about previous years, but none so far that tell what will be going on in each location this year. Anyone know where I can find that info?

I read that at Petersplatz there are many vendors selling crafts and such, and that has appeal. I don't think I will be riding any of the rides, but I might do the Ferris wheel if the weather is good, as I read that the view from up top is nice.

As far as food and drink go, I don't like sausage (which not surprisingly is a big seller), so advice on other lunch options would be appreciated. I don't drink coffee or alcohol either, so no need for advice on beer, wine, or coffees. I DO like sweets, though, so recommendations about pastries and candies are welcome! I definitely want to pick up some mässemocken (hard candy with hazelnut praline filling), as well as some roasted almonds.

Thanks for any input you can give!

FoFoBT

The area around the Basel Messe used to be a big part of the fair, but this year the messe is under major renovation, so I don't know how much will be there.
My favourite part is the Munsterplatz with the ferris wheel. I don't ride the ferris wheel but like to admire it -- looks especially cool (IMO) when seen from the Wettstein bridge after dark. Plus I like wandering around the neighbourhood. From what I've been told, the Petersplatz section with all the stalls doesn't open until November 15 (see http://www.messen-maerkte.bs.ch/herbstmesse.htm ). The swings in that link's photo are located along the Rhine in Kleinbasel around the Klingental. They're amazing esp at night - it looks like they're swinging way out over the Rhine - I'm too much of a chicken to ride them, but if you're made of sturdier stuff, that could be a lot of fun.

Ingo

My favourite part of the Herbstmesse was the Petersplatz section. I was there the last weekend in October last year and stayed at Hotel Rochat, right at Petersplatz.

Lots of food stalls of all sorts there - loved the cheese and the meat/salami etc. And the chocolate, of course! You'll see specialties from all over Switzerland.

FoFoBT

FYI, from Basel SBB train station, if you want to go to the ferris wheel/Munsterplatz, take the #2 tram (direction Eglisee) three stops to Kunstmuseum - then walk about a block or so (on the street to the left of the tram stop) til you get to Munsterplatz (follow the crowds), about a five minute ride. To get to the Kleinbasel area with the swings, catch the number 8 tram heading to Kleinhüningen and get off at Rheingasse and walk along the Rhine or (two stops later) Kaserne, about a 10 minute ride from Basel SBB. There are different ways to get to Petersplatz, but I would take the Bus 30 (direction Badische Bahnhof) to the Spalentor stop and then walk down the Spalengraben. You can also get off a stop earlier at Universität and walk down Petersgraben. The bus ride from the train station to either of these stops is short - just a few minutes.

Cranachin

Thanks for the feedback, FoFoBT and Ingo. Since I will have so little time, I want to make the most of what I do have.

FoFoBT - I thought the website said Petersplatz is open until November 15 (with the other locations closing November 13). Did I read it wrong?

Ingo

No, you read it right - like I said, I visited the Petersplatz section 31 Oct/1 Nov.

FoFoBT

Yes, you're both right. That's what I meant to type, but I was on the phone when I posted and I got it backwards. Mea culpa!

Phil

Cranachin:

Petersplatz is also my favourite location, especially as I am no longer into taking hair-rising rides. From the railway station it is easily reached by bus number 30: 3 stops to Spalentor, which is on the edge of Petersplatz; just follow the crowd.

Enjoy your break in Basel (and regret you don't have more time)

Phil.

Cranachin

Well, it sounds like Petersplatz is the place to be! Thanks Phil, FoFoBT, and Ingo for the guidance.

I wish I had longer in Basel, but unfortunately it is just a transit point this trip. I will have to come back to spend more time there in the future.