Discover Basel-Land: Nature, Castles and Roman History

In Basel-Land, diverse landscapes and cultural regions come together in a small area. Views stretch as far as the Alps, the Black Forest and the Vosges. There are also archaeological sites, castles and gardens. When planning your stay, you can focus on culture and history or on high-altitude trails and nature – the region offers a range of destinations for both.

Landscapes, Gardens and Historic Trails

The natural highlights of the cantonal nature reserves include near-natural oak forests, limestone beech forests, nutrient-poor meadows and rocky habitats. At Wildenstein Castle, landscape and history come together: it is one of only two surviving hilltop castles in Basel-Land. The surrounding area includes a nature reserve known for its ancient oaks. An information trail around the castle, accessible at all times, offers insights into the past.

A different kind of garden landscape awaits you in Arlesheim. At the foot of Birseck Castle lies the Ermitage Arlesheim, Switzerland’s largest English landscape garden. Artificial ponds and streams shape the grounds, which are freely accessible all year round. In spring, Basel-Land is also known for the spectacular Bluescht, or cherry blossom. The landscape can therefore be enjoyed from different perspectives depending on when you visit.

Roman City, Castles and Culture

Augusta Raurica is considered Switzerland’s largest archaeological park and comprises more than 20 sights. The open-air site is open around the clock, 365 days a year. The Roman city offers a distinct focus alongside the region’s medieval castles and later country estates.

From the imposing shield wall at Farnsburg Castle ruins, views extend to the Vosges, the Black Forest and the Alps. Since summer 2024, an audio tour has been available there, featuring nine audio stories about key sites in the castle and its roughly 700-year history. Check whether the tour is currently available before your visit. A castle hike to the ruins is listed as 4.40 kilometres long and taking 1.5 hours; the route and duration may change if the trail is revised.

Ebenrain Castle is a country estate with gardens built in 1774/75. From an art-historical perspective, it is now regarded as the most important late Baroque country estate in Basel-Land and the surrounding area. The exterior grounds and park are open to the public; check whether any temporary restrictions apply before your visit. The castle is also used as a venue for events, including concerts and art exhibitions; individual programmes may change. Schönthal Monastery adds another cultural highlight: its sculptures are a rare example of ecclesiastical culture from the mid-12th century in Switzerland as a whole.

Wasserfallen: High-Altitude Trails and Seasonal Activities

The Wasserfallen region offers scenic high-altitude trails with views stretching as far as the Alps. In summer, thrilling scooter rides are among the activities on offer; in winter, there is sledging and guided snowshoe hiking. This seasonal variety makes the time of year a useful guide when planning your excursions. Wasserfallen Forest Rope Park is located right beside the mountain station of the Reigoldswil–Wasserfallen cable car on the Jura range above Reigoldswil.

Take bus no. 70 from Liestal to the Reigoldswil Dorfplatz stop to reach the valley station. Check the latest timetable before travelling. Another tour idea is the Basel-Land Vineyards Route, with vineyards and views of the Jura landscape and the Black Forest. It can be explored by e-bike, bicycle or gravel bike; check the conditions and permitted access before setting off.

Regional Produce and Getting Your Bearings

Farm shops in Basel-Land sell regional produce directly from the people who grow and make it. Depending on the season, this includes Basel-Land cherries, aromatic damsons and truffles. In spring, Bluescht brings together another regional speciality: seasonal produce from local farms.

For geographical orientation: the canton of Basel-Landschaft comprises five districts, and its capital is Liestal. The tourism offering divides Basel-Land into the regions of Arlesheim, Liestal, Laufen, Sissach and Tafeljura, Waldenburg, and Wasserfallen. This division helps organise destinations according to their respective regional focus.

Discover more destinations: Laufen, Liestal, Sissach, Waldenburg, Basel-Stadt, Arlesheim, Lucerne, Fribourg.

For the overview of the wider travel region: Switzerland.