Essential by Dorint Basel City

Outdoor

Hochkönigsburg near Colmar

Located between Strasbourg and Colmar, this castle built in the 12th century is situated in one of the most beautiful areas of Alsace. As one of the highest castles, it offers a breathtaking view that stretches across the Rhine valley to the Kaiserstuhl. Let your visit take you back in time to the Middle Ages and combine your excursion with a walk through the monkey forest, where your path will lead you to free-ranging monkeys, and then enjoy an air show at the eagle observatory at Kintzheim Castle.

Colmar

As one of the most beautiful cities in Alsace, Colmar, about 60 km from Basel, is an excellent place for a day trip. In Colmar you will find numerous important town houses from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, which still give the old town a medieval character. In addition, various museums and the annual summer festival of classical music attract visitors.

Freiburg im Breisgau

Freiburg im Breisgau, which is about 1000 years old, is considered the southernmost large city in Germany and is probably one of the most beautiful cities on the Upper Rhine. Here you will find remarkable buildings from all eras of the city's history and a beautiful old town, which was largely rebuilt after the war according to historical models. The cathedral and cathedral square were particularly fortunate, having survived the bombing almost unscathed, along with the historic department store, the Old Guardhouse and two medieval city gates. In addition to a variety of museums and a wide range of cultural activities, the Mediterranean flair of this sunny metropolis attracts visitors to take a leisurely stroll through the streets. However, all single women are warned not to step into the "Bächle" (brook) during their walk through the old town, otherwise they will marry a "freiburg jack", so they say...

Visit our sister hotel in Freiburg, the Dorint Thermenhotel Freiburg, which is located on the outskirts of the city, but with direct access to the thermal baths of Freiburg, inviting you to relax.

Lucerne

Founded in the 12th century, the city of Lucerne is the social, economic and cultural center of Central Switzerland. Its landmark, the oldest preserved and with over 200 meters the second longest covered Hozl bridge in Europe, together with the water tower in the Reuss river, attract countless tourists every year, because this panorama is simply beautiful. Here you can also discover various museums and combine your visit with a walk on the Pilatus, the local mountain of Lucerne. A ride on the world's steepest cogwheel railroad, which leads from the Alpnach side up to the Pilatus, is worthwhile. On the Lucerne side, a panoramic gondola lift and an aerial cableway are tempting alternatives.

Interlaken

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe already discovered and described the enchanting mountain world around Interlaken - simply pure nature!

Not far away, our sister hotel, the Dorint Blüemlisalp Interlaken / Beatenberg awaits you. Let our colleagues pamper you and enjoy the picturesque landscape around Lake Thun as well as the breathtaking view of Grindelwald, the Aletsch Glacier, the Eiger North Face and the world famous Jungfraujoch.

Hiking around Basel

The region around Basel is very scenic and has many beautiful hiking trails to offer. Whether from Ettingen through the forest area Bruderholz to the old town of Basel or for all water lovers from Basel along the Rhine to Rheinfelden and on the return trip with the Rhine ferry back to Basel the possibilities are many. Ask us, we will gladly explain to you how you can best get to the most beautiful corners in and around Basel.

Whine and More

Baden Wine Route

Under the motto "Pure pleasure" or "In wine lies truth" a tour on the Baden Wine Route is recommended. This 170 km route leads from Baden-Baden to Weil am Rhein and winds its way through the diverse landscape of the Black Forest. Stop in at rustic wine taverns and let yourself be spoiled with culinary delicacies as well as excellent wines from the place where they are produced.

Wine Manufactory St. Jacob

Wine growing was very important in and around Basel in the 18th century - on the one hand because wine was considered a staple food, and on the other hand because vines served as additional protection for the city walls.

The red wine pressed by the St. Jakob estate was of particularly good quality and even found favor with local nobles, although they usually preferred wines from Alsace. After the battle of St. Jakob on the Birs, the wine became known as Swiss blood.

Historical buildings

Rötteln castle

Rötteln Castle is still the third largest castle ruin in Baden. It is enthroned at an altitude of over 400 meters above Lörrach. From the Staufer keep, it offers an excellent panoramic view of Lörrach, the Wiesental valley and towards Switzerland and is considered the most prominent landmark. You can follow in the footsteps of the former lords of Röttelsburg Castle in the castle museum.

Arlesheim Cathedral

The cathedral was built in only 3 years according to the plans of Franz Demmes in the baroque style and is today considered the landmark of the municipality of Arlesheim. Consecrated in 1681, a complete renovation became necessary after only 80 years due to the rapid construction. This gave the cathedral a rococo appearance and it was altered by various artists. A special ornament is the Silbermann organ, which was finished in 1761 and has been restored several times until today. The people of Arlesheim are particularly proud of the organ, because it is the last of its kind in Switzerland and has absolute rarity value.

Episcopal Church of Basel

Next to the Middle Bridge, Basel's cathedral is probably the city's best-known landmark. With its red sandstone, colorful bricks and two slender towers, it's hard to imagine the city skyline without it.

Visit the former Episcopal church, built between 1019 and 1500 in Romanesque and Gothic style. The crypt, the choir, the tomb of Erasmus of Rotterdam, the Gallus Gate and the two cloisters bear witness to an eventful building history during several centuries. Today, the square around the cathedral is a meeting place and is frequently used for events. And the Pfalz, as the terrace overlooking the Rhine is called, is one of the city's most popular vantage points.

Monastery and Chapel of Grace Mariastein

For all those who would like to combine their stay in Basel with a short pilgrimage, a visit to the monastery and the Chapel of Grace Mariastein is recommended. On the approx. 20 km long hike you have time to turn inward, to soak up the beauty of the nature around you and to find your way back to inner peace. Mariastein has been revered as a place of grace since the 14th century, with the rock grotto with the Mother of God at its center. A visit to the Benedictine monastery Marienstein is also worthwhile.

Basel Zoo

The Basel Zoo - affectionately known as the Zolli - is an institution that has been delighting young and old alike since 1834. Located in the heart of the city, the zoo is currently facing the exciting challenge of transforming itself from a 19th century zoo into a 21st century zoo. Visit the biodiversity that is at home here and take your morning walk with the Zolli penguins, or experience how the animals brave the winter well furred. The zoo also has a lot to offer for underwater enthusiasts and a visit to the aquarium - for example to see the colorful Halloween crabs - is definitely worthwhile. Whether you prefer to discover the Zolli individually, or with an organized guided tour - With pleasure we would like to help you with the organization.

Rhine shipping

The Rhine is definitely the lifeline of Basel, it radiates tranquility and offers a high recreational factor.

Take your time and enjoy a boat trip on Father Rhine, whether a regular boat trip, the lock trip or an adventure trip with exciting themes such as "Murder on Board", "Three Countries Culinarium", "R(h)einlesen" and much more.

City-Team-Game

An ideal program item for seminar breaks is the City-Team-Game, which leads to the most beautiful places of Basel on foot or by scooter and promotes entertainment and team spirit with many funny games.

for 10-120 people, duration approx. 2-3 hours

Can be carried out all year round

Shooting events

Crossbow, laser, clay pigeon, bow or blowgun shooting

Calmness and concentration are crucial for success in any shooting exercise, but when do you ever have the opportunity to test your skills in crossbow or archery? Experienced trainers will introduce you to the respective discipline. In the team competition, everyone can prove their skill and after successful training, it will become apparent which participants already succeed in "the golden shot" at the end of the event.

Up to 30 people per discipline - duration from 1 to 3 hours.

For larger groups it is recommended to combine several disciplines, then the shooting events are suitable for up to 120 people.

Europapark

Only about 1 hour's drive from Basel, Europapark Rust, awarded Best Amusement Park in Europe in 2011, attracts visitors with all kinds of rides and constantly changing live shows.

Great fun, for people of all ages, and certainly a nice change of pace after an exhausting seminar.

City canoe tours on the Rhine

If you want to explore Basel from a really new perspective, you should get into a canoe, drift along the sights of Basel and enjoy the panorama. If you like it more sporty, then we will stoke your competitive spirit by, among other things, holding a final race followed by an award ceremony. You will love the Rhine as a powerful motor and almost by the way you will learn the high art of canoeing.

The meeting point is behind the Tinquely Museum on the banks of the Rhine, where the 10-person canoes are pumped up and after a short instruction we go out on the water.

For a maximum of 27 people - duration about 3 hours.

The lock tour with the Canadian from Augst, to Basel through the Birsfeld lock is also an exciting thing.

www.kanuschule-basel.ch

Adventure climbing forest Lörrach

In the period from April to October, the adventure climbing forest Lörrach attracts as a special team challenge! Excitement and above all fun are guaranteed when you conquer the 5 varied courses together with your colleagues, which lead between 1 and 8 meters high directly through the treetops. On request, team building exercises can be added for groups as a prelude to the climbing fun.

The team of the Dorint An der Messe Basel used the Erlebnisnisskletterwald 2012 as a team building event and all participants were enthusiastic. Our favorite: the Flying Fox course ... some colleagues didn't want to stop at all.

Deer Ground Zipline

... for all who are free from giddiness ...

The Hirschgrund Zipline has 7 tracks on which you can swing through the treetops of the Black Forest at a height of up to 83 meters, and enjoy a bird's eye view of the breathtaking landscape. The adrenaline kick is guaranteed, although this course also requires some courage. However, your courage will be rewarded with an absolute high and the knowledge that not everyone takes on such a challenge.

Our brave Rooms Division Manager has personally tested this course for you and would do it again and again ... would you dare too?

For up to 8 people, direct reservation possible online.
Larger groups on request.
Accessible only by motor vehicle.

Fox-Trail

... the most popular scavenger hunt in Switzerland, also offers you the opportunity to hunt the fox in Basel.

In small groups and if necessary on different trails you go on the fox chase. You have to guess the course of the trail by solving different tasks; a fun and varied way to discover Basel and to encourage your team to work together.

From 2-120 people, duration 2.5 to 4 hours depending on the trail.

www.foxtrail.ch/SiteHomepage?l=de-DE

Field castle brewery

Hops & Malt ...

Discover one of the most beautiful castles in Switzerland, if not the most beautiful castle - at least for beer lovers. Visit the field castle breweries in Riehen and learn everything you ever wanted to know about your favorite beverage. Of course, a tasting is part of the tour. 

about 30 people, duration 2 hours