Baselland
Baselland (Basel-Landschaft) is a tourism region in the northwest of Switzerland, bordering the city of Basel. It is a largely rural, hilly region of the Jura, with gentle hills and valleys, vineyards and forests rather than high mountains or a dominant lake. The region is known for its dense concentration of around 80 castles, palaces and ruins, the Roman town of Augusta Raurica, and year-round hiking and cycling routes. Its character is a mix of historic small towns such as Liestal, the cantonal capital, and Laufen, alongside abundant nature, viewpoints and vineyards. The region is culturally vibrant, with museums, cultural centres and theatres, and is easily reached from Basel by public transport. Central hubs include the cantonal capital Liestal and the excursion region of Wasserfallen in the Baselbieter Jura.
Summer activities
Baselland is a year-round hiking and cycling region with around 1,000 kilometres of signposted trails through gentle hills, forests and valleys, often with clear views to the Alps. Summer highlights include the cherry blossom ('Bluescht') in spring, themed trails such as the Planetenweg in Laufen, the excursion region of Wasserfallen with its cable car, toboggan runs and forest rope parks, and the Roman town of Augusta Raurica with its interactive offers and the largest Roman festival in Switzerland. Mountain bikers find trails and the Trailcenter Aesch, while the region also offers swimming pools, the aquabasilea water park and the Kneipp facility in Langenbruck.
Winter activities
In winter, the Waldenburg region offers the highest mountains of Baselland, with the only gondola of the region taking visitors up to the Wasserfallen for winter hiking and snowshoeing, while Langenbruck has ski slopes. The region also offers indoor ice rinks and curling in Arlesheim, as well as the Chienbäse carnival procession in Liestal in February.
Culture and entertainment
Baselland has a lively cultural scene ranging from small stages to innovative cultural houses, with venues such as the Kulturscheune in Liestal, the Alts Schlachthuus cultural centre in Laufen, the Marabu in Gelterkinden and the Elefantehuus in Liestal offering concerts, theatre, comedy and cabaret. The region is rich in museums, from the Kunsthaus Baselland for contemporary art to the Museum.BL and numerous local and village museums, and hosts festivals and events such as the Roman festival at Augusta Raurica, the Baselbieter Genusswoche culinary week and the Chienbäse carnival in Liestal.
