Today we said goodbye to the mountains with a walk to a view point in Wengen, train rides back into the valley, and on to Basel. In Basel we searched out our hotel, explored a history museum and got a first, close up, look at the Rhine River with a ferry boat ride.
Our hotel in Wengen, the Arenas
Coffee on our balcony this morning
We had a wonderful Swiss breakfast at our hotel this morning with a view of the mountains.
On our morning walk through Wengen.
We found a wonderful viewpoint where we could see down into the valley and up to the snow capped mountains.
Then it was back to the train station to start our journey out of the mountains to Basel.
Wengen's train station.
Back into the green valley
Last train rides
We arrived in Basel found our bus and then had to walk to the hotel from the bus stop. It wasn't a long walk but Google maps wanted us to carry our luggage up these stairs turn the corner and then go up a huge flight of stairs. We declined and went around the corner to get there. What we didn't know was that at the top of the steps you can see in this picture is an elevator thst takes you right up to the hotel's reception area....
Our hotel is the second building back with the turrets. Our room was up in the roof line. Our room has the three dark windows a little to the left of the turret on the right.
Our first stop in exploring Basel was the history museum right across the plaza.they have a wide range of exhibits from public fountains to religious relics to pottery, and rooms from mansions.
Then it was on to the Münster. Unfortunately, it was closed but we got to explore the outside spaces.
The Munster is where the town's market used to be held. This sculpture pays homage to that history.
Then we headed down to the Rhine River where we took a ferry across the river
Walking along the Rhine river and then back accross the river on the middle bridge which was built in 1226 and rebuilt in 1905.
On our way back to the hotel we stopped to explore the courtyard of the Rathaus, the City Hall.
Then it was back to our hotel for a wonderful dinner on the Terrasse.
Basel at night from our hotel room
Tomorrow we explore Basel some more and meet the TUI Isla, our river boat for the next leg of this adventure.
Jane - Switzerland is so beautiful. Were those real, blooming wisteria draping along that walkway? The Rathaus was amazing - how old are those paintings on the outside? If it weren't so cold, I would love to plunge in those gorgeous, turquoise waters. Are they ever warm enough to swim in?