This puzzle trail wanders through Basel old town and walks along the Rhine river, a fun way to see more of this beautiful city. By following clues left by the elusive fox and solving the puzzles, you figure out the next stop along the route until you finally catch the fox at the end. Along the way, you learn about the salmon that used live in river here and the WWF “Lachs Comeback Project,“ helping to bring them back.
Note: This outing was hosted by Foxtrail. See more Foxtrails we’ve done.
| Location: | Basel Switzerland |
| Start: | Museum of Natural History Basel – Augustinergasse 2, 4051 Basel |
| Car: | Parkhaus Storchen (Fischmarkt 10, 4051 Basel) 1hr15 from Zürich, Bern or Lucerne |
| Train: | Closest tram stop: Kunstmuseum 1hr15 from Zürich, Bern or Lucerne |
| Trail: | about 3.5 km of walking, about 2.5-3 hours with solving puzzles |
| Condition: | paved and dirt paths, some stairs, not suitable for strollers |
| Skill: | easy, best for children 8+ who can read |
| Open: | year round |
| Cost 2021: | CHF 79 for family of 2 adults, 2 children |
| Services: | cafes and playgrounds along path |
| More info: | www.foxtrail.ch |
Support WWF Comeback Salmon Project
This Foxtrail was developed in partnership with WWF, with part of your ticket price support the efforts to help salmon return to Basel. The Rhine river along Basel used to be the largest salmon river in Europe, with about a million salmon a hundred years ago and now none!
Normally salmon that are born near Basel would swim to the ocean (a journey of over 1000km) where they spend their adult life. Then they would return upstream to their birthplace to spawn, where they have a positive effect on the entire eco-system, with their bodies carrying important nutrients from the ocean to inland areas (learn more about salmon).
But power stations, canals, poor water quality and other obstacles on the river have prevented salmon from returning to Basel. For over 10 years, the WWF “Lachs Comeback Project” is working to raise awareness and find solutions with decision-makers in Switzerland and other countries to help the salmon return up river. Foxtrail Laggs Basel support this project.
Location
Foxtrail Laggs Basel is located in Basel city in northwestern Switzerland. The trail starts at the Museum of Natural History Basel.
Getting there
By public transport
Take a train to Basel. Then you can take a tram into the city and walk to the museum. The easiest connection is tram 1 to Kunstmuseum, then a short walk to the museum as shown below. Or tram 8 or 11 to Marktplatz (about 8 min ride). Then a short walk to the museum as shown below.
By car
There are several parking garages in Basel. The Foxtrail starts at the Museum of Natural History Basel (Augustinergasse 2, 4051 Basel). The closest parking garage to the museum is Parkhaus Storchen (Fischmarkt 10, 4051 Basel). On Sundays, it’s affordable at CHF 1/hr. But Mon-Sat, it costs CHF 4/hr. Most parking garages in the city center charge CHF 3/hr Mon-Sat. It’s slightly less to park at Bahnhof Sud parking near the Basel train station, which is about CHF 2.50/hr (Güterstrasse 115, 4053 Basel, entrance on Meret Oppenheim-Strasse). See all parking garages in Basel.
Return from end of trail
At the end of the trail, you’ll need to take a tram either back to your car or Basel train station. I can’t tell you exactly where the trail ends. But the closest tram stop is Birsfelden, Bären. From here, you can catch tram 3 into the city center at Barfüsserplatz. If you are going to the train station, take tram 3 to Aeschenplatz, then switch to tram 8/10/11 and ride to the train station.
Planning your day
I can’t show you the trail map because that’s what you have to figure out by solving the clues along the way. I can tell you that the trail walking through some of the Basel old town and along the Rhine river. You’ll walk about 3.5 km total and take a boat and bus during the trail. The trail is not suitable for strollers as there are a few sections with stairs.
The estimated time is 2-2.5 hrs. We took about 3hrs. You are never too far from a café or grocery if you need refreshments. There is a toilet at the museum at the start and a couple public toilets along the way.
Ticket prices
You must book your FoxTrail in advance online. You book a specific day and time slot from about 10:00 to 16:00. You can book on the same day if there are open slots. But if you want a specific time slot, best to book a few days in advance.
In 2021, the Basel Laggs-Trail costs CHF 32/adult and CHF 17/child. There is a family discount, making a ticket for 2 adults and 2 children cost CHF 79. This includes your public transportation tickets for Basel city that you will need during the Foxtrail. Check website for current prices.
Note: as of Sept 2021, this trail requires a valid Covid-19 vaccination certificate to enter the museum at the beginning of the trail.
Starting documents
When you book your Foxtrail, you receive your starting documents via PDF that tell you what to bring and where to meet. These documents include hints for some stations on the trail and a helpline number in case you have trouble solving the clues. This trail is currently in German only.
IMPORTANT: Make sure to print these documents, including your confirmation receipt, and bring them with you (and a pen). You’ll need the booking code on your confirmation receipt for at least one station along the trail.
When you check in at the museum, they will give you additional materials that you need for the trail, including your public transportation pass which you’ll need for the bus and boat.
On the Fox Trail
After checking in at the museum ticket booth, follow the instructions in your printed document to find your first destination where you’ll solve your first clue. I don’t want to spoil the puzzles. So I’ll just show you a few moments to give you idea of what the trail is like.
Near the beginning you get a close look at the salmon the Comeback project is trying to help. Looks a little fiercer than I thought!
We haven’t spent much time in Basel, so it was nice to have an excuse to wander the city.
The trail led us through little corners we might not have seen otherwise.
A lot of the trail is along the Rhein river, with nice views of Basel city.
I loved walking on this path along the water. If there is high water due to heavy rains, there is a detour option on higher ground.
The trail includes a fun ferry ride, another little Basel treat that I didn’t know about. During the ride, you get some extra clues about where the fox might have gone.
Such cute little boat and a friendly captain.
One of the obstacles for salmon – a dam and power station.
You get a peek at the salmon ladders that enable the fish to bypass the dam.
Informational signs along the river if you want to learn more about the salmon.
Such nice paths along the river with lots of green space. But keep your eyes peeled for clues.
This river used to be a popular place for salmon fishing. Maybe it will again in the future.
That’s all I can show you. You’ll have to discover the rest on your own Foxtrail visit. Wishing you best of luck on solving the clues! See more Foxtrails that we’ve done.
Thanks again to Foxtrail for hosting our visit.
