Brutal Basel: The Grand Tour Bike Ride

Brutal Basel, The Grand Tour Bike Ride, Composite © Karin Bürki. Heartbrut.com

Want to discover Basel’s world-class brutalist icons on an inspiring city ride? Planning a team event or a relaxed day out with friends and looking for a unique Basel experience? Excellent! Our Grand Tour ticks all the boxes!

Explore the legendary early 20th century concrete pioneers and renowned brutalist classics from the 1960s and 1970s that reshaped Basel. Visit their equally bold, yet climate-positive contemporary offspring. But that’s not all! As you ride from the urban Dreispitz quarter to the historic city centre and hip Kleinbasel, soak up plenty of Basel’s vibrant vibes and experience why this city is Switzerland’s unrivalled arts & culture heart! Plus, look forward to exciting stories, insights and fun facts. Whether you’re an expert, novice or a local, expect to be wowed!

Your tour guide is Karin Bürki, Head of HEARTBRUT

HIGHLIGHTS

  • School of Design and General Trade Basel (mini guided tour)
  • Maurerhalle
  • St Anthony’s Church
  • Dreispitz (Helsinki Dreispitz by Herzog & de Meuron, House of Electronic Arts, Kunsthaus Baselland)
  • University Library
Maurerhalle, Swiss brutalism icon, Hans Peter Baur, Hermann Baur, Bräuning, Leu, Düring, © Karin Bürki. Explore more on Heartbrut.com
Helsinki Dreispitz, © Karin Bürki. Explore more on Heartbrut.com

STARTING POINT

Basel SBB

OVERVIEW

  • Bike tour
  • Packs: 8 stops
  • Distance: 13.6 km
  • Pure riding time: 50 min
  • Total duration: 4 hours
  • Tour with gentle inclines
  • Group size: max 15 people
  • Language: DE/ENG
  • Bring your own bike and helmet
  • Make it YOU: optionally top up tour with additional objects / special focus
  • Book at least one week in advance
  • Price: 900 CHF

BOOK TOUR

Ready to explore? Get in touch to plan your experience.

GOOD TO KNOW

Our walks and rides take place in all weathers. If a tour has to be cancelled due to particularly bad weather, we will contact you. Where possible, we will arrange an alternative date.

  • Don’t forget to pack drinks and snacks
  • Weatherproof clothing is recommended

You can safely ride a bike in the city. Participants bring their own bicycles, e-bikes and helmets. In Zurich, ‘Züri rollt’ offers free city bikes (with a deposit) and e-bikes for CHF 30 per day. Other rental options in Zurich and Basel include PubliBike and Rent-a-Bike. International guests should enquire at the local tourist information office about special rental offers.

Public tours: see programme.

Private tours: advance payment. In exceptional cases, we also accept a deposit. Please contact us regarding payment terms.

Participants are responsible for their own insurance covering accidents, illness, theft, cancellation costs etc.

  • Cancellations made between 120 and 60 days before the tour date will incur a service fee of 10% of the total amount.
  • Cancellations made between 60 and 30 days before the tour date incur a fee equivalent to 50% of the total amount.
  • Cancellations made fewer than 30 days before the tour date are not refundable.

 

If we have to cancel the tour due to unforeseen circumstances, such as very bad weather, illness or accident etc:

1. The tour takes place on the alternative date.

2. If there is no alternative date, you will receive a full refund of any payments you have already made within five working days of us cancelling your tour.