The Basler Herbstmesse, now in its 553rd year, is the oldest and largest fair in the region, attracting over 1 million visitors each year from all over Switzerland and neighboring countries. For a two-week period each fall, visitors come to enjoy some of the more than 100 rides, taste traditional foods, and buy unique wares. Baslers young and old wait with anticipation for these two weeks, and after you experience it once, you will certainly understand why!

The fair officially opens at noon on the last Saturday of October (this year on October 26), which is signaled by the ringing of the bells of the Martinskirche, the church located on the hill between the Rathaus (city hall) and the Rhein. While the rides can be pretty expensive, all rides are free for the first hour of the fair, so you may want to get out there early and line up for a free ride or two.

What to Do at the Herbstmesse

The rides range from traditional carousels and similar entertainments for the youngest visitors, through attractions for everyone, such as the Ferris wheel and the swing rides, to stomach-turning rides with such names as “Super Chaos,” “Speed,” and “Swing Up.” In short, there is something for everyone! This year, there will be six new rides, including the spectacular “Aeronaut Kettenflieger” (chair swing ride), the highest traveling ride of its kind with a tower height of 85 meters! It will be placed at Kaserne.

Another memorable aspect of the Herbstmesse is the typical foods, many of which can only be found here. These include Magenbrot (an ultra-sweet, dense spice cake), Rosekiechli (rose-shaped fried dough covered in powdered sugar), gebrannte Mandeln (caramelized candied almonds), Käskiechli (cheese pie), Öpfel Küchli (apple rings dipped in dough, deep-fried, and served with vanilla sauce or apple sauce), Mässmogge (striped candy sticks filled with nuts), or Knoblibrot (garlic bread). Moreover, you can enjoy typical Swiss specialties, such as grilled sausages, raclette, cheese fondue, sticks of fruit dipped in chocolate, and so much more. Note that at in order to reduce the environmental impact and the trash associated with the fair, and particularly the food stands, the Basel-Stadt government has decided to try a PET-deposit system for bottled drinks at two of the sites (Messeplatz and Rosentalanlage). Here, you will have to pay a deposit of CHF 2 if you buy any drinks in a PET bottle, which will be refunded when you return the bottle.

In addition to the rides and food, the Herbstmesse offers a large selection of artisan and craft stalls, which are located on Petersplatz, as well as the so-called “Häfelimärt” (dish market). Here you can find dish wares of all types, but also candles, hats, jewelry, pottery, soaps, spices, wooden toys and utensils, and many other types of hand-made crafts. It is a wonderful place to take care of some of your Christmas shopping early! Note that this site traditionally closes 2 days later than the rest of the fair—this year on Tuesday, November 12.

Practical Tips

Whether you are testing your nerves on the rides, browsing through the numerous stands for that one-of-a-kind gift, or trying some of the traditional Herbstmesse foods, here are a few tips to make your visits to the fair enjoyable and safe, particularly if you are going with your children: With the many rides and large crowds, it is very easy to get separated from your kids. It is therefore advisable to hold their hands whenever possible and to write your cell phone number on their hand or arm so that you can be quickly contacted in case of separation. There is a Polizei (police) booth set up at Kaserne whose time is predominantly spent reuniting parents with their children. Also keep in mind that the large crowds and loud setting make events like these prime targets for pick-pockets, so be aware and keep your wallet or purse securely in front of you (or at home!).

Herbstmesse Locations

The Herbstmesse is spread out across several squares throughout town; it is open 7 days a week, but the offers and opening hours vary depending on the location and the day of the week.

• Barfüsserplatz
  Open Sunday–Thursday from 12:00-22:00 and Friday/Saturday from 12:00-23:00
  At this site, you can find rides both for younger kids and for older kids and adults, as well as games and a variety of food stalls.
• Münsterplatz
  Open Sunday–Thursday from 12:00-22:00 and Friday/Saturday from 12:00-23:00
  The most distinctive Herbstmesse feature at Münsterplatz is the giant Ferris wheel, which on beautiful fall days offers fantastic views of the city! In addition, this site houses a variety of traditional fair rides and numerous food stalls.
• Petersplatz
  Daily from 11:00-20:00; open until November 12
  This location features many artisan and craft stalls, as well as a plethora of food stalls for typical Herbstmesse foods. The entertainment is geared particularly to younger kids, such as a beautiful two-story carrousel, a smaller bumper-car setup, a small rollercoaster, puppet theater, and various activities organized by Robi-Spiel-Aktionen. This is also the site of the traditional “Hääfelimärt” (dish market), where you can find mugs, plates, bowls, and other pottery wares.
• Kasernenareal
  Open Sunday–Thursday from 12:00-22:00 and Friday/Saturday from 12:00-23:00
  A favorite with teens, you can find here some of the more spectacular rides (including the new Aeronaut-Kettenflieger), as well as a variety of attractions and games for all age groups and, of course, a selection of food stalls.
• Messeplatz & Isteinerstrasse
  Open Sunday–Thursday from 11:00-22:00 and Friday/Saturday from 11:00-23:00
  The Messeplatz is a hotspot of Herbstmesse activities, with many rides and games for everyone from younger to older audiences and a long stretch of food stalls sure to suit all palates. Many other catering options can be found on Isteinerstrasse (between the exhibition center and the exhibition hall).
• Rosentalanlage
  Open Sunday–Thursday from 11:00-22:00 and Friday/Saturday from 11:00-23:00
  This oldest location for the Herbstmesse in Kleinbasel is right next to Messeplatz and features a variety of traditional rides and food stalls for all age groups.
• Halle 1 at Messe Basel (Indoors)
  Open Sunday–Thursday from 12:00-22:00 and Friday/Saturday from 12:00-23:00
  This site is unusual in that it is an indoor location but still features a variety of rides for all age groups. The hall fair has its origins in the 1980s and features old classics and new attractions for a colorful mix!

For more information about what is going on at which square, go to their website.

https://www.herbstmesse.ch/

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