Basel

Parks and Gardens

Basel’s green spaces range from the historic University Botanical Garden, established in 1589, to the expansive Kannenfeldpark, a former cemetery turned into the city's largest recreational area. The Merian Gärten in the south offer specialized collections like the Rhododendron Valley and one of Europe’s largest iris displays. For wildlife, Tierpark Lange Erlen provides habitats for regional species, while urban spots like Voltamatte and Erlenmattpark showcase modern landscape architecture and community-focused design.

Botanischer Garten der Universität

Established in 1589, this is one of the world's oldest botanical gardens. It features a historic Victoria House for giant water lilies, a cold house for alpine plants, and a significant collection of cacti and succulents.

Botanischer Garten

Part of the Merian Gärten, this site is renowned for its extensive iris collection, which is among the largest in Europe. The grounds include themed botanical displays and historic manor buildings.

Schwarzpark

A former private estate now serving as a nature-focused park. It is home to a herd of fallow deer and features old-growth trees and protected ecological zones.

Rhododendrontal

A specialized valley within the Merian Gärten featuring a dense collection of rhododendrons and azaleas that bloom prominently in late spring.

Hintergarten

A formal landscaped garden area located behind the historic Villa Merian within the Merian Gärten estate.

Tierpark Lange Erlen

Founded in 1871, this animal park focuses on European fauna. It houses red deer, lynx, wildcats, and a large population of free-roaming white storks.

Verkehrsgarten Basel-Stadt

An educational park designed for children to practice road safety and cycling skills in a controlled environment with miniature roads and traffic signs.

Breitematte

A neighborhood park in the Breite district featuring a large open lawn for sports, a playground, and shaded seating areas.

Voltamatte

A contemporary urban park in the St. Johann district, known for its distinctive concrete pavilion, water play features, and active recreation spaces.

Cécile Ines Loos-Anlage

A small urban green space and memorial dedicated to the Swiss writer Cécile Ines Loos.

Kannenfeldpark

Basel’s largest park, situated on the site of a former cemetery. It features a vast collection of exotic trees, spacious lawns, and multiple themed playgrounds.

Forum

A central green square and meeting point located within the architectural landscape of the Novartis Campus.

Brüglingen

A historic agricultural area within the Merian Gärten featuring a 19th-century watermill and the Museum of Horse-drawn Carriages.

Kronenplatz

A community square and green space in the Kleinhüningen neighborhood.

Spielplatz Rehhagstrasse

A local recreational area featuring a playground and green space for the surrounding residential neighborhood.

Horburgpark

An urban park in Kleinbasel providing community facilities, large play areas, and open lawns for local residents.

Erlenmattpark

A modern park developed on former railway lands, designed with a focus on urban biodiversity and sustainable landscaping.

Familiengärtnerverein Basel-West

A large allotment garden colony where local residents cultivate private vegetable and flower plots.

Physic Garden

A contemporary medicinal plant garden located on the Novartis Campus, designed by landscape architect Peter Walker.

Buremichelskopfanlage

A hillside green space in the Bruderholz district offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding region.