Basel is lighting up the dark autumn evenings with its annual Autumn Fair (Herbstmesse), featuring rides, food and games for all the family! Come explore the oldest and largest amusement fair in Switzerland!
Basel Autumn Fair
For two weeks every October and November, seven of Basel's historic city squares, as well as a hall at the trade fair centre, are transformed by fairground rides and delicious culinary treats. Being able to enjoy the thrill of the funfair next to the old monuments and buildings of the city centre is a typically Basel experience!
The Autumn Fair is more than just romance on the Ferris Wheel and an adrenaline rush from the bumper cars. For foodies and gourmands, the many tasty specialities on offer are the main attraction here at the fair.
Typical Herbstmesse delights include the Chäsbängel, a baguette filled with fondue cheese, Magenbrot, sweet spiced biscuits and the Mässmogge, sweets filled with hazelnut praline. Delicious!
Photo credit: © Kanton Basel-Stadt
The history of Basel Autumn Fair
Basel has been hosting a funfair for over 550 years, making it the oldest in Switzerland!
As part of the Holy Roman Empire, Basel couldn't just start a fair whenever it wanted to. It had to request permission for one, which took several decades, but in 1471 Basel finally received a deed of authorisation from the Emperor. This deed guaranteed the city of Basel the right to hold a fair “for all time”.
Basel has made full use of its right from then on, hosting a lively, fun-filled fair every year barring 2020. Over the centuries, the attractions have developed from simple mazes and spinning barrel rides to today’s free-fall tower and ghost trains. It is now the largest fair of its kind in the alpine nation!
The Big Wheel at Münsterplatz is the fair's most iconic attraction, visible from all around the city, and now three times bigger than it was in 1970!
Photo credit: © Kanton Basel-Stadt
Attending Basel Autumn Fair
The fair is free to enter and a delight to wander around, even if fairground rides aren't your thing. The main locations for the fair are:
- Barfüsserplatz
- Münsterplatz
- Messeplatz
- Rosentalanlage
- Hallenmesse
- Kasernenareal
- Petersplatz
The Hallenmesse is undercover, so even if the weather takes a turn for the worse, you can still have a great day out at the fair!