Things To Do
in Reinach

Reinach is a tranquil Basel-Landschaft municipality just west of Basel, offering a leafy, residential atmosphere with easy access to urban culture and riverfront scenery. The town sits in a well-connected corridor between the Swiss city hub of Basel and the surrounding countryside, making day trips effortless. It blends traditional Swiss charm with modern amenities, including efficient public transport and family-friendly streets.

With close proximity to Basel's museums, markets, and the Rhine, Reinach serves as a convenient base for exploring both city life and nature.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Reinach
morning
:

Arrive in Reinach and check into your cozy accommodation. Take a stroll around the charming village, taking in the picturesque architecture and peaceful surroundings. Enjoy a warm cup of coffee at a local café to prepare for your adventure ahead.

afternoon
:

Visit the nearby Nature Park, where you can explore the stunning natural landscape and perhaps catch a glimpse of local wildlife. Consider hiking one of the many trails that wind through the park, suitable for all skill levels. Pack a picnic to enjoy amidst the beautiful scenery.

evening
:

Savor a traditional Swiss dinner at a local restaurant, indulging in specialties such as fondue or raclette. After dinner, take a leisurely walk around the village to admire the calming ambiance under the stars. Wind down your first day with a good book or a relaxing soak in your accommodations.

day 2
Exploring Basel
morning
:

Take a short train ride to Basel, a vibrant city known for its rich culture and history. Start your day with a visit to the famed Kunstmuseum to explore its extensive collection of artworks dating back to the Middle Ages. Don't forget to grab a pastry and coffee at one of the local bakeries.

afternoon
:

Stroll through the charming Old Town, marveling at the well-preserved medieval buildings and bustling squares. Visit the Basel Minster, where you can climb the towers for breathtaking views of the Rhine River. Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant, soaking in the lively atmosphere of the city.

evening
:

As the day winds down, take a scenic boat cruise along the Rhine River, experiencing Basel from a whole new perspective. After the cruise, hop off and explore the nightlife in the city, choosing from chic bars or cozy pubs. Return to Reinach for a restful night's sleep.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$15-25
🥗Meal for 2 in mid-range restaurant$40-70
🧥1 pair of jeans (mid-range brand)$60-120
🚆One-way local transport ticket$3-6
🏨1 night in a mid-range hotel$120-230

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • High quality of life and clean, efficient services
  • Close proximity to Basel’s culture, markets, and river scenery
  • Good public transport links and easy day trips to the Jura and Rhine valley
  • Higher cost of living compared to some neighboring regions
  • Small towns can feel quiet at night outside Basel
  • "Grüezi" - Hello
  • "Danke" - Thank you
  • "Bitte" - Please / You're welcome
  • "Sprechen Sie Englisch?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Wo ist der Bahnhof?" - Where is the train station?
  • "Ich möchte zahlen" - I would like to pay

Places to Visit in Reinach

Visit one of these nice places.

Basel Minster and Old Town

Colorful facades, Gothic architecture, and riverside reflections offer dramatic photos, especially at dawn or dusk.

Rhine River Promenade

Wide river views, swing bridges, and boats create dynamic compositions along Basel’s waterfront.

Spalentor Gate

Iconic medieval city gate with star-shaped stonework and a picturesque backdrop for street photography.

Lange Erlen Forest and Park

Forest paths and meadow clearings provide natural, tranquil photography settings close to Reinach.

Culinary Guide

Food in Reinach

The Basel region's cuisine emphasizes seasonal produce, dairy, and hearty Swiss classics, with easy reach to Basler specialties from Reinach and Basel's markets.

Reinach Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Basler Läckerli

A crunchy, honey-spiced biscuit with almonds and candied peel; a Basel staple found in many bakeries and cafés.

Must-Try!

Rösti

Crispy fried potatoes often served with eggs, cheese, or sausage; widely available in local eateries.

Fondue / Raclette

Classic Swiss melted cheese dishes perfect for cooler days; many restaurants offer fondue in winter and raclette seasonally.

Zürcher Geschnetzeltes

Sliced veal with a creamy mushroom sauce, commonly found on Swiss menus and good for a hearty meal.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Basel Market (Barfüsserplatz and nearby squares)

Weekly markets with fresh fruit, vegetables, cheese, bread, and regional specialties; great for sampling local produce.

Liestal and surrounding markets

Nearby Basel-Landschaft markets offering seasonal produce and regional cheeses; ideal for a day trip to stock up ingredients.

Climate Guide

Weather

The Basel region experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm, winters are cold but not severe, and spring and autumn are mild with changing scenery. Rainfall occurs throughout the year, with showers possible in any season.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality and greetings

Be on time for appointments; greet with a firm handshake and say 'Grüezi' or 'Grüezi Mitenand' for a friendly introduction.

Quiet public spaces

Maintain a respectful tone in restaurants and transit; avoid loud conversations late at night in residential areas.

Waste and recycling

Switzerland has strict recycling practices; sort waste carefully and dispose of it in the designated bins.

Safety Guide

Safety

Switzerland maintains a high standard of safety. Exercise normal precautions in crowded areas against pickpockets; stay aware of your surroundings at night in city centers. Keep valuables secure and use reputable transport options.

Tipping in Reinach

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Service charge is typically included or already built into the bill; rounding up or leaving a small tip (5–10%) for good service is common but not mandatory.

Payment Methods

Cash (CHF) and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; some small shops or cafés may prefer cash; digital wallets are increasingly supported.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with long daylight hours; occasional rain showers. Great for river walks, outdoor cafés, and long strolls in Basel’s parks.

Autumn

Crisp air and turning leaves; chestnut stalls appear and outdoor dining remains pleasant into early evenings.

Winter

Chilly and can be snowy; Christmas markets in Basel light up the streets. Layered clothing is recommended and indoor activities are plentiful.

Spring

Mild temperatures with blossoms in the parks; ideal for outdoor photography and light hiking.

Nightlife Guide

Reinach at Night

Reinach itself is generally quiet after the evening, but Basel offers a vibrant nightlife with bars, lounges, and clubs concentrated around Barfüsserplatz and the old town, plus live music venues and wine bars in the university district. Expect a relaxed, cosmopolitan scene with a mix of locals and international visitors. Many venues close a bit earlier on weekdays, with more activities on weekends.

Hiking in Reinach

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Basel-Landschaft Countryside Trails

Relaxed day hikes through farmland and forests around Liestal and the Birseck region, with gentle to moderate elevations.

Rhine River Trail

Scenic riverside walks and easy hikes along the Rhine, connecting Basel with nearby towns.

Jura Foothills Trails

Hikes into the Jura foothills accessible by short train rides from Reinach, offering forest paths and panoramic viewpoints.

Airports

How to reach Reinach by plane.

Basel Mulhouse Freiburg Airport (BSL/MLH) - EuroAirport

Very close to Reinach; efficient rail and road connections to Basel and the surrounding region.

Zurich Airport (ZRH)

Switzerland’s largest international hub; about 1.0–1.5 hours by train from Reinach, with extensive global connections.

Getting Around

Walkability

Reinach features a compact town center that is comfortable to explore on foot; Basel’s core is well within reach by tram or bike. The area is generally pedestrian-friendly with many shaded streets and parks.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

German-speaking Swiss

Predominant language group in Reinach and Basel region.

Cross-border and international residents

Many residents commute from nearby France and Germany for work or study; Basel hosts a diverse international community.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Popular across Basel region; local clubs and cheering sections are common in Basel and nearby towns.

Ice hockey

Winter sport with local teams and indoor arenas; attends games in Basel and nearby facilities.

Transportation

Traffic

Basel and the Basel-Landschaft region have reliable public transport (trams and regional trains). Road traffic can be heavier during peak hours in Basel’s center, but parking is often limited in city areas. Cycling and walking are practical options for short trips, with good bike paths nearby.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Reinach.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are widely available in Reinach and Basel; look for fresh salads, vegetable mains, cheese dishes, and legumes. In German, ask for 'ohne Speck' (without bacon) or 'vegetarisch' to indicate vegetarian requests; many places can adapt dishes to suit your needs.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Switzerland provides excellent healthcare. In Basel you have access to University Hospital Basel and numerous clinics; residents typically have health insurance and nationwide emergency numbers are 112 (or 144 for EMS). Local GPs and pharmacies are readily available in Reinach and Basel.

Discover Switzerland

Read more in our Switzerland 2025 Travel Guide.

Switzerland Travel Guide