Family Friendly Hikes in Basel or under 1h away
We love that in 30 minutes from the city center one can find lovely spots for an enjoyable hike with children. If you are willing to go close to 2 hours from Basel the number of amazing hikes is endless. Here is a review of the ones we've done so far.
Basel Land tourism put out a brochure detailing hikes nearby suitable for strollers. The hikes are described in detail and explained with a map and a height profile. Symbols recommend the equipment of the baby carriage and the wheel size. Also mentioned is how far the trail leads over hard surface and over natural surface. Take a look at the interactive online version here or you can order your own copy of this pdf version .
There are also several themed hikes nearby. We find that having a theme along the way is a great motivation to keep young kids engaged and walking. Check out this list of themed hikes |
Address: Ermitagestrasse 55, 4144 Arlesheim BL
Car: ~20 min from Basel SBB Public Tranist: ~20 min on tram 10 to Arlesheim Dorf then walk 1.1km Description: Our favorite part to explore is the caves of Apollo grotto. Additionally you can take lovely walks through gardens, ponds, make a visit to the castle ruin Birseck. English guided tours are possible. |
Address: Muttenz, Dorf, BL
Car: ~20 min from Basel Aecschenplatz Public Tranist: ~20 min on tram 14 to Muttenz Dorf Description: A lovely stroller-friendly stroll through rolling hills, past farms and into the woods. |
Address: Bürgerhütte Ley, Leuwaldweg 3, 4153 Reinach BL Car: ~16 min Train: ~49 min Trail: 1hr, Easy stroller friendly hike Description: Wonderful themed hike for the kids close to the city. They can spend hours at the large marble run alone. See here for more info. More info: Skulpturenweg Reinach |
Chälengraben / BergmatteAddress: Bergweg, 4114 Hofstetten-Flüh
Car: ~25min, Basel SBB to TCS- Parkplatz Radmer Public Transit: ~1hr. Tram no. 10 to Flüh -> Postauto bus 68 to Hofstetten. Go by foot in the direction of Metzerlen and approx. 600m after the village centrer go left and follow the signpost for Bergmatten restautant. Trail: ~35min up gorge to playground. Not suitable for strollers but walk-able for preschool age+ Description: Great short hike up Chälengrabenschlucht gorge to “Hofstetter-Matte” with a grill picnic are halfway and playground at top. Continue past meadow to a restaurant with camels and great views. More info: Hofstetten |
Chessiloch & ChaltbrunnentalAddress: Bahnhofstrasse 6, 4203 Grellingen Basel Land
Arrival: ~17 min via car or train from SBB to Grellingen train station parking lot Tip: From Grellingen train station (325 m), follow the yellow diamond walking signs towards Meltingen (586 m). 20 min walk to start of hike & no place to park closer. No toilets near start of hike. Trail: Easy trail but not stroller friendly. 30 min to caves but there are tons of longer hikes, like the Karstlehrpfad, so you could do a short walk or spend hours if you choose. Possible to hike one direction to Meltingen (see here), Description: Fun forest hike along a creek where you can explore real cave man caves. Great picnic grill spot where you can grill in a cave at the Chessiloch memorial. During peak season wood can be found here. Once you reach the memorial you are at the start of the hike. About 30 minutes hike in you will reach the caves and a nice shallow creek bed. This is where most kids will be able to explore freely and play in the water. More info: http://www.karstlehrpfad.ch/ , and rockvalley.ch |
Petite Camargue AsacienneAddress: 1 Rue de la Pisciculture, 68300 Saint-Louis, France
Car: ~18 mins from Basel SBB Train: ~11min to Mulhouse + 8 min walk Trail: various through the nature park More info: guide via outdoor active app |
Sensory TrailAddress: Kornbergstr, Gipf-Overfrick, Aargau Region
Car: ~34 mins from Basel SBB Train: ~42 mins from Basel SBB, included in U-ABO Trail: 3.5 km loop, about 1 hour + playtime Description: Children will really enjoy this themed hike through the forest and farm land. The trail is filled with interactive activities to encourage experiencing nature with all your senses. More info: www.naturena.ch & review in English at http://www.momstotszurich.com |
Children's book trailAddress: Starts at Heiligholz Stop, Munchenstein BL
Car: ~12 min from Basel SBB Tram: 14min, 11 Tram to Heiligholz Trail: 1.9 km in length, 35 min walk Suitable for pushchairs Description: A new hike in Munchenstein with a Playgrounds along the route and children's books kept in bookcases along the way More info: blog/munchensteins-childrens-book-trail |
24 StopsAddress: Fondation Beyeler, Riehen BL and Vitra Campus, Weil am Rhein
Car: ~14 min to Vitra Public Transit: ~30 min, Tram 6 to Fondation Beyler Shuttle between Vitra and Beyeler: Sat/Sun/Holiday from March to October Trail: 5km, flat, and suitable for strollers Description: 24 Stops runs between Weil am Rhein and Riehen, between the Fondation Beyeler and the Vitra Campus. Hike along the 5km path visiting unique sculptures along the way. Some of the sculptures the kids can climb or squirt water. Recommend visiting the slide at Vitra as part of the experience for extra fun for the kids. More info: map |
Holzweg ThalAddress: Römerstrasse, 4710 Balsthal
(P2 : 47.326914, 7.733941) Car: ~45 min. Parking P1 Pfadiheim or P2 Langer Steg. From the parking lots there are direct accesses to the Holzweg. See map Trail: 30 min to 2.5 hours depending on which loop and how many installations you see. Description: This is one of my favorite hikes as it is beautiful and the installations are impressive and enjoyable for people of all ages. The playground at the Pavilion is lovely and one could spend the whole day exploring these trails. More info: baselland-tourismus |
Kandern - Forest Adventure PathAddress: August-Macke-Straße 7, 79400 Kandern, Germany (47.7143330, 7.6610340)
Car: ~25min from Basel SBB Start: above the August Macke school Trail: Length 3.5 km with 2 shortcuts- height difference 90 m- Grill possibility at the start- pram suitable Description: This is a beautiful themed hike in the black forest very close to Basel. The kids have many opportunities to interact with stations along the way. More info: map and details to print |
PlanetenwegAddress: Planetenweg Laufen,
Laufenberg station to Liesberg station Public transport: ~23 min, Basel SBB to Laufen. ~20 minutes walk to the sun at the beginning of the planet path. Return by Postbus from Liesberg station Car: Planetenweg is not a circular walk, it is recommended to travel by public transport. Trail: The walk takes about 4 hours and is suitable for children, the elderly and wheelchair users. Description: On the Laufner Planetenweg, our solar system is represented on a scale of 1: 1 billion, both the sun, the moon and the 9 planets as the distances between these heavenly bodies. On this hike one can get an idea of the proportions in the nearest part of the universe. More info: here |
SchoenthalAddress: Schöntalstrasse 158, 4438 Langenbruck
Car: 30 min from Basel Trail: Sturdy footwear is recommended. There are mud boots to borrow if necessary. The artworks can be seen in the course of a walk lasting anything from one-and-a-half to four hours – depending on how much time you have at your disposal for this encounter with art and nature. Description: Beautiful rolling hills surround the Schoenthal Monastery and you can walk through the park visiting the unusual collection of sculptures. Sculptures are not interactive but whimsical and motivational for keeping kids hiking. More info: map |
WasserfallenAddress: Foundation cableway Reigoldswil-Wasserfallen LRW Oberbiel 62, 4418 Reigoldswil
Car: ~35min from Basel Public transit: Basel SBB to Reigoldswil, Dorfplatz, 40 min train + 13 min walk Trail: varies Description: Many routes around Wasserfallen - taken the Gondola up, lots of lovely walks, views, playground and refreshment opportunities. |
Adventure TittertenAddress: Fluegrabenweg 8, 4425 Titterten
Car: ~30min from Basel Trail: 1 hour walk time, Start and end points: Titterten Flüegraben - Titterten Hohwacht Description: On the adventure trail of Titterten "Titterter carving" accompanies visitors on a one-hour tour, There 8 various games to keep kids motivated along the way. The highlight of the hike is the 14-meter high observation tower Foreston the Hohwacht. Below the tower is a cozy barbecue area located in the forest. More info: printable map & BL toursim |
Swiss LabyrinthAddress: Emile-Boéchat 87 2800 Delémont JU
Car: ~43 min from Basel Public transit: ~40min by train Trail: through the maze Description: In the beautiful landscape of the Jura, next to the sports center " La Croisée des Loisirs ", there is the Swiss Labyrinth and a large children's playground. a popular summer attraction for families from all over Switzerland. The labyrinth stretches across a proud area of eight football fields, and finding it has been a bit of a joke for one or the other. The four labyrinth courses promise a unique adventure full of obstacles, mystical figures and puzzles in the middle of nature. On the area of the Swiss Labyrinth there is also a large playground, as the offer ranges from inflatable games to swings and trampolines. Parents who enjoy a breather, are welcome in the restaurant and can relax on the sun loungers in the relaxation area. Nice to know: Prams and dogs on a leash are allowed. |
Bergsee & Game ReserveAddress: Café Restaurant BergseeBergseestr. 93 | 79713 Bad Säckingen
Car: ~35min from Basel Public transit: 20min / Basel Badischer Bahnhof to Bad Säckingen, Germany Trail: 1-2.5 hours (depending of version) Description: A lovely hike in the nearby Black forest. This route includes an animal reserve, mountain lake, and short peak with a view. |
Nature Detectives: The Basel Children's Trust organises monthly walks on several of the local child friendly hikes. The walks are free, open to the public, for all ages, stroller-friendly and reachable by public transportation. If you would like to know more or find out about the next hike visit: BCT Nature-detectives |
Follow PlayBasel on Komoot...We often plan and track hikes we've done using the hiking website Komoot. Here is one that we mapped out with pictures this weekend. Really nice waterfall beneath a castle and next to a sweet farm where you can enjoy locally produced ice cream.
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Hikes a bit further away but worth the drive...
MurimoosAddress: Hofladen MURIMOOS, 5630 Muri
Website: www.murimoos.ch Car: ~1h from Basel SBB Trail: Theme trail allows children to follow “Willy” the stork to 21 information stations. Read about this great hike in a guest blog post by Fresh Air Kids author Melinda Taylor Schoutens. |
Aare GorgeAddress: Aareschlucht 3860 Meiringen
Website: www.aareschlucht.ch Hike Time: 40min-1 hr Description: This great hike through a beautiful gorge is a perfect family outing in any kind of weather. Kids will especially love learning about the Tatzelwurm |
Zeller BachsteigAddress: Hindenburgstraße 2, 77736 Zell am Harmersbach, Germany
Car: ~1h 30m Trail: Enjoy hiking 1.6km in a stream by following the "Zeller Bachsteig" . One balances from stone to stone explore the water world of the Harmersbach on the adventure trail. Look for tiny life underwater, swing on large dragonfly wings, learn what rafting in the Black Forest means to the locals or trying your hand at gold washing. The destination is the picturesque Fürstenberger Hof, a 350-year-old Black Forest farm now Heimatmuseum More info: here |
Engelberg & BrunnihutteAddress: Brunnibahn 6390 Engelberg
Car: ~1h 18 min Trail: Lots of trails to choose from. We recommend the Globi Treasure Hunt and the Tickle trail Description: You can either hike from the bottom or take the cable car up and hike from the top down. There is a great via feratta for kids 8+ next to the Brunnihutte. An overnight stay in the hut is a great family experience as well. We celebrated my son's 8th birthday here and they made a lovely cake. Pair the hike with a trip down the mountain roller coaster |
PRÉHISTO-PARC, RÉCLÈREAddress: Route 78C Grottes CH - 2912 Réclère Car: ~1h 18 min
Trail: ~1hr, 2km Description: 45 life-size reproductions guide you through animal evolution from the first fish that populated our planet while it was covered by water, to the amphibians who set out to conquer the submerged lands, onto the impressive reign of the dinosaurs and the mammals disappeared today. Great forest walk and wonderful to include the Grotto Caves tour as well. More info: Jura Tourism |
Melchsee Futt |
Murren: Children's Adventure TrailLocation: Murren
Address: Schilthornbahn AG, 3825 Mürren, Switzerland Car: ~2 hours from Basel SBB + 25 min train Train: ~3.5 hours from Basel SBB Trail: ~2km one way, ~1hr + playtime Description: One of the most beautiful kid friendly hikes we have visited. More info: Murren Flower Park |
Sonnentau Circuit TrailLocation: Sorrenburg
Address: Bergbahnen Sörenberg AG Hinterschöniseistrasse 4 6174 Sörenberg Car: ~1 hour 45 min from Basel SBB Train: ~2.5 hours from Basel SBB Trail: 1.5 km loop & suitable for pushchairs Description: Take the cable car up to the top and you will find an amazing restaurant and playground. Next to this is a lovely spot to explore the moor with lounge chairs suspended in the forest trees and another play area. There is the start of the Sonnentau circuit trail that has games along the way. We recommend taking the mountain scooters back down. Smaller kids can ride tandem with an adult. More info: Sörenberg Mooraculum |
Der klingende Weg (Sound Trail)Location: 9656 Alt St Johann
Car: ~2 hr from Basel SBB Train: ~3.5 hours from Basel SBB Trail: STATIONS NO. 1-7: 1.5 hours, 2.5km Stroller/handicap friendly STATIONS NO. 8-13 & 19-26: 3.5 hours, 3.5km More info: Open June to the end of October. Note operating times of both mountain railways, as these do not cover the path of the sound path for a few days. Photos of the sound instruments. |
Engstligenalp AdelbodenAddress: Bergbahnen Engstligenalp AG,
Car: ~2hr Trail: ~3hr Description: Bouldering and hiking through Adelboden's Mammoth Boulder Course is a lovely summer activity to do with kids. Unlike climbing with ropes & hooks, with bouldering you climb the height of boulders with a thick mat that absorbs and protects when jumping back to the ground. The large pad and shoes can be rented from the hotel at the top of the mountain. The Engstligenalp offers eight different «Boulder Parcours». They are marked differently and offer all levels. Some of the «Parcours» can also be celebrated with the whole family, because they lie on a flat flower meadow, crossed by small streams ... a children's paradise! More info: https://www.adelboden.ch/de/s/abenteuer-sommer?t=1185 |
MUGGESTUTZ
Address: Mägisalp , Hasliberg 6086, Switzerland
Car: 1hr 45 min from Basel
Trail: 5km (2 hrs walking + play time)
Description: On this fairy tail trail, kids can experiences countless adventures while following the story of Muggenstutz and his friends.
Car: 1hr 45 min from Basel
Trail: 5km (2 hrs walking + play time)
Description: On this fairy tail trail, kids can experiences countless adventures while following the story of Muggenstutz and his friends.
MORE IDEAS... (the ever increasing list is still a work in progress...)
- Leymen castle. Start trail at the intersection of Rue de Lankstrom and Rue Bellevue. Much of the trail is in the forest so it can be nice and cool on a hot day. Kids will have fun climbing around the castle ruins.
- Directions, special excursion tips for families: www.wandersite.ch
- The association Wanderwege beider Basel offers guided hikes: www.wanderwebe-beider-basel.ch
- Aargauer hiking trails: www.aargauer-wanderwege.ch
- Solothurn hiking trails: www.solothurner-wanderwege.ch
- Castle hikes and multi-day hikes without luggage: www.vvsl.ch
- Adventure trails and numerous activities in the Tafeljura: www.tafeljura.ch
- Zyberliland Romoos romoos.ch
- "Baumkronen Wipfel Willy adventure course" germany, Waldkirch A hike up a mountain (appr. 30 min) with all sorts of exploring activities for the kids (as of 4/5 years of age) on the top of this mountain is a small adventure trail. Once your down again (or do not want to go up) there is also a small zoo, a Biergarten and a nice parc with pedalo's. http://www.baumkronenweg-waldkirch.de/ — at Baumkronenweg Waldkirch.
Black Forest HikesAn overview of family friendly hikes in the Schwarzwald can be found Ferienwelt Schwarzwald & Schwarzwald Tourism
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Switzerland HikesAn overview of family friendly hikes other parts of Switzerland can be found on these great sites: Mom Tots Zurich & My Switzerland
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