With about 200,000 inhabitants, Basel is the third largest city in Switzerland. It is located in the north-west part of the country where the Rhine bends and shares borders with Germany and France.
The Rhine divides Basel in two with Greater Basel (Grossbasel) on the left bank and Lesser Basel (Kleinbasel) on the right. The traditional enmity between the two is reflected on the one hand by the bust of the so-called Lällekönig (‘tongue king’), at the Grossbasel end of one of the Rhine bridges, who sticks his tongue out at the right bank. Kleinbasel repays the compliment in its Vogel Gryff carnival, where the traditional carnival figures dance on the bridge demonstratively turning their backsides to their rival.
Basel is a very international and cosmopolitan city. Its urban physiognomy is dominated by the well-preserved and romantic old town. The Rheinbord in Kleinbasel (‘Basler Riviera’) is particularly popular with sunbathers and walkers.
The photo was taken a few days ago. Winter has come early this year.