The Basel Autumn Fair (Basler Herbstmesse) starts at 12 o’clock on the Saturday before October 30th, every year, and is on for about two weeks. This will be the 549th Herbstmesse in Basel; no that’s not a typo – the first Basel Herbstmesse took place way back in 1471! Lots has changed since then, and this year there is even a mobile phone app (search your app store for Basler Herbstmesse). The app contains maps and information about each of the different exhibition grounds (see below). Download it and use it to find your way to your favorite food, ride or game!
In 2019, the start date of the Herbstmesse is Saturday, October 26th and it goes until November 10 (except at Petersplatz, where its open till Nov 12). There are several different exhibition grounds with a variety of rides, games, eateries and drinks available. Barfüsserplatz, Petersplatz, Münsterplatz, Messeplatz, Rosental, Claraplatz and Kaserne all have exhibitions during the Herbstmesse. This post will provide information around the Basel Herbstmesse and the different areas it takes place.
Barfüsserplatz
Barfüsserplatz is a great place to get some delicious Herbstmesse food. Think about trying flammküchen (dough rolled out very thinly coated in crème fraîche, with thinly sliced onions and bacon), a filled crepe or some sweets from the different stands. Still hungry? Raclette or a bratwurst might fill the void.
Do you or the kids need a little adrenaline rush? Ride the X-factory, the Octopus or experience free-fall in the Spring Tower. If the children need something a little less stimulating, you can get them a balloon or a toy at one of the stands.
Dates: 26.10.2019 – 10.11.2019
Hours:
Sunday – Thursday, 12:00 to 22:00
Friday and Saturday, 12:00 to 23:00
Petersplatz
This area is great for doing a little shopping as there are loads of stalls to buy ceramics, candles and other knick-knacks. Do a little early Christmas shopping, or get yourself a gift. You deserve it! Once you are done, consider going to Jeffery’s for one of their steak sandwiches, prepared in a Malaysian marinade. They are fantastic! Or just grab a bag of fresh roasted chestnuts to munch along the way. There are lots and lots of other great places to eat at Petersplatz so bring your appetite. In addition to the artisan craft stores and food stands, there is an antique merry-go-round carousel at the center of Petersplatz. In fact, most of the rides in the area are geared to the younger children, making it a great place to bring the little ones.
Dates: 26.10.2019 – 12.11.2019
Hours:
Monday to Sunday, 11:00 to 20:00
Münsterplatz
The centerpiece of the Münsterplatz Herbstmesse is an enormous Ferris wheel that provides spectacular views of the Basel. Grab a tasty piadina, a steaming hot Cornish pasty or some fish and chips, while you decide if you want to go into the Disco Labyrinth, to ride the bumper cars (crazy cars or dodgems in some countries) or, if you feel the need for speed and height, the Swing-up ride. There is also the Rutschbahn Niagara, a set of long, long slides for the children. There is not too much in the way of shopping at Münsterplatz, but there are a few places where you can get a treat for the kids.
Dates: 26.10.2019 – 10.11.2019
Hours:
Sunday to Thursday, 12:00 to 22:00
Friday and Saturday, 12:00 to 23:00
Messeplatz
The Messeplatz exhibition takes place both outside the congress center, as well as inside, in Hall 3 of the Messe. There isn’t too much in the way of shopping either outside or inside, but the fun level is off the charts!
The outside part of the Messe is one of my favorite places to eat, drink and go on rides. Rides like the Calypso, the Crazy Run or the 80m tall Spin Tower, will add some adventure to your day, and if you need something to settle your stomach, there are rows upon rows of food stalls to choose from. Whether your tastes run to sweetie, meaty or other, you’ll find what you want at the Messe! This is also a great place to come to play games and win a prize for that special person in your life.
Once you go inside Messehalle 3, you’ll find more rides and games, but with an 80’s theme. Check out Break Dance No1, the fun house, or the bumper cars (crazy cars or dodgems in some countries). The kids can try a round of Waterball, where they get inside a giant transparent bubble that rolls around in a pool of water. Grab a gelato or hit the food trucks if you’re in the mood for a currywurst or a gourmet burger.
Dates: 26.10.2019 – 10.11.2019
Hours:
Sunday to Thursday, 11:00 to 22:00
Friday and Saturday, 11:00 to 23:00
Rosental
The Rosental site doesn’t have to much in the way of shopping or food, but if you like rides this is a great place to be. This site sports a mini roller coaster, the Drifter, as well as the 26m tall, Burner. Want more? Check out the Bungy Trampolines and the other rides. You’ll also find a bunch of games of skill at Rosental.
Dates: 26.10.2019 – 10.11.2019
Hours:
Sunday to Thursday, 11:00 to 22:00
Friday and Saturday, 11:00 to 23:00
Claraplatz
There isn’t too much on at Claraplatz, a couple of food stands and some kiddy rides. Have a look on your way to Kaserne or the Messe and see if anything at Claraplatz tickles your fancy.
Dates: 26.10.2019 – 10.11.2019
Hours:
Sunday to Thursday, 11:00 to 22:00
Friday and Saturday, 11:00 to 23:00
Kaserne
In my opinion, I’ve saved the best for last. I love the Herbstmesse at Kaserne! This space has it all. Awesome food, crazy rides, and loads of games. Try the Condor, an 80m high spinning swing or the 52m high, looping Maxximum 2. Not terrified enough yet? Grab ride on the Ghost train to freak yourself out. There is also great food options here, pizza, raclette and meat from the grill. Test your skills at a vast array of games, or measure your punch strength on one of the boxing machines.
Dates: 26.10.2019 – 10.11.2019
Hours:
Sunday to Thursday, 12:00 to 22:00
Friday and Saturday, 12:00 to 23:00
The Herbstmesse in Basel has been going for over 500 years now, and you know with that kind of staying power it has to be great! Its pretty crowded though, so keep an eye on your purse or wallet at all times and if you plan to go on rides, make sure you are comfortable to leave your belongings on the ground. Also, be sure that phones, keys and loose change won’t fall out of your pockets and that you wear shoes that won’t fall off while you’re being spun, flipped and whirled around! Hmmm… its probably not a bad idea to save dinner till after the rides!
Enjoy the Herbstmesse and the rest of the fall. Pretty soon it will be time to start preparing for Halloween!
