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Northern Switzerland

Basel, Baselland, Aargau, Solothurn

Train, Boat and Bus Experiences

Discover scenic train routes, Rhine cruises, and unique experiences — perfect for weekend trips, day outings, and seasonal adventures.

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Northern Switzerland, including Basel, Baselland, Aargau, and Solothurn, is easy to discover by public transport, with trains, trams, buses, and regional connections linking lively cities, historic towns, river landscapes, Jura foothills, and countryside escapes.

 

Move easily between Basel, Liestal, Aarau, Baden, Brugg, Olten, and Solothurn, using well-connected urban and regional networks to reach museums, old towns, Roman heritage sites, thermal baths, hiking areas, and Rhine or Aare riverfronts without relying on a car.

Regional Passes and Travel Cards

Basel

BVB Basel

Day and multi-journey tickets, plus fares to France and Germany from Basel

Basel

TNW Tarifverbund Nordwest Schweiz

Single, day, multi-use and overlapping network tickets - trams, buses and local SBB trains

Baselland

BLT Baselland Transport

Also offers day and multi-journey tickets, plus fares to France and Germany from Baselland

Current Deals in Northern Switzerland

On Trains, Boats and Buses

Links to external websites are included for your convenience. Switzering is not affiliated with these organisations.

All Summer

Aargau

A-Welle Holiday Pass

Children and teenagers travel freely and flexibly throughout the entire A-Welle fare network during the summer holidays

All Summer

Basel Area

Ferienpass (Holiday Pass)

For 6 to 16 year olds during the summer and autumn school holidays - available for Basel, Laufental - Thierstein, and Birseck-Leimental

Year Round

Basel

Rhine Cruise Annual Subscription

Unlimited travel on all regular cruises from Basel with a yearly subscription of CHF 150

Northern Switzerland Highlights

Limited Time Experiences and Offers

Links to external websites are included for your convenience. Switzering is not affiliated with these organisations.

Solothurn

Year Round

Aare Cruises

Cruise the Aare year-round from Solothurn to Biel in under 3 hours

Basel

June to August

Tuesdays on The Rhine

Afterwork cruise with dancing to 80s and 90s hits and dinner

Regional

Year Round

11 Top PostBus Destinations

Discover Northern Switzerland with PostBus

Gastronomic & Unique Experiences

Not just getting there - make it part of the journey

Links to external websites are included for your convenience. Switzering is not affiliated with these organisations.

Aargau

Year Round

Mutschälle-Zmorge Breakfast Train

Enjoy a delicious and plentiful breakfast while enjoying the view - leaves from Bremgarten

Aargau

Year Round

Alles Käse Fondue or Raclette Train

Various Sundays - Enjoy Fondue or raclette with delicious side dishes - leaves from Bremgarten

Aarau

5 & 6 Sept

125 years of the Aarau–Schöftland Railway Line

At the WSB Bahnhof in Aarau - celebrate the connection between tradition, innovation, and regional ties

Basel

2 Oct

Basel Train Stations and Port Tour

Explore railway lines not normally used by passengers with roundtrip on special event trains & boats

Balsthal

7 & 8 Nov

Railway Days in Balsthal (Solothurn)

Steam Train Rides, Model Railways, and Cab Rides - CHF 18 for Adults, CHF 9 for children 6-16

Get Out and Explore!

Regional Scenic Train, Boat and Bus Outing Ideas

Basel to Biel/Bienne - Take a convenient and scenic train ride to the bilingual city of Biel/Bienne.  This route leaves the urban bustle of Basel, and winds along the Jura foothills past villages, open farmland, and forested ridges.

Travel time from Basel SBB:  1h9min

Dinner and entertainment cruises on the Rhine - glide past the old town’s bridges and riverfront while enjoying a meal, a drink, or a lively themed evening.

It's a great way to see the city from a different perspective.

Cruises run year round on the Rhine

Image by birdeye.ch

From Laufen to Balsthal with PostBus - scenic bus route through the Baselbiet and Solothurn Jura.  Explore castles, museums, a bathing area, and plenty of hiking trails along the way.  Take bus route 130 from either Laufen or Balsthal.

See more scenic bus routes in Northern Switzerland: 

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Cross-Border Destinations perfect for day-trips:

Colmar,  Strasbourg, and the Alsace Region in France are easily accessible within 90 minutes from Basel.

Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany is beautiful year round, and has a Christmas Market that is a favourite in the region, and can be reaching in 1 hour by train.

Image by Patrick Robert Doyle

Main Cities Reachable from Basel by Train or Bus in Under 2 Hours

From
To
Travel Time
Basel
Basel EuroAirport
24 min (bus)
Basel
Zurich
1h9
Basel
Zurich Airport
1h30
Basel
Lucerne
1h17
Basel
Bern
1h10
Basel
Thun
1h35
Basel
Interlaken
2h6

Plan Your Next Day Out

Easy Ideas for Spontaneous Trips and Weekends in Northern Switzerland

Zofingen

History

Zofingen is an easy-going historic town in Aargau, ideal for both locals and visitors who want to enjoy a compact old town without relying on a car. Its well-preserved lanes, fountains, shops and cafés are just a short walk from Zofingen railway station, while regional buses from the station connect nearby neighbourhoods and villages such as Oftringen, Strengelbach, Brittnau, Rothrist and Reiden.

Olten

Cultural

Olten is often known as one of Switzerland’s major train hubs, but the town offers much more than a convenient place to change trains. Set on the banks of the Aare at the Jura foothills, its charming historic old town, wooden bridge, and riverside cafés offer a lively cultural scene shaped by museums, theatres, festivals, and the Swiss Writers’ Trail. 

Reigoldswil-Wasserfallen

Outdoors

The Reigoldswil-Wasserfallen area in Baselland offers a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Ride on the Wasserfallen cable car to enjoy the panoramic views of the Jura hills. Once at the top, there are hiking trails suitable for all levels, or try the popular scooter descent for a bit of excitement. Whether you’re picnicking in lush meadows or relaxing at a mountain restaurant, the region provides a refreshing escape into Switzerland’s picturesque countryside.

Major Annual Events
in Northern Switzerland

Links to external websites are included for your convenience. Switzering is not affiliated with these organisations.

Solothurn

Solothurn Film Festival

January
Basel

Art Basel

June
Aarau

Maienzug

July
Basel

Basel Fassnacht (Carnival)

February
Gippingen

GP Gippingen Bike Race

June
Solothurn

Barocktage (Baroque Days)

August
Solothurn

Solothurner Biertage

April/May
Basel

Basel Tattoo

July
Zofingen

Heitere Open Air

August

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