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.
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
Aargau
HochRhein Ticket
For journeys between the A-Welle fare network and the Waldshut fare network (WTV)
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
Offers in Northern Switzerland
On Trains, Boats and Buses
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Northern Switzerland Highlights
Limited Time Experiences and Offers
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Gastronomic & Unique Experiences
Not just getting there - make it part of the journey
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Get Out and Explore!
Regional Scenic Train, Boat and Bus Outing Ideas
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:
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.
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.
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