Basel, Switzerland - Christmas Markets, Beautiful Basel Minster

We had docked at Basel early 12/7/2021, as people had flights home and required early transfers to meet international flight requirements. Our depart time was 9AM, so we we more than ready when our names were called that our taxi was there. One thing that is noted throughout our cruise is how all staff do what is necessary on board, not a lot of division of labor. We watch all staff facilitate the boarding process last week and today again, everyone was giving a hand, from the captain to the front desk ladies. We took the elevator to the 3rd floor with our desk staff waiting on deck 3 to assist us with our jaunt witch carryon luggage up starts to the top deck, across the Ama Waterways longship down 2 flights of steps, up the gangway and up a second flight of steps up to the street level where our taxis arranged by Viking were awaiting.

After loading our luggage and group, our 2 taxis whisk us away from the river into the heart of Basel. Our Hotel awaits and exploration of Basel for our single day here. After about a 15 minute ride we arrived at Hotel Victoria, right across the street from Basel SBB, the busiest border train station in Europe. The 1907 neo-baroque station building is a heritage site of national significance, with 35 platforms and about 1000 trains passing through this station daily. One of three in Basel. Another plus for travel in Basel is their Tram system. Our room rate included a Tram pass for length of our stay, up to 30 days! . . . .sweet

The Basel tramway network is a system of tramways forming part of the public transport system in Basel, Switzerland. It consists of 13 lines. Due to its longevity, opened for operation in May of 1895, it is part of Basel's heritage and, alongside the Basel Minster, is one of the symbols of the city. [Wikipedia]

Our rooms were ready when we arrived, we quickly found our rooms and deposited our luggage, checked out our 4 star lodging. The room was nicely appointed, great beds, large soaking tub and a Nespresso machine. Included with our room rate was a metro rail pass to explore Basel. I took several photos of our room, large bathtub and outside our window to the greenspace in the middle of the buildings, but alas my phone jacked in Paris on 12/11 to be discussed ensured I do not have these snaps. (Thanks Dawn for this picture)

Christmas Markets x2

Barfüesserplatz or Barefoot park

After a helpful discussion with the front desk at Hotel Victoria, we knew which tram to take and which stops to get off, both going and returning to our hotel. I say this to stress the importance to getting your bearings with help from your lodging, especially hotels. They have maps and loads of local knowledge.

Barfüesserplatz our first Christmas Market location was easily found on the stop advised to us by our helpful hotel staff. It was right in front of us as our tram stopped. Not a huge park, but packed with stalls, beautiful decoration, and wonderful food. Glüehwein, älplermagronen(mac & cheese yum), sausages and mustard.

Our second market was up the hill in Münsterplatz, home of the Basel Minster overlooking the Rhine River.

Münsterplatz - home of the Basel Cathedral/Minster and our second market. More food stalls, wine and a beautiful Christmas Pyramid. The true star of this area is the Church, stunning details, stunning multicolored tile roof and carved doors. A gem in Basel.

Basler Münster (Cathedral)

A religious building in the Swiss city of Basel, originally a Catholic cathedral and today a Reformed Protestant church. The original cathedral was built between 1019 and 1500 in Romanesque and Gothic styles