I am going with the cute option.

It's pretty normal for people to not go through any trouble to get out of your way. You'll get used to it and find yourself doing the same in no time. You might be reading a little too much into the "dirty looks", though... Try saying a friendly 'grüetzi' as you pass.

Yes and no. The Swiss make space for others too, but the difference is how much space. In Switzerland a miss is as good as a mile (and clashing handbags still count as a miss.)

You do get used to it, more or less... in my case, to the point that now when I'm back in the States, I often have the opposite reaction. Several people in a row veer off course to go way out around me on a nearly-empty sidewalk, and I start checking my reflection in shop windows.

It's because Basel is nicer...

I don't know. Maybe your sidewalks are larger than ours?
Everything seems to be so small here compared to other countries you know!

No, it's a delightful Swiss quality to block pavements and be totally astonished at the presence of another human being. Enjoy.

And that is a fine example of a typical Swiss answer. I'm surprised that you haven't been instructed to leave the country or climb a mountain for your insubordinate comments.

To the OP - I know what you are talking about. There is undoubtedly an element here who do seem more than just spacially unaware - that actually make a sport of being obstructive in public spaces. I have found either walking directly at them or inviting them to 'get out the *&^%$ way' both work. Amazing how international one or two choice English phrases are!

Usually these experiences come in one particularly bad day and you can then go for several days with pleasant encounters. I try to avoid supermarkets at traditionally busy times such as Friday evening/ Saturday mornings as it doesn't take many people here to bring foot traffic to a standstill.

I guess you cant wait to get out then..

I second this about the deploying of the word 'grüetzi' when encountering folk - it is a magic code word here that will get you far!

And the dirty looks are just part and parcel of a week of grey skies, a privileged life with little serious to worry about, and nothing personal.

another tactic is to head right for them and stop (but brace for collision) and force them to walk around you. only works if you're prepared to stand there for several minutes until they move.

You counted?

yeah me too

and no "there is no brown sugar!" thread yet?

I started after the 4th.

You must be new to Switzerland. The behavior you're describing isn't rude here - it's normal. You'll adapt. It has nothing to do with you being an American.

I'm making a higher bid than Natasha, you're lucky and cute.

Clearly they were expecting you to hand over details of your salary and other personal details...

Forcing someone to walk into the street is rude, and no you do not have to adapt to their rude behaivor. You seem to quite the normal one in this situation.
I would just ignore them.
I was walking around London a couple days ago, and it was lovely. No stares, if you happened to side step in front of someone, there was no look of indignation, a smile and a step aside, or they would just move to one side. No conflicts, just a pleasure to walk around.

Don't really see the relevance, if the OP wants to posts 6 threads, why not. I see it as being effecient, rather then spread them out. They all look like valid threads to me.

Ah, a common topic for newbies to Switzerland. See this thread: Swiss Manners