Switzerland's largest and oldest autumn fair opened on Saturday in Basel.


There are 477 stands and rides including a 60m high big wheel in the Münsterplatz - fair lasts two weeks until 8th November 2009.

On 11 July 1471, at the Imperial Diet in Regensburg, Emperor Frederick III granted Basel's Mayor Hannsen von Berenfels, who was present there, the right to hold an Autumn Fair in perpetuity.

As a fair within the fair, the autumn goods fair and the wine fair are a must for many visitors, as is the big market on the Petersplatz.

More

www.messen-maerkte.ch



Pictures from previous years.





There is a social photography event related to this fair here on 31/10/2009.

I thoroughly recommend this fair for anyone who feels like coming up to Basel. It is probably my favorite event of the year here.

If you come and bring little ones, make sure to take them on the carousel at Petersplatz. It is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. And the market there, I think, is better than what is usually around for Christmas.

Will it be open on a Sunday?

Two weeks of hell to get through...

Bah humbug from me too, I live a stone's throw from Messeplatz

Work about 300 m from it

Where is the autumn goods fair and wine fair located?

The wine fair is in the town hall (the red building at the marktplatz)

The goods fair is at the Messe.

Ugh, yeah, I'm far enough away from town (by the airport) that if I didn't go out and look for it, I'd not know it was happening.

That's how I feel about Fasnacht, so I understand what you are saying - the school behind me practices it constantly and around the event have hours and hours of loud Fasnacht music going *shudder*

Sorry for the extra congestion (and mess I'm sure!) by ya'll... thankfully, I'm up near Kannenfeld Platz and so am far enough out of things that the events don't impact us here so much.

Back in Florida I worked at the mall across the street from the Daytona 500 though so I can certainly imagine your troubles!

Last year I was in poor health and just moving in to my new apartment (today makes 1yr in our pad!) so didn't really get to enjoy it so well. I'm looking forward to checking it out a couple times this year though.

I just got back from it!



Very busy and expenssive, but a very nice night out with friends.

I secnd this question, anyone knows?

I thought so but just to be sure, I asked hubby and he says yes indeed, open on Sunday.

I agree. It's like if they watered Fasnacht down from 3 days into 2 weeks. I live right next to the Petersplatz and I wonder how many days it's going to take me to snap.

I will come by train from Geneva. How can i go to this fair?

Thanks

There you go - all you need to know to find your way there.

The train from Geneva will (of course) take you to the train station in Basel... when you exit the building, there is a mass tram-stop for a number of tram lines through Basel, the 8 and 11 lines (among others) are two that will take you right down into the "center" of action, kind of.


The reason for the "kind of" is that once you're down around Barfüsserplatz, there is a lot going on and plenty to explore around you... meanwhile, I believe the 8 also crosses the river into KleinBasel and there is yet more over on that side with some more rides and booths both inside and outside of the Convention Center. The 6 is probably what I'd take from around Schifflände to get over the bridge if I were concerned for my tootsies doing all that walking.

This map including the tram and bus lines in Basel may help you plan a tad, Herbstmesse is spread quite a bit around down over the "downtown" areas (on both sides of the river) of Basel so in my experience, it is more a matter of wandering / rambling than necessarily having a specific destination.

Also the 3, which you can catch at Barfuesserplatz will take you to Spalentor, where you get off for Petersplatz. There's a botanical center on your right, follow the small road there down to Petersplatz.

THANKS!!! I appreciate the info.....will have to go and check that out.....

Can anyone tell what is the start time on Sunday. Thanks in advance.