Trails in the Canton of Basel-Stadt

The canton of Basel-Stadt may be the smallest in Switzerland, but it opens onto three mountain ranges. Behind the rooftops of Basel, the hills of Riehen and Bettingen climb gently toward Sankt Chrischona, the canton's highest point at 522 m. Farther out, the Jura, the Black Forest and the Vosges trace the horizon 🌲.

For a trail run in the canton of Basel-Stadt, you have to leave the center and its cobblestones behind. The forest paths of Bettingen string together short climbs and punchy accelerations, perfect for working on your rhythm during the week. The steps of the old town, around the cathedral, round out the options to strengthen your thighs. The banks of the Wiese and the Lange Erlen park offer fast, flowing loops in the shade of the trees. In spring and autumn, the morning mist over the Rhine gives your runs a bit of a movie feel 🌫️.

The Finishers trail calendar doesn't list any Basel races yet, so let's head to the neighbors. In Aarau, the Aare Lauf / Aare Trail runs along the river on June 13, 2027. In Ajoie, Les Courses du Mont-Terrible start from Porrentruy on April 11, 2027 ⛰️. Across the border, the Course du Tilleul brings Burnhaupt-le-Haut to life on June 26, 2027. For more ideas, check out the trails in Switzerland, the trails in the canton of Jura or the trails in the canton of Basel-Landschaft.

Every year, the Basel Carnival kicks off at 4 a.m. with the Morgestraich, when the city switches off all its lights to make room for lanterns 🏮. An excellent training ground for headlamp starts! The trails of the nearby Basel Jura then offer plenty to step things up a notch. Whether it's your first trail race or a more demanding challenge, the three-border region is sure to have a trail you'll love 🙂.