The Meret Oppenheim Tower and SBB District

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Next to the station, you will find the Elsässertor office building. This structure uses large glass panels to reflect the surrounding urban environment. It creates a sharp contrast with the historic station building nearby. Walk across the Centralbahnplatz to see how old and new styles blend. This area serves as the perfect starting point for any architectural exploration.

Take a moment to admire the precise Swiss engineering in every corner. The sidewalks are wide and easy to navigate for all types of walkers. Most buildings in this district are accessible for external viewing at no cost. You can easily spend thirty minutes just exploring the immediate station surroundings. This district sets the tone for the high-quality design seen throughout Basel.

The Peter Merian and Jacob Burckhardt Buildings

Walk east from the station along the railway tracks toward the Post Passarelle. You will soon see the Peter Merian and Jacob Burckhardt office complexes. These buildings feature striking emerald green glass facades that glow in the sunlight. Architect Hans Zwimpfer designed these structures to provide a modern face for the city. They house various departments of the University of Applied Sciences and Arts.

The glass panels are arranged in a rhythmic pattern across the long facades. This design creates a sense of movement as you walk past the buildings. The reflections change constantly depending on the time of day and weather. You should look for the best Herzog & de Meuron buildings nearby for more inspiration. These glass giants are essential stops for any modern design lover.

The area around these buildings is quiet and perfect for architectural photography. There are several benches where you can sit and study the details. Notice how the buildings integrate with the busy railway lines below them. This section of the route takes about twenty minutes to complete. It offers a peaceful break from the busier streets of the city center.

The Messe Basel New Hall and City Lounge

Head north toward the Exhibition Square to see the Messe Basel New Hall. This is perhaps the most famous contemporary building walking route in central Basel stop. The building features a massive silver skin made of woven aluminum strips. Its most famous feature is the 'City Lounge,' a large covered public space. A giant circular opening in the ceiling allows light to pour inside.

The City Lounge connects the different parts of the exhibition center seamlessly. It acts as a sheltered plaza for locals and tourists to gather. You can walk through this impressive space at any time for free. The scale of the structure is truly breathtaking when standing directly underneath. It represents the pinnacle of modern Swiss architectural achievement in the 21st century.

During major events, this area becomes the vibrant heart of the city. In 2026, several international fairs will take place in this very hall. Even when empty, the building remains a powerful statement of urban design. Check the architectural highlights of Basel map for nearby hidden gems. This site is a mandatory stop for every visiting architecture student.

The Roche Towers and the Rhine River Vista

Continue your walk toward the Rhine river to see the Roche Towers. These are currently the tallest buildings in all of Switzerland. Tower 1 and Tower 2 feature a distinct white, stepped-pyramid shape. They were designed to be highly energy-efficient and sustainable for the future. You can see their silhouettes from almost anywhere in central Basel.

Walk along the Rhine river promenade to get the best viewing angles. The path is lined with trees and offers beautiful views of the water. Many locals use this route for their daily exercise and relaxation. The contrast between the white towers and the blue river is stunning. It provides a great opportunity for wide-angle landscape photography during sunset.

Cross the Wettstein Bridge for a panoramic view of the entire city skyline. From here, you can see how the modern towers rise above the old town. This perspective shows the successful evolution of Basel over many centuries. The walk along the river is refreshing and very easy to follow. It connects the industrial north with the historic heart of the city.

Map of the Contemporary Building Walking Route in Central Basel

This walking route covers approximately five kilometers of flat city terrain. Most visitors complete the entire loop in about three hours at a steady pace. You should wear comfortable shoes as the route involves mostly paved surfaces. Start your tour in the morning to catch the best light on the buildings. This allows you to finish just in time for a riverside lunch.

• Total Distance: 5.2 Kilometers (3.2 miles)
• Estimated Time: 2.5 to 4 hours with photo stops
• Cost: Free (all buildings viewed from public spaces)
• Best Starting Point: Basel SBB Main Train Station

If you stay in a local hotel, use your BaselCard for transport. This card gives you free access to all trams and buses. You can use the tram to skip sections of the walk if needed. Many scenic walks in Basel are easily accessible via the green tram lines. Plan your route to end near the Claraplatz for great dining options.

The year 2026 is an excellent time to visit these modern landmarks. New public art installations are planned for the Messe Basel area soon. Basel remains a safe and clean city for solo walking tours. Always keep a digital map on your phone for easy navigation. Enjoy the blend of precision, art, and functionality in every Swiss building.