Basel is a must-visit destination! Set beside the stunning River Rhine, this city is a hub of creativity, culture and delicious food. Coming from Rome, where I was surrounded by incredible art and fantastic cuisine, I can say with confidence that Basel is one of the best cities to live in.
Known for its international flair, Basel boasts a myriad of restaurants and a thriving beer scene that captures the essence of the city’s charm. Among the attractions, the city’s unique character is unmistakably intertwined with the rich flavours of Basel beer, making it a must-visit destination for beer enthusiasts seeking a blend of aesthetics and divine brews.
Basel citizens absolutely love beer! It’s so precious to them and they’d probably call it their liquid gold! In this blog post, I’m thrilled to explore the fascinating heritage of Basel beer and uncover some of the most intriguing facts about the city’s breweries.
Basel beer heritage
Beer always held a special place in the city’s social and cultural fabric, being enjoyed not just as a refreshing beverage, but also as an integral part of various annual festivities and traditions.
Throughout the year, Basel’s residents and visitors alike would partake in beer-drinking rituals tied to seasonal events such as the renowned Fasnacht festival (Carnival), where colorful parades and lively celebrations were accompanied by the clinking of beer steins and the sharing of brews among participants.
During the Basel carnival, known as Fasnacht, beer flows abundantly as part of the vibrant revelry that engulfed the city in a whirlwind of music, dance, and colorful costumes. The masked participants, organised in groups known as “Clique” select their preferred wine and beer to carry with them and drink along the three-day Carnival event. Beer plays a crucial role in fueling the merriment and camaraderie of Fasnacht, with traditional local brews and seasonal specialties being savored in outdoor beer tents, cozy taverns, and impromptu street gatherings.
During the summer months, beer gardens and outdoor beer halls come alive with locals enjoying cold beers in the sun. The Rhein is a particular favourite, where Baslers relax and drink local beers in the Buvette between swims in the river.
And there’s more! Every August, the city plays host to the renowned Basler Biermarkt, a lively beer festival that showcases a kaleidoscope of flavours and celebrates Basel’s deep-rooted beer heritage. The atmosphere is absolutely amazing, and the breweries from Basel and the surrounding area gather in Vogesenplatz, ready to meet beer lovers and those who are new to beer.
Traditional breweries in Basel
Warteck Brewery had a long-standing history in Basel, and was a prominent player in the local beer industry for many years. The brewery was known for its traditional brewing methods and commitment to quality. Warteck produced a range of beer styles to cater to various tastes, including classic pale lagers, dark lagers, and wheat beers.
The Warteck brand was highly regarded among beer enthusiasts in Basel and beyond, known for its distinct flavors and consistent quality. Despite its popularity, Warteck Brewery faced challenges in the early 2000s, leading to its closure in 2003. The closure marked the end of an era for the historic brewery, which had been a staple in the Basel beer scene for over a century.
Ueli Bier founded in 1974 is the oldest craft brewery of Basel and located with its brewpub Fischerstube in Kleinbasel. The logo of Ueli Bier typically represents a traditional Swiss character known as “Ueli,” often depicted as a cheerful and jovial figure with a beer in hand.
Unser Bier was founded in 1999 and is now the largest brewery in Basel. It is located on the other side of Basel, in the district of Gundeli, just behind the main train station and in Liestal. Unser Bier has the slogan “beer from here instead of beer from there”, a clear statement against the non-Swiss beers that are invading the Swiss beer market.
Iconic beer brands like Warteck, Ueli, and Unser Bier stand as testaments to centuries-old brewing traditions, while newer players add a modern twist to the city’s beer culture.
Read our four simple rules for choosing your craft beer
New breweries in Basel and surrounding
Basel beer scene is experiencing a refreshing wave of creativity with the emergence of new breweries that are redefining the city’s brewing landscape. From quirky microbreweries experimenting with bold flavors to artisanal craft beer establishments pushing the boundaries of traditional brewing techniques, Basel’s new breweries are a testament to the exciting evolution of the local beer culture.
These up-and-coming brewers are infusing Basel with a newfound energy that is captivating beer enthusiasts and challenging the status quo. They are passionate about quality, thirsty for experimentation, and deeply respectful of the craft. Volta Brau, Kitchen Brew, Matt&Elly, and Birtel are among the most well-known in the area, but there are more breweries on the horizon!
In 2017, Fermento Brewery burst onto the scene with a bold mission: to bring together the precision of a beer brewed in Switzerland with Italian passion for brewing and life. And we’ve been making waves ever since! Fermento Brewery has been showered with praise for its unwavering commitment to quality and innovation. For two years in a row, Fermento sponsored the Pint of Science Festival in Basel. We also have a strong commitment to food, because we believe that great beers deserve great food! Fermento offers a sensory experience like no other with our beer cooking courses and team events, where we pair beer with cheese and gourmet food.
Savoring Basel Beer: A FinalToast to Tradition, Innovation, and Unforgettable Memories
Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or just curious about new places, Basel’s vibrant brewing scene has something special in store for you. Get ready to experience some truly unforgettable moments and taste some delicious flavors! Embark on an unforgettable journey to Basel and dive into the world of “Basel Beer,” where tradition, innovation, and passion come together to create a tapestry of taste that will captivate your senses! Discover the magic of Basel’s brewing culture and savor the essence of a city that brews more than just beer – it brews memories.