Basel - Politics and Piccolos: Morgenstreich at Basler Fasnacht 2009 by Mark Sukhija

By: Mark Sukhija

Fasnacht is the most important date in Basel calendar and, in my opinion, the best time to visit the city regarded as the cultural capital of Switzerland.

Morgenstreich kicks off 72-hours of festivities at 4am on Monday morning with a procession of lanterns and piccolo players through the streets of Basels Old Town. Cold Feburary mornings aren't usually very appealing but get to to Marktplatz or Barfusserplatz early (3am-ish) to bag yourself the best vantage point.

Pick up some Mehlsuppe (a traditional flour soup) to keep yourself warm.

Recent posts

Rome - 14 things not to miss My personal advise on what to do and see in Rome
Mt Egmont and King Edward Park Mt Egmont seen from the King Edward Park playing fields in Stratford
Stratford Glockenspiel The Stratford Glockenspeil in Taranaki
The Antelope - the dog friendly pub The Antelope - your local, dog friendly, beer friendly pub
Ancient Rome - 8 must see highlights Must see ancient monuments around Rome
Antwerp - de Kathedraal Historical information about the gothic Antwerp Cathedral
Antwerp - what to do, see, stay and eat What to see, where to stay and eat in historic Antwerp
Austria - recommended places to stay Recommended hotels in Vienna, Salzburg and Bregenz

Further reading

Related posts

European tourism and rail organisations - a quick reference (U) - A reference guide to European tourism and rail organisations (U)

Lucerne - 7 things not to miss - What not to miss in Lucerne

London markets - 15 of the best markets - 15 food, antiques and clothing markets in London worth visiting

Europe - Travel information from around Europe

London - the 11 best pubs - 11 great pubs to have a beer in in London

Italy - 10 places not to miss - 10 places you shouldn't miss in Italy

Switzerland - places not to miss - Sixteen places not to miss around Switzerland

Why chase solar eclipses? - Why I chase total solar eclipse all over the world

Switzerland - sacred destinations - Nine of the finest churchs, cathedrals and monastries in Switzerland

Rapperswil - What a visitor to Rapperswil needs to know

About Mark Sukhija

Mark Sukhija is a travel and wine blogger, photographer, tourism researcher, hat-touting, white-shirt-wearing, New Zealand fantatic and eclipse chaser. Aside from at least annual visits to New Zealand, Mark has seen eclipses in South Australia (2002), Libya (2006), China (2009) and Queensland (2012). After twelve years in Switzerland, Mark moved back to London in 2012. You can follow Mark on Twitter or Facebook