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.

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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