Rhine Ferries
Basler Rheinfähren
Four small wooden ferries that cross the Rhine with no engine, powered only by the river current and a steel cable. They are Basel's most fun way to cross the river.
Basel's four ferries are named Wilder Mann, Leu, Vogel Gryff and Ueli, after traditional symbols of the city. Each boat hangs from a cable stretched across the river. The ferryman adjusts the angle of the rudder so the current pushes the boat to the opposite bank, and the crossing takes only a few minutes. The most popular is the Münster ferry Leu, below the cathedral. Reach the landing by descending the Pfalz steps, then board. The fare is about 2 Swiss francs, paid directly to the ferryman. You can chat with the ferryman on board, and a ride at sunset in summer is especially pleasant.
Opening hours
Approx. daytime operation (summer approx. 09:00–19:00; shorter in winter)
Nearby sights
- Basel Minster
- Museum der Kulturen Basel
- Natural History Museum Basel
- Antikenmuseum Basel
- Kunstmuseum Basel
- Rhine Swimming & Kleinbasel Riverbank
- Historical Museum Basel – Barfüsserkirche
- Middle Bridge