Swiss Rhine Ports Celebrate 101 Years of Basel Harbor Basin I

From June 2 to 4, 2023, Basel will celebrate the Harbor Festival 2023. The reason for this celebration is actually the opening of Harbor Basin I in the Basel Rhine Port in 1922. However, this could not take place last year due to COVID-19 measures, so the 101st anniversary is being celebrated instead. There is naturally much to see in a harbor for logistics enthusiasts. The logistics cluster Basel will also have a stand at the festival.

(Basel) The historical background of the Harbor Festival is the opening of Harbor Basin I in 1922. This marked the beginning of professional shipping and port operations in Kleinhüningen. Information about the history of Rhine shipping and the Rhine port is provided by the Port Museum, which will also be open during the Harbor Festival and will showcase various offerings such as the popular ship simulator.

In 1922, Harbor Basin 1 of the Basel Rhine Port (now Swiss Rhine Ports) was completed and opened. This also laid the foundation for the Kleinhüningen port in Basel! This historic anniversary will be celebrated at the Harbor Festival from June 2 to 4, 2023. Although last year was actually the anniversary year, the celebration will take place this year due to the unpredictable situation of COVID-19 measures.

Impressive Musical Live Program

The Harbor Festival also features an impressive and enjoyable musical live concert program. National and regional musicians, led by Stress, Pegasus, Zian, Dodo, Brandhärd, and Schwellheim, will bring the tri-border area to life. After the concerts, celebrations will continue in the cultural venues Sandoase and Nordstern. The concerts will take place on Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday afternoon. The concerts are free, and no tickets are required.

Diverse Attractions

Over 70 food stalls (dishes and drinks from around the world), festival tents, game booths, numerous amusement rides, a large ship exhibition, company tours, and a railway exhibition will provide plenty of variety and experiences for young and old. There will also be a digger park, children’s carousels, and a boat show for entertainment. No admission ticket is required for the Harbor Festival, and a large part of the offerings is free!

At the Basel Harbor Festival (here a picture from the last festival in 2014), logistics is not neglected.

Opening Hours of the Harbor Festival

Friday, June 2, 2023: 5:00 PM – 3:00 AM
Saturday, June 3, 2023: 10:00 AM – 3:00 AM
Sunday, June 4, 2023: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

No Parking at the Festival Area – Good Public Transport Options

To ensure smooth access to the Harbor Festival, which is expected to attract 100,000 visitors, an expanded transport service will be provided. Water taxis will operate from the Harbor Festival dock to the city (Mittlere Brücke and Deirosenbrücke), Huningue, and Weil am Rhein, as well as various stations in the harbor. The Basel passenger shipping company will also offer boat connections to the Harbor Festival.

BVB will provide two additional bus services from Badischer Bahnhof for visitors. Harbor Festival attendees are advised to use public transport to get to the festival. Public parking garages are available for drivers. There are no parking options at the Harbor Festival.

All information here

Photo/Signets: © Swiss Rhine Ports