"Basel ticks differently"...

... is the motto with which Basel wants to draw attention to itself at home and abroad. Special to Basel is in fact the so-called "Dreiländereck", the triangle formed by the three countries of Switzerland, Germany, and France.

Basel projects, well beyond central Europe, the image of a progressive, environmentally conscious, international, and integrative cultural, educational metropolis. It successfully combines such small-town features as clarity and intimacy with the advantages of a city: expansiveness, wide choice, and diversity.

Despite its social dynamism and innovative economic strength, Basel is a lively border town, with a strong traditional base rooted in history which can be experienced not only at its carnival, the Basler Fasnacht. Both its historic townscape and modern architecture are part of Basel's living present.

Basel has been a major crossroads for trade ever since the first bridge was built over the Rhine in the 13th century. Nowadays, busy streams of passenger and goods traffic by river, air, road, and rail flow together here and offer unique opportunities for interconnections.

Basel is the perfect place for staging events and leaves hardly a wish unfulfilled. International trade fairs such as the worlds largest Watches and Jeweler trade fair, the Art Basel, the worlds largest and unique Art trade fair or sports meetings such as the Swiss Indoors tennis tournament: Basel provides ideal conditions for them all.

Basel is well-known for the importance it attaches to its relations with organizers of trade fairs, exhibitions, congresses, and other events. A special liaison office at the City Marketing department, Event Services, is available with free-of-charge, unbureaucratic help for all the services and facilities they might need to stage a smoothly run, successful event in Basel.