Erlenmattpark

Erlenmattpark in Basel is a public park in the Kleinbasel district, laid out on the site of a former German railway freight yard. It forms the green centre of the new Erlenmatt neighbourhood, close to the Rosental, Matthäus and Klybeck areas on the right bank of the Rhine. For visitors it is a relaxed stop away from the old town, and a good example of how Basel turns former industrial land into open space.

How did the park come about?

From 1905 until 1998 the land served as the Deutsche Bahn goods station. When rail operations ended, local logistics firms took over the site. An urban-planning competition followed in 2001, and a public vote on 27 February 2005 created the legal basis for redevelopment. The park was built in three stages. The first, 33,000 of a planned 58,000 square metres, opened on 9 April 2011 with a community festival. The final stage was celebrated on 20 March 2026, roughly fifteen years after the first. In 2013 the park received the Schulthess Garden Prize from the Swiss Heritage Society (Heimatschutz).

What will you see?

The city's gardening department, the Stadtgärtnerei, shaped the grounds to resemble natural river floodplains: winding paths, meadows and varied planting instead of formal flower beds. The industrial past shows in the layout of the terrain rather than in decoration.

Facilities include:

• a large lawn for picnics and resting,
• two big playgrounds for different ages, one with a nature theme offering climbing, sliding, swinging, seesaws, and sand and water play,
• table-tennis tables and basketball hoops,
• a public toilet on Erlenmattstrasse.

Is there somewhere to splash around?

The main park has no pool or bathing fountain. The paddling pool (Planschbecken) is in the neighbouring Im Triangel green space, which belongs to the same recreational area. On hot days it is the first place families head for.

When should you go?

The park is open to everyone and free. Late spring to early autumn is the best time, when the lawns and playgrounds are fully in use and weekends feel lively. A visit combines well with a walk through Kleinbasel towards the Rhine promenades. The park sits at about 47.5725 N, 7.6003 E.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee?

No. It is a public park with free access.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes. There are two large playgrounds, a paddling pool in the adjacent Im Triangel, plus table tennis and basketball.

Are there toilets?

Yes, a public toilet stands on Erlenmattstrasse.

What was here before?

A German railway freight yard that operated from 1905 to 1998. The park is now the heart of the Erlenmatt district.