Horburgpark

Horburgpark in Basel is one of the biggest green spaces in Kleinbasel, the part of the city on the right bank of the Rhine. At almost 3 hectares, it works mainly as a neighbourhood living room: shady trees, a playground, sports courts and plenty of lawn for a picnic, without the crowds of the Old Town.

Where does the park come from?

The land used to be a cemetery. Part of it was given over to other uses once burials ended, and since the 1950s what remained has been open to everyone as a public park. The city's parks department, the Stadtgärtnerei Basel, looks after it. Design studies for its future have suggested three zones: a quiet outer edge, a line of linden trees through the middle and a livelier core that keeps features from the 1950s.

What can you see and do?

• Old trees and wildlife. The park has many mature trees, plus a small woodland-like patch near the composting area. Rare and protected plant species grow in several spots.
• Playground and Robi play area. The play zone is meant for ages 0 to 14, and the park hosts one of the city's oldest Robi playgrounds, a supervised adventure-play format.
• Sport. Facilities include a dirt jump track, basketball courts, a street soccer pitch, a slackline, a boules area, skate elements, a dog play area and a street workout station added in 2020.
• Paddling pool. On warm weekdays from May to September, when it reaches at least 25°C, park staff fill the pool for toddlers.

How to get there and when to go

Horburgpark lies in the Horburg quarter of Kleinbasel, north of the city centre and a few kilometres from Basel SBB on foot or by public transport. Check the BVB timetable for the nearest stop. Late spring and summer are the best seasons, when the paddling pool runs and the courts are busy. Entry is free and the park is open as public green space.

Who is it for?

It is not a sightseeing stop in the way the Old Town is. It suits families with children, joggers and visitors who want to see everyday Basel off the main tourist route. If you combine Kleinbasel with a walk along the Rhine, the park makes an easy midday break.

Frequently asked questions

Is Horburgpark free to enter? Yes. It is a public city park with no admission charge.

Is there a playground for children? Yes. The play area covers ages 0 to 14 and includes one of the oldest Robi playgrounds in Basel.

Can I play basketball or skate there? Yes. The park has basketball and street soccer courts, skate elements, a dirt jump track and a street workout station.

Was the park once a cemetery? Yes. The site served as a cemetery, and it has been public green space for residents since the 1950s.