Liesbergermatte

Liesbergermatte is a compact neighbourhood park and playground in Basel's Gundeldingen district, known locally as "Gundeli", just south of the main railway station. It is run by the city's parks department, the Stadtgärtnerei, and was fully refurbished by spring 2016. Families with children and local sports fans get the most from it, and it makes a useful break in a densely built part of town.

What is there to do at Liesbergermatte?

This is a working park rather than a showpiece. You will find a football pitch, a basketball court, a table-tennis table, a nest swing and a climbing tower for children up to 12. In summer the paddling pool is the main draw, and the marble runs built into it were inspired by drawings from pupils at the neighbouring school. Benches, tables, public toilets and drinking fountains are on site.

What is the history of the park?

The green space was laid out in 1916 together with the Thiersteiner school building. In 1956 city gardener Richard Arioli added the paddling pool, a sandpit and a ball field. The latest overhaul ran in 2015 and 2016: cracked asphalt gave way to a rubber-granulate surface that cushions falls and cuts noise, and new goals, hoops and seating went in. The renewed park was handed back to residents on 16 April 2016. The project belonged to a wider green and open-space plan for Gundeldingen, a district with very little free land. In 2019 the canton extended the floodlights on the sports field so they now run until 10 p.m. all year.

When is the best time to visit?

Late spring to early autumn. From May to September, parks staff fill the paddling pool on weekday mornings once temperatures reach 25°C, so on cooler days it may be dry. Thanks to the floodlit pitch, the park stays lively into the evening.

How do you get to Liesbergermatte?

Gundeldingen starts right behind Basel SBB station on its south side, so the park is a walk of roughly a quarter of an hour from the platforms. It sits among apartment blocks close to the Thiersteiner school. Coordinates: 47.5421 N, 7.5961 E. Entry is free.

Who is it for?

Families, teenagers playing football or basketball, and neighbours who meet here every day. If you only want the Old Town sights, this is not a headline attraction. If you are staying in Gundeldingen with children, it is a dependable place to burn off energy. Parts of the grounds are set aside as protected zones that support biodiversity.

Frequently asked questions

Is Liesbergermatte free to enter? Yes. It is a public city park with no entrance fee.

Does it have a paddling pool? Yes. Staff fill it on weekday mornings between May and September when it is at least 25°C.

What age is the climbing tower for? Children up to 12.

Are there toilets and drinking water? Yes, the park has public toilets and drinking fountains.

Can you play football or basketball there? Yes. There are separate pitches for each, and the football pitch lights stay on until 10 p.m.