Solitudepark

Solitudepark in Basel is a riverside green space in the Wettstein quarter of Kleinbasel, right beside the Roche headquarters and the Museum Tinguely. Mature trees and broad lawns make it a local favourite, and it is one of the few city parks that reaches the Rhine directly.

How did the park come about?

It grew out of an early 19th-century country estate. In 1834-35 the manufacturer Emanuel Hoffmann-Preiswerk had the former farmland landscaped, then enlarged the house as his summer home. After the couple's deaths the property went to the Hoffmann heirs in 1876. They sold it to the city in 1924 on one condition: the park had to stay open to the public for good.

The layout follows the English landscape-garden model and has been altered over time, including through the building of bridges and the opening of the Museum Tinguely in 1996.

What is there to see?

• Art. Changing works linked to the Museum Tinguely are shown in the park, and a Jean Tinguely fountain stands beside the museum.
• The river. There is an entry point for Rhine swimmers, and the bank along the park is a nature-protection zone.
• Old trees. The tree stock is especially valuable for bats.
• Playground and paddling pool. From May to September, on weekdays when it reaches at least 25°C, city gardeners fill the pool early in the morning.

How do I get there?

The park lies in Kleinbasel on the right bank of the Rhine, off Grenzacherstrasse, next to the Roche campus. From central Basel you can walk along the river or take public transport to the stops near Roche and the Museum Tinguely.

When should I go?

Late spring to early autumn is best, when the lawns invite a long stay and the Rhine invites a swim. The park is free and open to all, used by neighbours and Roche staff alike.

What is changing nearby?

Plans exist to widen the narrow Solitude promenade along the river, and development of the neighbouring Roche site has been discussed. Check the current state of works on the embankment before you visit.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry free? Yes. Permanent public access was the condition of the city's 1924 purchase.

Can I swim in the Rhine here? The park has an entry zone for swimmers. The current is strong, so take care.

Is it good for children? Yes, there is a playground and a paddling pool that is filled on hot weekday mornings from May to September.

What is next to the park? The Museum Tinguely and the Roche headquarters.