Münsterfähre Verified listing

The Münsterfähre, marked by the ferry “Leu,” is a charming cable-guided ferry that crosses the Rhine River between Grossbasel and Kleinbasel, nestled between Wettsteinbrücke and Mittlere Brücke. It's particularly popular for offering one of the best views of Basel Cathedral (the Münster), and is easily reached on foot from both sides of the city. Step aboard and feel the gentle motion as the ferry slips across the river, carried solely by the natural current—no engine noise, just the flow of water and the hum of the city drifting by.

This experience is especially delightful for families. Kids are captivated by the novelty of a boat ride powered only by nature—one passenger even shared that “the kids loved it”—and another described the ride as “a wonderful way of crossing the Rhine” in peaceful silence. The ferry run tends to be calm and enchanting, making it a relaxed and memorable outing for children of all ages. There are no formal age restrictions, though very young children should be supervised to ensure they’re safe on the platform and boat. Boarding is typically done from a low platform, and while it's stroller‑accessible, families should be mindful of the short wait times and steady edges.

Crossing the river aboard the Münsterfähre is very affordable. Adult tickets cost around CHF 1.60, while children ride for about CHF 0.80. In some official listings, tickets are priced at CHF 2 for adults and CHF 1 for children, with the slight difference depending on the source—but either way, it's budget-friendly and often cited as “extremely cheap by Swiss standards.” You can buy the fare directly on the ferry itself—cash only, as usual. The journey lasts only about five minutes and runs frequently during the day from spring through autumn, and on a reduced winter timetable, though operations pause during very high water levels.