Whether you’re new to Basel or have lived here for years, you’ve developed your own relationship with the city. You interpret its streets, buildings and public spaces through the lens of your personal experiences—you “read” Basel in your own way.
Now think of sharing your perspective, hearing how others see the city, discovering new ways of looking at familiar places. If this sounds interesting, you might enjoy being part of Basel’s very first Jane’s Walk.
Now think of sharing your perspective, hearing how others see the city, discovering new ways of looking at familiar places. If this sounds interesting, you might enjoy being part of Basel’s very first Jane’s Walk.
What is Jane’s Walk?
More of a walking conversation than a guided tour, Jane’s Walk is an annual global event. Named after Jane Jacobs (1916–2006)—the American-Canadian urban theorist, author, and activist whose grassroots work reshaped how we think about cities—Jane’s Walk invites people to explore their surroundings, engage in meaningful dialogue, and connect with one another.
Organized entirely by volunteers, these walks are free of charge and open to everyone. They typically take place in early May, around the time of Jane Jacobs’ birthday.
The very first Jane’s Walk was held in Toronto almost two decades ago as a tribute to Jacobs’ legacy. Since then, the movement has grown from a local initiative to a worldwide phenomenon. Switzerland joined in 2021, beginning with the French speaking part of the country. This year, Jane’s Walks will take place in over 30 towns across Switzerland—and for the first time in Basel.
More of a walking conversation than a guided tour, Jane’s Walk is an annual global event. Named after Jane Jacobs (1916–2006)—the American-Canadian urban theorist, author, and activist whose grassroots work reshaped how we think about cities—Jane’s Walk invites people to explore their surroundings, engage in meaningful dialogue, and connect with one another.
Organized entirely by volunteers, these walks are free of charge and open to everyone. They typically take place in early May, around the time of Jane Jacobs’ birthday.
The very first Jane’s Walk was held in Toronto almost two decades ago as a tribute to Jacobs’ legacy. Since then, the movement has grown from a local initiative to a worldwide phenomenon. Switzerland joined in 2021, beginning with the French speaking part of the country. This year, Jane’s Walks will take place in over 30 towns across Switzerland—and for the first time in Basel.
More about Basel’s Jane’s Walk
The theme of Basel’s inaugural walk draws inspiration from the fact that nearly 40% of the city’s population are foreigners, representing 168 nationalities. Many different languages are spoken alongside the local dialect, Baseldytsch. And the city speaks its own language, too—through its architecture, its public spaces, its rhythms. With this in mind, the first Jane’s Walk in Basel is titled:
What language does Basel speak?
We’ll walk along the Rhine and use the metaphor of language to explore the city. From the smallest façade details to entire building complexes, we’ll observe, reflect, and share our impressions--in simple German.
Details: Free of charge / Limited number of participants / Please sign up here by 28 April 2025
Meeting point: Kunstmuseum Neubau
End point: Amber Bar, at the top of the Kaserne
Note: The walk will take place rain or shine!
Organizer: Dina Bonefacic Mihaljek [email protected]
Jane’s Walk Switzerland
Along the Rhine / From Kunstmuseum Neubau to Amber Bar, Kaserne
Photos: D.B.-M. architecture walks and talks
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