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Blue and White House

4.5
·14 reviews·Basel, Switzerland

Admire the striking blue and white facade of this historic Basel house, once a residence for emperors and kings.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, soft light

CrowdLow
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Panoramica

Blue and White House

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, soft light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Admire the striking blue and white facade of this historic Basel house, once a residence for emperors and kings.

4.5
(14 reviews)

"The architecture is very beautiful and impressive."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Golden Hour Magic

Capture the best photos during sunrise or sunset for that perfect, warm glow on the house. :camerawithflash:

🚶‍♂️ Scenic Stroll

Don't miss the lovely alley leading to the Basel Minster – it's a delightful walk. :walking:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Blue Facade

The Iconic Blue Facade

Admire the striking blue and white architecture, a picturesque sight that draws visitors for its unique charm.

Alley to Basel Minster

Alley to Basel Minster

Path leading from the house

Enjoy the charming alleyway that leads towards the magnificent Basel Minster, offering a scenic stroll.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Photos

Visit during the golden hour for stunning light on the blue and white facade. Early mornings or late afternoons offer fewer crowds and better photo opportunities. Avoid midday sun for softer shadows.

Understand the History

The Blue and White House has a rich past, notably hosting emperors and kings in 1814. Knowing this context enhances the appreciation of its architecture and significance.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, soft light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour glow
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Replying to @_.allison.grace._ these are all the markets I visited on the Christmas on the Rhine itinerary with Viking River Cruises. I visited 8 European Christmas markets throughout Switzerland, Germany, and France #myvikingstory #christmasmarkets2022 #rivercruises #europeanchristmasmarket #rhinerivercruise
@jenonajetplane
35.5K likes • 406.4K views

📸 Golden Hour Magic

Capture the best photos during sunrise or sunset for that perfect, warm glow on the house. :camerawithflash:

🚶‍♂️ Scenic Stroll

Don't miss the lovely alley leading to the Basel Minster – it's a delightful walk. :walking:

Which was my FAVE Christmas Market?🎄And what came last?! 💾 Save this for the future and tag someone who you think would like this! 👋 I’m Chelsea and I’ve just finished doing a #ChristmasMarketCrawl around Europe - and here’s how I’d rank the 7 markets I visited ☝️ And as for the markets, here’s the specific ones I visited for each 👇 In order that I visited/show in the video NOT in the order of the...
@cheapholidayexpert
18.4K likes • 608.2K views
🥙✨ 2.90 for a Döner Kebab in Basel?! 🤯 @mustys_kitchen just dropped the craziest opening deal!!! döner for the price of a coffee ☕ Only today, 11:30-17h ⏰ … don’t sleep on this! Ps: idk why I said MUSTY instead of MOOSTY lmaooo my bad, I englished too hard 😂 #basel #swiss #switzerland #schweiz #baseleats
@surviving.switzerland
8.7K likes • 244.9K views

🧐 Historical Context

Learn about the 1814 royal visits to truly appreciate the house's significance. :scroll:

Ausblick auf die junge Europa-League-Saison 👀 Wer sind eure Favoriten und Angstgegner für die deutschen Teams? Donnerstag geht‘s weiter mit FC Basel vs. VfB Stuttgart ab 20:35 Uhr bei RTL im Free-TV 🎬 #fussball #uel #vfb #vfbstuttgart #tv
@rtl.sport
1.8K likes • 20.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Golden Hour Magic

Capture the best photos during sunrise or sunset for that perfect, warm glow on the house. :camerawithflash:

🚶‍♂️ Scenic Stroll

Don't miss the lovely alley leading to the Basel Minster – it's a delightful walk. :walking:

🧐 Historical Context

Learn about the 1814 royal visits to truly appreciate the house's significance. :scroll:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(14 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the beautiful and impressive architecture of the Blue and White House, particularly its striking blue and white facade. The charming alley leading to the Basel Minster is also a highlight. However, some found the experience to be artificial.

"The architecture is very beautiful and impressive."

Erol Yılmaz

"On January 12, 1814, Emperor Franz of Austria rode into the city of Basel and took up residence in the "Blue House." The following day, King Frederick William III of Prussia and Emperor Alexander of Russia arrived."

Michael Neidhart

"Alright"

Jose Garcia

What People Like

Beautiful architecture
Striking blue facade
Nice alley to Minster

What People Dislike

Felt artificial

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Blue and White House is centrally located in Basel, making it easily accessible. Many visitors arrive by public transport, with trams and buses stopping frequently near the city center. Walking from other Basel attractions like the Basel Minster is also a popular and pleasant option.

Parking in Basel's city center can be challenging and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or park in a designated multi-story car park and walk. Check local parking apps for availability and rates.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The Blue and White House is primarily an exterior architectural sight. You can admire its facade from the street without a ticket. Access to any interior spaces would depend on specific events or if it's part of a guided tour.

As it's an exterior view, there are no specific opening hours. You can view the Blue and White House at any time of day or night. However, for the best photographic light, consider visiting during daylight hours.

📸 📸 Photography

The best time for photography is during the 'golden hours' – shortly after sunrise and before sunset. The soft, warm light beautifully highlights the blue and white colors. Midday sun can create harsh shadows.

Generally, there are no restrictions on taking photos of the exterior of the Blue and White House from public areas. However, always be mindful of private property and any temporary signage.

🎫 🧐 History & Significance

The Blue and White House holds historical importance, notably as a residence for Emperor Franz of Austria, King Frederick William III of Prussia, and Emperor Alexander of Russia in January 1814.

Information about interior tours is not readily available. The primary attraction is its exterior architecture. If interior access is possible, it would likely be through special events or guided tours of the area.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

📸 Photographers

For photographers, the Blue and White House offers a fantastic subject, especially during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset. The unique blue and white color scheme pops beautifully in the soft light, creating striking images. The nearby alley leading to the Basel Minster also provides complementary shots, adding variety to your portfolio.

Consider visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds and capture the house in serene light. While the exterior is the main draw, the historical context of royal visits in 1814 can inspire creative storytelling through your photography.

🧐 History Buffs

History enthusiasts will find the Blue and White House particularly interesting due to its role in early 19th-century European politics. The fact that it hosted Emperor Franz of Austria, King Frederick William III of Prussia, and Emperor Alexander of Russia in 1814 is a significant historical footnote. This period was crucial for European diplomacy following Napoleonic wars.

While interior access might be limited, understanding the events that transpired within or around this building can enrich your visit. It serves as a tangible link to a period of significant historical change and international relations.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Architectural Charm and Historical Echoes

The Blue and White House is a notable landmark in Basel, primarily admired for its distinctive blue and white facade. This architectural style offers a unique visual appeal that stands out in the cityscape. While the exact architectural period isn't specified, its charm lies in its clean lines and contrasting colors, making it a popular spot for visitors seeking picturesque views.

The house also carries significant historical weight. It famously hosted Emperor Franz of Austria, King Frederick William III of Prussia, and Emperor Alexander of Russia in January 1814. This event places the Blue and White House at a pivotal moment in European history, serving as a backdrop for important diplomatic gatherings. Understanding this context adds a layer of depth to its visual appeal.

Many visitors appreciate the scenic alley that leads from the vicinity of the Blue and White House towards the Basel Minster. This pathway offers a pleasant walk and connects the house to another major Basel landmark, enhancing the overall exploration experience for tourists.

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