Basel, Switzerland

Basel is the third-largest city in Switzerland, after Zurich and Geneva. It is located in the northwest corner of Switzerland, bordering Alsace, France to the northwest, and the Black Forest Mountains of Germany to the northeast. The Rhine River flows northeast through the city, dividing Basel into two parts: Greater Basel on the west bank and Lesser Basel on the east bank. The city center of Basel is formed around the Town Hall and the University of Basel, which was built in the 14th century. Narrow streets and bridges built across the Rhine River are characteristic of Basel. No motor vehicles are allowed in the city center except for passenger streetcars. Basel is a center for chemicals and manufacturing, and is home to the famous Novartis and Roche Groups.