Basler Fasnacht (Basel Carnival) is Switzerland’s largest and most famous Carnival celebration, recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Held annually on the Monday after Ash Wednesday, the festival begins in darkness at 4:00 a.m. with the magical Morgenstreich, when the city lights are extinguished and illuminated lanterns parade through the streets to the sound of piccolos and drums. For three days, Basel transforms into a whirlwind of masked cliques, satirical floats, marching bands, and confetti-covered streets, all infused with sharp political humor and artistic flair. Blending tradition, music, and irreverent wit, the Basel Fasnacht is a captivating celebration of creativity and local pride—often called “the three most beautiful days of the year.”
Marching into Basler Fasnacht? We’ll stake out Morgestraich (4:00 a.m.) sightlines, thread Cortège routes, time Gugge sets, reserve Schnitzelbank pub tables, and navigate tram closures & lodging—Book a free planning call.
DATES & TIMES
• Dates: 23–25 February 2026 (Monday–Wednesday).
• Starts with Morgestraich at 04:00 on Monday; ends exactly 72 hours later at 04:00 on Thursday — see Official page.
• Afternoon Cortège parades on Monday & Wednesday (from ~13:30) · Tuesday focuses on Children’s Fasnacht (afternoon) & evening Guggenkonzert — programme on Dates & programme.
• Lantern exhibition on Münsterplatz from Monday evening (lanterns lit after dark) through Wednesday morning — details on Official page.
• The exact timetable publishes annually — check the official Programme nearer the date.
LOCATION
• Basel Old Town & city centre ring routes (inner/outer Cortège) — overview on the Official page.
• Handy reference: Münsterplatz, 4051 Basel — Open in Google Maps.
TICKETS & ENTRY
• Free street event (no central tickets). Support the carnival by buying the official badge (Blaggedde) — info & prices on the Fasnachts-Comité.
• No grandstands; choose a spot along the ring routes or at the squares indicated on the Programme.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Expect very large crowds at Morgestraich and afternoon parades; arrive early and keep sidewalks clear — structure and tips on the Official page.
• Public transport: use Basel trams/buses (BVB) and SBB trains for access — plan via BVB network · SBB timetable.
Want us to map a route that catches Morgestraich, the lanterns and the best Cortège vantage points? We’ll build a precise, crowd‑savvy plan around the official programme — Hire Tripologiste.