Basel, third largest town of Switzerland, swimming in the river Rhine
Created | Updated Jan 28, 2002
Some hundred years ago, Basel was a very important town, because there was the first bridge to cross the Rhine the whole way up from Rotterdam. This bridge war partly made of wood and of stone, because the current on the western side of the river was much stronger than on the eastern side. Therefore the eastern part of the bridge was built by stone, to last, and the western part of it was built by wood, because one could rebuild it faster and cheaper after floods.
In 1901 the bridge was rebuilt completely in stone as it stands now.
In summer, many people go swimming in the rhine, some directly after work, some during the weekend. You can even buy waterproof bags in which you can store your clothes and valulables. They do function!
Today, there are about seven bridges in Basel, from which people jump into the river rhine. Of course this is forbidden but this just adds to the thrill. The height of the bridges range from 12 to over 35 meters.
In 1901 the bridge was rebuilt completely in stone as it stands now.
In summer, many people go swimming in the rhine, some directly after work, some during the weekend. You can even buy waterproof bags in which you can store your clothes and valulables. They do function!
Today, there are about seven bridges in Basel, from which people jump into the river rhine. Of course this is forbidden but this just adds to the thrill. The height of the bridges range from 12 to over 35 meters.
