The former moated castle and Holee Castle represent two different chapters in Binningen’s architectural history; the local museum and carnival add local and event history to this perspective. During a stay, architecture, local history and specific activities can each be explored as distinct themes.
Binningen in the Leimental Valley
Binningen lies in the Leimental Valley at an elevation of about 292 metres above sea level and borders the city of Basel to the north and east. The municipality covers 4.46 km²: 72 percent is built-up area, 21 percent agricultural land and 7 percent forest. The Birsig is also part of the geographical picture: Binningen is the last municipality along the river before it flows into the Rhine in Basel.
Castles, Church and Local History
Binningen’s former moated castle was probably built in 1293. Holee Castle was built around 1553; this late Gothic country estate is one of the municipality’s most significant architectural monuments in terms of history, art history and settlement history. St. Margaret’s Church is Binningen’s landmark. It was probably built on a Celtic sanctuary.
The oldest surviving documentary mention of Binningen dates from 1004. In 2004, the municipality celebrated this milestone with a festival titled “Botz 1000.” The municipal coat of arms is based on the family coat of arms of the Basel family “von Binningen,” attested from 1292 to 1300; the municipality adopted it in 1921. These dates mark different historical points of reference: the first surviving mention, a documented family coat of arms and its later adoption by the municipality.
Local Museum and More to Discover
The Binningen Local Museum spans four floors, with collections on contemporary history and periods reaching far beyond Binningen’s founding in 1004. Admission is free; check the current visitor information before your visit. A notable chapter in local industrial history is the Binningen pin factory: its operations moved to Binningen in 1943 and continued under the name “IRIS Stecknadeln AG” until 1991. The local museum received the entire manufacturing plant. The LEbrickGO Museum also has a building area for children.
Coffeehouse and Carnival
The breakfast room at the hotel in Binningen Castle also serves as a public coffeehouse with garden seating. Before your visit, check whether it will be open to the public on your chosen day. The renovated castle is also home to a renowned restaurant; check its offerings before your trip as well.
During the Binningen carnival parade, carnival groups, floats, Guggenmusik brass bands, horse-drawn carriages and “Schissdräggziigli” process through the streets in traditional costumes and masks. The committee organizes the parade; details vary from one edition to the next. If you would like to plan your trip around the carnival, check the dates for the relevant edition. The event’s history goes back to 1991: the first small carnival was successfully held, with 274 participants in 20 groups. The Binningen Carnival Committee was founded that autumn.
Cycling Routes, a Hike and the Observatory
Numerous marked cycling routes pass through Binningen. As signage and routes may change, check the current route before setting off. The BLT tram to and from Rodersdorf carries bicycles; check the applicable conditions for taking a bicycle on board before travelling.
The Gempen–Binningen hike follows the Dorenbach stream to its destination in Binningen. Route details and trail conditions may change, so it is worth checking them before setting off. Binningen is also home to the St. Margarethen Observatory, a public observatory and meteorological observation station. If you are planning a visit, check the visitor information in advance.
Discover more destinations: Muttenz, Oberwil, Schönenbuch, Münchenstein, Allschwil, Birsfelden, Ettingen, Arlesheim
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