Discover Allschwil: Village History, Art and Nature

Allschwil is a political municipality and small town in the Arlesheim district of the canton of Basel-Landschaft. It borders Basel and belongs to the same metropolitan region. Located on Basel’s southwestern edge, Allschwil is surrounded by France on two sides. The village centre, art venues and landscape give the town a variety of facets to consider when planning a stay.

Village Centre and History

The village church is the municipality’s oldest building. The present-day Christian Catholic parish church of St Peter and Paul was built in 1698/99; its tower dates from the 13th century. Inside, the church preserves an early Neoclassical interior dating from 1841. On the high altar are Gothic wooden figures of the church’s patrons, Peter and Paul, dating from around 1500. This building therefore brings together several historical periods in one place.

The Allschwil Mill is also one of the town’s notable historic sites. It lies at the southern edge of the village centre, near the old settlement, where the Mülibach, which comes from Neuwiller, flows into the village. Because of the bishop’s privilege allowing it to mill flour for communion wafers, the mill was also known as the Communion Wafer Mill. There is an inn on the ground floor, with smaller halls on the upper floor. The Walmerhaus at Dorfplatz 3 is also in the historic village centre and is thought to have been built in the 18th century.

Archaeological finds from the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Roman period point to a long history of settlement. Allschwil was first mentioned in a document in 1033. This span of time adds a longer history of the town to the perspective offered by its visible buildings.

Museum and Sculpture Trail

The Allschwil Museum is dedicated to the culture and history of Allschwil and the region. It presents several temporary exhibitions each year, hosts cultural events and has a large garden. As its exhibition programme and opening arrangements may change, it is advisable to check the museum’s latest information before visiting.

Since 23 October 2021, the Allschwil Sculpture Trail has officially brought together 19 sculptures by 12 artists with ties to the town. The trail is accessible; depending on your pace, it takes about one to one and a half hours to walk. In addition to the 19 artworks, the trail guide includes information about sights and historical connections. The walk therefore combines artworks with further points of reference for the town’s history.

Forest, Landscape and Recreation Spots

The Allschwil Forest covers more than 200 hectares and has been protected by the canton since 2003. Its many old oaks provide a habitat for middle spotted woodpeckers and numerous other birds and insects. South of Allschwil, traditional tall-standard orchards surround the village and also provide habitats for birds and insects. The forest and orchards show different sides of the landscape around the town.

Plumpi lies outside the built-up area, between open countryside, the Mülibach and the Allschwil Forest. Its facilities include fire pits, picnic tables and seating. There is also a slide tower, a zip line, a hilly area with a climbing garden, and a sand and water play area. If you include Plumpi in your day’s plans, you’ll find both places to sit and picnic and a range of play and climbing features.

Carnival and Getting There

The Allschwil Carnival is a recurring cultural event. The «Wildviertel-Clique» (WVC) has been responsible for organising it since 1950. The programme includes an early-morning parade, a carnival procession, a Guggenmusik concert, a children’s procession and a lantern exhibition. Exact dates and programme details vary from year to year; check them before planning a trip during carnival season.

Tram line 6 connects Allschwil with Basel and the border with Riehen. As public transport networks may change, it is advisable to check the current network before travelling. Allschwil also has a well-developed cycling network. Together with the town’s history, art and nature, this provides a practical starting point for deciding which aspects of Allschwil you would like to focus on during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Münchenstein, Birsfelden, Schönenbuch, Ettingen, Oberwil, Arlesheim, Binningen, Muttenz.

Back to the main travel overview: Arlesheim.