A light-filled 70m² residence in Chrischona, where precision design meets complimentary public transport access throughout Basel
Modern Precision in Basel's Elevated Quarter
Located along Dornacherstrasse in the Chrischona district, this 70-square-metre apartment occupies a unique position above central Basel. The elevation provides sweeping perspectives across the Rhine valley and the city's medieval core, while maintaining direct connectivity through Basel's integrated public transport network. Every guest receives complimentary access to the city's tram, bus, and rail systems from the moment of arrival.
The interior architecture follows Swiss principles of functional elegance. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the northern light, illuminating white oak flooring and lime-washed walls. The open-plan living area transitions seamlessly into a galley kitchen equipped with Miele appliances, Carrara marble countertops, and walnut cabinetry. Two private sleeping quarters accommodate up to four guests, each designed with blackout linen drapes and acoustic insulation for undisturbed rest.
Chrischona itself represents a quieter facet of Basel life. The neighbourhood ascends gently from the Dornach border, characterized by modernist apartment blocks from the 1960s interspersed with traditional Swiss chalets. Bakeries, wine merchants, and family-run grocers line the streets. The architecture firm Elevate Schweiz GmbH has maintained this property as a showcase of their residential design philosophy: unadorned materials, considered proportions, and absolute attention to guest experience.
Practical elements enhance longer stays. A dedicated workspace with fibre-optic internet serves remote professionals. In-unit laundry facilities eliminate the inconvenience of external services. Secure bicycle storage in the building's ground level provides immediate access to Basel's 500 kilometres of cycling infrastructure. This is a residence for travellers who value autonomy, connectivity, and the quiet confidence of well-executed design.
Light, material, and view define the character of this elevated Basel residence
Symmetrical 500 Mbps connection throughout the apartment with mesh coverage. Dedicated workspace with ergonomic seating and dual monitor capacity for remote professionals requiring reliable connectivity.
Full access to Basel's tram, bus, and regional rail network for the duration of your stay. Unlimited travel across zones 10-15, including connections to EuroAirport and neighbouring France and Germany.
Miele induction cooktop, convection oven, and integrated dishwasher. Carrara marble countertops, complete Le Creuset cookware, Nespresso system, and comprehensive pantry staples including Swiss salt and local olive oil.
Bosch washer-dryer combination with dedicated drying rack and ironing station. Premium detergents provided. Eliminates the inconvenience and expense of external laundry services during extended stays.
Ground-level storage with individual locks provides direct access to Basel's extensive cycling infrastructure. Two city bikes available upon request for exploring the Rhine promenade and surrounding countryside.
Belgian linen sheets with 300-thread count, Hungarian goose down duvets, and hypoallergenic pillows in both firm and soft options. Beds dressed with hospital corners, remade every three days for longer bookings.
Individual room thermostats maintain precise temperature year-round. Radiant floor heating in bathroom activates automatically at 6 AM. Summer months benefit from cross-ventilation design and ceiling fans.
Double-glazed windows with laminated glass reduce street noise by 38 decibels. Interior walls feature acoustic batting. Blackout drapes in bedrooms ensure darkness and silence for quality sleep.
Concealed 55-inch display with streaming access to international services. Sonos sound system extends to kitchen and balcony. Curated vinyl collection includes Swiss jazz and contemporary classical recordings.
Full-size Aesop hair, body, and skincare products replenished throughout your stay. Egyptian cotton towels in three sizes, plush robes, and leather slippers. Premium toilet paper and facial tissues.
Digital lock system with unique codes generated for each reservation. No physical key exchange required. Self check-in available 24 hours daily, with codes sent four hours prior to arrival.
Nespresso machine with selection of 12 capsule varieties, Italian moka pot for stovetop brewing, French press, and electric kettle. Premium beans from Basel roastery Henauer available for purchase with delivery.
The larger sleeping quarter features a queen-size platform bed with Belgian linen, floor-to-ceiling wardrobes in oiled walnut, and windows oriented toward the morning light. Acoustic wall panels ensure undisturbed rest despite the urban setting.
Configured with twin beds that can unite into a king upon request, this room doubles as a workspace with an integrated desk and task lighting. Views extend over neighbouring gardens rather than the city, offering a quieter perspective.
The social heart of the apartment combines seating for four, a curated library of architecture and travel volumes, and a concealed media system. The western windows frame sunset light across Basel's rooftops, transforming the space each evening.
A galley configuration maximizes efficiency without compromising aesthetics. Miele induction cooktop, integrated refrigeration, and a comprehensive suite of cookware support everything from morning espresso to formal dinners. Marble surfaces extend the apartment's material palette.
Clad in honed limestone with fixtures by Dornbracht, the bathroom offers a rain shower with thermostatic controls, radiant floor heating, and ample storage for extended stays. Aesop amenities and Egyptian cotton towels are provided.
You arrive at Dornacherstrasse 185 in the early afternoon, the tram from Basel SBB having deposited you at the corner stop eight minutes prior. The building's clean-lined facade reveals little from the street. Inside, the apartment door opens to reveal the city spread below, a geometric tapestry of terracotta roofs and the Rhine's silver thread bisecting the view. You set down your bags on the walnut console and walk directly to the windows. The light at this elevation possesses a particular clarity.
Morning begins with coffee prepared in the Italian moka pot you find in the kitchen's second drawer. You take it to the small balcony, where the air carries the faint sweetness of linden trees from the neighbouring gardens. By nine, you have descended to street level and joined the purposeful flow of Basel commuters. Your mobility card opens every door: tram 10 to Marktplatz, where the sandstone cathedral presides over Saturday vendors; tram 8 toward Weil am Rhein and the Vitra Campus, where Tadao Ando's conference pavilion catches the afternoon sun.
Afternoons unfold at your own rhythm. Perhaps you return with provisions from Markthalle, arranging cheeses and preserves on the marble counter, slicing bread from Schibli bakery. The apartment's acoustic calm makes it easy to work, to read, to simply exist without the friction of hotels. As dusk approaches, you might walk the residential streets surrounding Chrischona, observing how Basel residents inhabit their city with quiet assurance. Dinner happens either at the dining table, set for two beneath the pendant lamp, or at one of the neighbourhood restaurants where Swiss-German vowels soften into evening conversation. Later, the city lights below transform into constellations. You sleep deeply, insulated from urban noise, ready to explore further radius tomorrow.
18 minutes by tram
The red sandstone cathedral dominates Basel's old town, its twin spires visible from the apartment. Interior crypts date to the 11th century, while the terrace offers panoramic Rhine views across three countries.
22 minutes by tram
Renzo Piano's glass pavilion houses one of Europe's finest modern art collections in Riehen. Monet water lilies, Giacometti sculptures, and rotating exhibitions occupy light-filled galleries surrounded by reflecting pools and meadows.
25 minutes by tram
A 19th-century iron-and-glass hall transformed into Basel's premier food market. Vendors offer everything from Swiss raclette to Vietnamese pho, with communal tables fostering a convivial midday atmosphere.
35 minutes by tram
Just across the German border in Weil am Rhein, this design campus features buildings by Zaha Hadid, Tadao Ando, and Frank Gehry. The museum chronicles furniture design history, while the factory shop offers Eames and Prouvé pieces.
Armed with your complimentary transport card, discover how Basel's unique geography allows you to traverse Switzerland, France, and Germany before dinner. We trace a route through Huningue's port district, Weil am Rhein's design campus, and back across the Rhine to medieval Kleinbasel.
The Chrischona district emerged during Basel's 1960s expansion, when Swiss architects applied Bauhaus principles to middle-class housing. This exploration examines how buildings like ours balance functionality with the psychological need for natural light, material honesty, and urban views.
Saturday mornings at Marktplatz reveal Basel's agricultural hinterland. From Aargau asparagus in May to Valais apricots in August, we decode the rhythms of Swiss terroir and introduce the vendors whose families have held the same stall positions for generations.
Check-in is available from 3:00 PM onwards. The apartment features keyless entry, and you will receive a unique digital code via email four hours before your scheduled arrival time. If you require earlier access, please contact us at least 48 hours in advance and we will do our best to accommodate, subject to the previous guest's departure schedule. Late check-in after 10:00 PM is entirely self-service and available 24 hours.
Check-out is at 11:00 AM. We request that you ensure all windows are closed, lights and heating are switched off, and used towels are placed in the bathroom. Late check-out until 2:00 PM can be arranged for an additional fee of CHF 50, subject to availability and same-day bookings. Simply leave via the front door; it will lock automatically behind you.
The apartment comfortably accommodates four guests across two bedrooms. The primary bedroom features a queen-size bed, while the second bedroom has two single beds that can be configured as a king upon advance request. Additional guests beyond four are not permitted due to building regulations and to maintain the quality of the experience for all occupants.
Street parking along Dornacherstrasse operates on a paid basis from Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, at CHF 2 per hour. Free overnight and Sunday parking is available. We recommend utilizing Basel's excellent public transport instead; every guest receives a complimentary mobility card providing unlimited access to trams, buses, and regional trains throughout the Basel zone for the duration of your stay.
We regret that pets are not permitted in the apartment. This policy ensures a hypoallergenic environment for all guests and maintains the pristine condition of the furnishings and textiles. We understand this may be disappointing for those travelling with animal companions, and we're happy to recommend nearby pet-friendly accommodations if required.
Direct bookings can be made through this website or by contacting Elevate Schweiz GmbH directly via email or telephone. Payment is processed securely via bank transfer or credit card. Direct bookings eliminate third-party commission fees, often allowing us to offer more competitive rates than listing platforms, while providing you with direct access to our guest services team throughout your stay.
Cancellations made more than 30 days before arrival receive a full refund minus a CHF 50 administrative fee. Cancellations between 14 and 30 days prior receive a 50% refund. Cancellations within 14 days of arrival are non-refundable, though we will attempt to re-book the dates and issue a proportional refund if successful. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance to protect against unforeseen circumstances.
Elevate Schweiz GmbH maintains an office in central Basel, staffed Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. You will receive emergency contact numbers upon booking confirmation, with 24-hour telephone support for urgent matters. Non-urgent questions can be directed to our email address, with typical response times under four hours during business days. We also provide a comprehensive digital guidebook with local recommendations and apartment instructions.
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