Industrial sites (Part 1/3): The Rhine Port

What lies behind Basel as a business hub? The podcast “Überall Geschichte!” sets out on a journey of discovery across three episodes.

Basel is not located by the sea. And yet, for over a century, the Rhine has been one of Switzerland’s most important trade routes.

In this first special episode, produced in partnership with Industrienacht Basel, we take a look at the history of Basel’s Rhine ports. From the early freight forwarders who transported goods across the Rhine, to the pioneer Rudolf Arnold Gelpke, who opened Basel up to modern large-scale shipping around 1900, right through to the rise of the container, which revolutionised port operations for a second time. A journey through technology, labour and infrastructure, and an exploration of how a place on the outskirts of the city becomes a gateway to the world.

For those looking for more to do: at the Industry Night Regio Basel on 24 April, 50 companies and businesses from the region will be opening their doors – including several terminal operators, Port of Switzerland and the Port Museum.