Located a stone’s throw from Germany’s borders with France and Switzerland, Lörrach is a historic town in the Rhine Rift Valley. During the German revolutions of 1848, it served as the nation’s capital for a single day after Gustav Struve attempted to start a revolutionary uprising in the town.
Things to do in Lörrach
In the heart of Lörrach is the Three Countries Museum, which is dedicated to the cultural and artistic history of Germany, France and Switzerland. Occupying an 18th-century Baroque factory, it features interactive exhibits and audio stations that highlight the similarities and differences between Baden, Alsace and Northwestern Switzerland. Learn what led to the tripartition of the region and how the international borders impact the daily life of the local inhabitants.
Overlooking a northern suburb of Lörrach are the ruins of Rötteln Castle, which was inhabited between the 11th and 17th centuries. It was once one of the most powerful fortifications in the region and centres around a bergfried keep that offers elevated views across the complex. In addition to its museum, the castle also features a cafe and a beer garden.
Lörrach makes an ideal base for visiting the Vitra Design Museum, which occupies a contemporary, whitewashed building designed by Frank Gehry. It boasts one of the world’s largest collections of modern furniture design, with pieces dating from the 19th century to the present day. You can join a guided tour of the museum to learn about its striking architecture and see the restoration workshop.
Getting around Lörrach
Lörrach is around 20 minutes’ drive from EuroAirport Basel Mulhouse Freiburg, which has flights to destinations across Europe and North Africa. Regular trains connect to the Lörrach railway station and buses travel throughout the town. The centre of Lörrach is compact enough to explore on foot.