Operating on the Rhine River in Basel, Switzerland, the St. Alban ferry (locally known as “Wild Maa”) has suspended its services from Monday morning until further notice due to extremely low water levels in the river. This situation will particularly affect passengers using this route, which connects the St. Alban Valley and the Wettstein area, necessitating the consideration of alternative transportation options. Basel Ferry Foundation will share updated information regarding the ferry's return to service through its official channels.
Why Was the St. Alban Ferry Suspended?
According to a statement made by Dieter Bühler, President of the Basel Ferry Foundation, to the Swiss News Agency Keystone-SDA, the primary reason for suspending the “Wild Maa” St. Alban ferry is not solely low water levels. Due to the ferry's geographical location, it is more exposed to westerly winds, which causes the current in the Rhine River to be insufficient to propel the ferry. For these traditional ferries, which operate solely on the power of the river current, both water levels and wind conditions are critically important.
Other Basel Ferries Continue Operations
It was stated that the other three ferries operating on the Rhine River in Basel (Klingental, Münster, and St. Johann ferries) are continuing their services without interruption. This highlights the unique geographical and meteorological conditions faced by the St. Alban ferry. Passengers can confirm current information for services on other routes from the official sources of the Basel Ferry Foundation.
What Should Passengers Do?
Passengers planning to use the St. Alban ferry should consider alternative transportation methods during the suspension period. Basel's public transport network offers options such as buses and trams over bridges to cross the Rhine River. To learn about your rights in case of ferry service cancellation, you can refer to our guide: Passenger Rights in Case of Ferry Service Cancellation. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on the current situation, it is recommended to follow the official announcements of the Basel Ferry Foundation.
Traditional Rhine Swim Event to Proceed as Planned
The low water levels in the Rhine River have not affected Basel's long-standing tradition, the annual Rhine Swim event. According to a statement by the Swiss Lifesaving Society, this year's 46th traditional Basel Rhine Swim event has not been cancelled. The event will commence as planned on Tuesday at 6:00 PM, and swimmers will be able to safely take their places in the river.
Current Information and Other Announcements
To get information about changes in ferry services and other current announcements, you can check all our announcements or visit the official website of the Basel Ferry Foundation. It is always important to check the most up-to-date information before making your travel plans.
English Version of This Announcement
Details of the situation in Basel and why current-powered ferries are so sensitive to low water levels have also been published in English on our global ferry guide, Ferry Schedule Hub: Basel's St. Alban Ferry Suspended as Rhine Water Level Drops.