ESC 2025 in Basel: 12 tips for a sustainable visit

If you’re heading to Basel for the ESC, travelling by train is the most environmentally friendly choice. Unlike flying or driving, trains produce significantly less CO₂ and can transport large numbers of people efficiently.

Extra Bonus: With your ESC ticket, you receive a CHF 20 discount on rail travel within Switzerland! Travel within the Basel region is free with an ESC ticket on the Tarifverbund Nordwestschweiz (TNW), the Regio Verkehrsverbund Lörrach (RVL), and Distribus lines (Agglomération Saint-Louis).

Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has compiled information on accessible travel in Switzerland to help ensure that everyone can use public transport as independently as possible.

Once you arrive in Basel, you can travel sustainably around the city using public transport. If you have an ESC ticket, you can use the local public transport network (TNW) free of charge on the day of the event. The BaselCard, provided with your hotel stays, also grants you free access to public transport during your stay.

Numerous buses and trams will take you quickly and conveniently to all event locations, including the Eurovision Village, EuroClub and Eurovision Street. A nearby tram and bus stop is also at the main show venue, St Jakobshalle.

During the ESC, public transport will run more frequently and throughout the night so that you can return to your accommodation or the train station anytime.

If you need a break from the festival buzz, take a ride on one of Basel’s charming Rhine ferries – a relaxing way to enjoy scenic views of the city and river.

Find more information on mobility during the ESC here.

Under the motto „United by Music“, the ESC brings together people from across Europe and beyond, making it so special. But for everyone to truly feel welcome, a respectful atmosphere is essential. Be open and kind to others – regardless of their origin, appearance, clothing or way of life. A simple smile, shared with a stranger, can help create a warm and inclusive environment.

To minimise waste, Basel runs a reusable system at public events. It’s simple: when you buy food or drink, it is served in reusable dishes or cups, for which you pay a deposit. By returning your cup or plate, you will receive your deposit back. The more consistently you use this reusable system, the less waste you will produce.

You can also bring your shopping bag or water bottle to Basel, helping to reduce packaging waste further.

Even with a reusable system in place, some waste is unavoidable – making proper disposal all the more important. Whether it’s plastic, glass, PET, or aluminium, please sort your waste carefully and use the recycling stations or bins provided throughout the city and at ESC venues.

Please note: littering is a punishable offence and may result in a fine of CHF 100. This includes cigarette butts and disposable vapes, which are particularly harmful to the environment.

Basel is home to around 200 public fountains that provide clean drinking water 24/7. Bring your reusable water bottle and refill it for free – a great way to stay hydrated while cutting down on plastic waste.

You can find out more about Basel’s fountains and a map of all the fountains here.

Our food choices account for nearly a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, with animal-based products like meat, fish, and dairy having a particularly high environmental impact. At the ESC in Basel, at least 75% of the food offered will be vegetarian or vegan. Opting for plant-based dishes is a climate-conscious choice without having to sacrifice enjoyment.

Not everyone can navigate daily life without barriers. For some, stairs, crowded walkways, or unclear information can pose real challenges. Help make the ESC inclusive and accessible: keep paths clear, speak clearly, and offer help where needed.

You can share your experiences or accessibility tips on ginto.guide or pass them on to others.

Further information about accessibility and inclusive services at the ESC is available here or via the accessible city map.

Violence, harassment, queerphobia, racism, and ableism have no place in Basel. If you experience or witness troubling behaviour during the ESC, help is available.

A 24/7 hotline is at your disposal. On-site Safer Spaces and Mobile Awareness Teams (wearing purple vests) are there to support you. They will listen, take you seriously, and offer free, professional, and confidential assistance.

Basel offers plenty of sustainable options if you’re looking to shop or enjoy a coffee during your stay. The „Offer“ section of Umwelt Basel features a helpful map and list of:

• Second-hand clothing stores
• Zero-waste and Fairtrade shops
• Cafés and restaurants with sustainable menus

Choosing these businesses supports resource-conscious consumption and contributes to local social and environmental initiatives.

If you’d like to explore Basel independently during the ESC, renting a bicycle or e-bike is easy. Providers like Velospot, Pick-e-Bike, or Rent a Bike offer convenient options.

Basel is also perfect for walking: it’s compact and easy to navigate, and most ESC venues, cafés, and attractions are just a short stroll away. For more tips on getting around Basel on foot or by bike, visit www.basel-unterwegs.ch.

If you’d like to experience a different side of Basel beyond the ESC, why not join a sustainable city tour? You’ll discover the city’s green initiatives and gain new perspectives – a fantastic way to explore Basel with fresh eyes. You can find information on sustainable city tours here.