"Verzell du daas em Fäärimaa!" - Basel Ferry Boats

Since people in Basel are very thankful for the Rhine in order to cool down during a hot summer day like today, I thought I'd write about something that is related to the Rhine: the Basel Ferry Boats.

Grossbasel and Kleinbasel are not only connected by the bridges, but also by the four little ferry boats, which operate all year long (although they operate for longer hours in the summer). These ferry boats use the stream of the Rhine to cross the river - they are flying bridges.

In the 19th century, there was only one way to cross the Rhine: using the Mittlere Brücke (click here for more information on the Mittlere Brücke). Consequently, four flying bridges -the ferry boats- were put into service in order to have more possibilities to cross the river. 

Before the other bridges were built, the operation of the ferry boats was very cost-effective. This business ceased to be lucrative for some time until a foundation started sponsoring the preservation and the operation of the ferries. Mostly tourists -although I myself like to ride on a ferry every now and then, since I find it so nice and peaceful- make use of the ferry boats today, since they have become a part of the places of interest when visiting Basel.

The ferries are named after the symbolic figures of the three Kleinbasel societies (drei Ehrengsesellschaften Kleinbasels), which are the main figures in the traditional Vogel Gryff-parade (read more about this parade here): 

Wild Maa (St. Alban ferry boat)

Leu (Münster ferry boat)

Vogel Gryff (Klingental ferry boat)

Ueli (St. Johann ferry boat)

"Verzell du daas em Fäärimaa!" ('Tell the boatman!') is a common saying in Basel that is told when you think someone is telling a lie. Its origin derives from the many passengers on the ferry boats telling the boatmen (and boatwomen) many things on their rides, some of them consisting of made-up stories and lies. 

Thanks for reading!

source: http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basler_F%C3%A4hren
source: http://basel.all-about-switzerland.info/basel-rhinebridges-ferryboat.html
photo credit: http://basel.all-about-switzerland.info/basel-rhinebridges-ferryboat.html
photo credit: https://plus.google.com/105224796613097421270/about
photo credit: http://www.g-st.ch/privat/foto/foto4007.html