Basle
The rhine, which leaves Switzerland in Basle, is the country's only navigable link with the oceans. The landmark of the city, which is the capital of the half-canton of Basel-Stadt (Basle-Town), is the minster, situated on the tree-grown "Pfalz" terrace. The Romanesque part of the minster dates from 1200, while the two Gothic towers were added in 1430 and 1500. Basle is the headquarters of numerous large chemical companies and of the Bank for International Sttlements.

Laufenburg, Aargau.
The Rhine divides the town of Laufenburg into two parts, one in Switzerland (right) and one in Germany (left). Laufenburg dates from the days of the Habsburgs (it was founded by Rudolf II in 1207), and the medieval character of this bridgehead settlement has been to a large extent preserved. All that is left of the once mighty castle, however, is the keep and some town frotifications.