Bern or Basel/Schaffhausen or not

Bern vs. Basel? Definitely Basel!! Much more to do, see, beautiful medieval old town area, ferry boats crossing the Rhine river connecting both sides of old town. To a certain extent it's like the question whether to see Ottawa or Toronto. The Rhine falls of Schaffhausen are only interesting if you haven't seen Niagara falls yet.

Id say depending on what you like - I Like Bern old city a lot. Basel is a bigger city and has a lot of historic places as well. But if youre in the Lauterbrunnen area Bern is closer and easy to get to and has great old midieval streets the likes you may not find elsewhere in Europe (the covered walkways and shops). Not sure if the new Bear Pit is open yet. But there is the Muenster Tower and other great spots too. Check out both chapters in the RS or Lonely Planet book and see what attractions youd be most interested in. If youre on yoru way to Zurich - Bern is easier as is Lucern (with no back tracking). If youre on you way to Alsace or Burgundy or Germany - Basel would be great.

I was in Bern last week and the new bear pit is not yet open. The new bear pit is scheduled to open in October this year.

The last bear in the old pit was put to sleep earlier this year (April I think) because he was suffering from arthritis and other complications of old age. The town decided not to move the bears destined for the new pit into the old pit, so they are being housed in a zoo a little distance away. So for now, there are no bears in the bear pit.

Penn

Thank you all for your input. Still not decided but thoroughly confused. Certain we will love either Bern and/or Basel, whichever we head too.,

Will probably leave Schaffhausen off the itinerary.

Appreciate all your time.