Lörrach is a small German town I discovered almost by chance. I would probably never have considered it if some friends had not moved there. Yet it turned out to be a lovely and very kid-friendly destination, with several interesting attractions. Over time, I have visited Lörrach with my son a couple of times. We used it as a convenient stopover or starting point for road trips through France, Switzerland and Germany.
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Where Lörrach Is Located: The Meeting Point of Three Countries
Lörrach borders both France and Switzerland and feels almost like a suburb of Basel, despite being in Germany. It is a quiet town with plenty of playgrounds, a museum dedicated to the area’s multicultural identity, and the atmospheric ruins of a hilltop castle. It is ideal for a trip with children, but also a good base for design lovers planning a nearby visit to the Vitra Campus.
The main attractions in Lörrach are the ruins of Rötteln Castle and the Three Countries Museum (Museum der Drei Länder). The castle has been largely destroyed over time, yet it retains a rich history and a unique layout designed to withstand long sieges. The museum, on the other hand, highlights similarities and differences between France, Switzerland and Germany in a region where national borders do not always match geographical ones.
In everyday life, these borders are barely noticeable. You often realise you have crossed one only by checking Google Maps. On the bridge between Germany and Switzerland, you can spot the border line on the ground and, further on, former customs buildings that are no longer in use. Between France and Germany, however, you hardly notice where one country ends and the other begins.
Visiting Lörrach with Kids: Playgrounds, Museums and Easy Walks
Lörrach is an ideal destination to visit with children. It’s a genuinely child-friendly town, much like the rest of Germany. Beyond Rötteln Castle and the Three Countries Museum, families can enjoy discovering playgrounds of all kinds scattered throughout the town.
In the pedestrian centre, you will find charming ride-on animals in different sizes, suitable even for toddlers aged one or two. Every neighbourhood also has a green space with a playground and benches. It is perfect for taking a short break with a takeaway coffee and a slice of cake. I recommend trying those from Bäckerei Paul, which has nothing to do with the French chain of the same name.
For older children, from around three years upwards, Konrad-Adenauer-Straße is home to a fantastic wooden playground with slides and suspension bridges. My son had great fun exploring it. The playground in Philippe-Suchard-Straße, on the other hand, combines classic play equipment with an area featuring aviaries, where parrots and domestic animals live.
Things to See Between Basel and Freiburg with Kids
Lörrach is a charming town, but it also works perfectly as a starting point for exploring the surrounding areas in Germany, France and Switzerland. For children who love animals and outdoor fun, there is plenty to choose from.
Just across the Swiss border, you will find Tierpark Lange Erlen, a large green area with a wooden playground and a small zoo. Entry to the zoo is free during opening hours, although the car park is paid. It is worth checking the practical details in advance.
In Germany, I recommend visiting Steinwasen Park, near Freiburg. This is a family-friendly amusement park with rides, an alpine coaster and a chairlift. It also features an atmospheric Alpine wildlife park. You can easily combine a day at the park with a visit to Freiburg im Breisgau. Don’t miss it because it’s one of Germany’s most beautiful towns.
A short distance from Lörrach, in France, you can choose between exploring the historic towns of Alsace and Lorraine or heading to the Mulhouse Zoo, a zoological and botanical park. I visited it with my son. We loved seeing rare animals such as the okapi and learning about the conservation projects carried out there.
Why Choose Lörrach as a Base for a Family Holiday
I suggest considering Lörrach as a base or stopover for a family road trip. Its strategic location on the border with France and Switzerland makes it especially convenient. Lörrach is genuinely family-friendly. It offers plenty of playgrounds and the Three Countries Museum, an interactive space designed with children in mind.
I have visited Lörrach with my son several times already, and I would happily use it again as a stop on future trips. If you already knew Lörrach and its unique location, or if this guide has inspired you to visit, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
