Living in Bruderholz — Basel neighbourhood

The name Bruderholz derives from the "Waldbrüder" ("forest brothers") — hermits who lived in the wooded strips of the hill during the Middle Ages. Geologically, the hill is a fertile loess ridge that was used almost exclusively for agriculture until around 1920. Only after that did a planned, stately villa quarter for the upper middle class emerge; in 1928 Bruderholz was administratively separated from Gundeldingen and became its own quarter. In common speech, the hill is still known as "Bonzenhügel" ("posh hill") — not entirely without reason: one in eight residents is a millionaire, more than double the citywide average, and at 58.7% it has the highest matriculation (Matura) rate of any Basel quarter. With 71% green space, Bruderholz is also Basel's greenest urban quarter. The 30-metre water tower, built in 1926, is freely accessible and offers a panoramic view over the city. The quarter's medical care is provided by the Kantonsspital Baselland, Bruderholz site. A car is worthwhile — trams 15 and 16 take around 12 minutes into the city centre. Rents are among the highest in the canton.