WordCamp Europe 2025: Celebrate WordPress at the Cultural Capital of Switzerland

Sarika Sarmin
May 24, 2025

Guten Tag. Welcome to WordCamp Europe 2025 in Basel, Switzerland!

Once again, it’s a break from your daily routine to celebrate our beloved open-source platform, WordPress. So tell us, are you counting the days as well?

Luckily, the day is approaching soon. With that, now is a good time to get a solid idea about the whole event, what it’ll encompass, what you’ll be doing during your stay (both event hours and off-event hours), and more.

Read below to get a detailed idea, and if you are going to attend WordCamp Europe 2025, take notes of the important tips!

WordCamp Europe 2025 overview

WordCamp Europe is the biggest WordPress conference in the region, bringing together open-source enthusiasts, developers, and professionals from across the globe. It’s a community event where we celebrate all things WordPress, share ideas, and build connections. From casual users to core developers, WCEU welcomes everyone to learn, network, and grow.

Venue & time

June 5-7, 2025 (Contributor Day on June 5, main conference on June 6-7) at the Congress Center Basel, Basel, Switzerland.

WordCamp Europe 2025 venue Congress Center Basel — Image Source

The Congress Center Basel is a modern, spacious venue perfect for WordCamp Europe. Located in the heart of Basel, it’s easily accessible and surrounded by hotels, restaurants, and public transport. Its top-notch facilities, with multiple halls and breakout rooms, are ideal for hosting thousands of attendees.

Tickets

General tickets include access to the two-day event (Contributor Day is covered but needs separate registration), lunch, snacks, Contributor Day, and the after-party. They’re priced at € 50.00 each.

Micro-sponsor tickets are priced closer to the real cost of attendance (€ 250.00). If you feel you can donate a little, you can consider getting a micro-sponsor ticket to make WordCamp fun for everyone.

However, only a handful of tickets are remaining, so book yours ASAP via your WordPress.org profile.

Organizers

Laura Sacco, Steve Mosby, and Uros Tasic are the lead organizers of WordCamp Europe 2025. Besides, there is an attendee services team, a budget team, a communications, marketing & PR team, a community team, a design team, an IT team, a photography team, a speakers team, a volunteers team, and a website team.

If you face any issue with anything WCEU-related, simply contact an organizer in the respective team. They’d be pleased to solve your problem and make WordCamp enjoyable for you and your team.

Sessions

WordCamp Europe 2025 is packed with 45 sessions and four workshops covering everything from AI to SEO, accessibility, and development. Here are some highlights you won’t want to miss:

Fireside chat with Mary Hubbard and Matt Mullenweg

Join the WordPress executive director and co-founder for a journey into WordPress, community, and the future, followed by a live Q&A. It’s a rare chance and delightful experience to hear from the project’s pioneers.

Client side Web AI Agents for building smarter user experiences in the future

Jason Mayes leads Google’s Web AI team and is dedicated to combining technical and creative expertise to develop innovative prototypes.

He’ll explain how new Google AI models, which work directly on your device (not in the cloud), can help websites do tasks quicker and smarter. These “agentic” AI tools can give your website an advantage over others by making things faster and easier for users.

Mythbusting and Q&A about appearing in Google Search

Danny Sullivan, a former analyst and journalist, now works at Google to educate the public about search, address search-related issues, and gather feedback to improve solutions.

In this session, he’ll open your eyes to some common myths about appearing in Google Search and provide real, actionable guidance. This session is especially useful for content creators.

Attendees

Look up over a thousand attendees listed on the official WCEU site. Connect with them on social media, discuss your interests, and make plans together for the post-session hours.

Now that the basics are covered, let’s explore the schedule during the WordCamp days to stay informed and ready to enjoy WCEU 2025 to the fullest.

What to expect at WordCamp Europe 2025

WordCamp Europe 2025 is set to be an unforgettable celebration of WordPress. This WordCamp’s Wapuu is dressed as a Waggis. The Waggis, a playful caricature of a 19th-century Alsatian peasant, reflects Basel’s vibrant, creative, and community-driven carnival tradition, aligning with WordPress’s values of inclusivity and collaboration.

WordCamp Europe 2025 Wapuu Waggis — Image Source

Expect no less from WordCamp Europe 2025, as we’re sure it’ll encompass WordPress’ community spirit and Basel’s cultural heritage.

Contributor day: give back to WordPress

Contributor Day, a special day to collaborate on the WordPress project, is on June 5. Whether you’re new or a seasoned contributor, you can join teams like Core, Community, or Documentation to make a difference.

Last year, over 700 contributors worked on 25 teams, and this year promises to be even bigger! Registration is open, so don’t miss this chance to leave your mark on WordPress. Your contributions help improve WordPress for millions of users worldwide.

Main conference: learn & connect

On June 6-7, you get to learn from the best. There’ll be talks and workshops covering the latest WordPress trends and innovations. Hands-on workshops will teach you how to solve real problems. Moreover, you’ll get to sharpen your coding, design, or marketing skills through an immersive, engaging experience.

Networking: make friends

WordCamp is all about connecting with the community. Last year’s WordCamp Connect and Playground initiatives made networking fun, and 2025 will bring more creative ways to mingle.

From the sponsor hall to the after-party on June 7, you’ll meet WordPress enthusiasts, plugin developers, and industry leaders. The sponsor hall is a goldmine for discovering tools, finding job opportunities, and grabbing some Swiss chocolate.

Family-friendly: free childcare

WordCamp is inclusive, offering free childcare for kids aged 3-10 during main schedule hours (June 5-7). Professional childcare staff will be managing a dedicated space, with a nursing room available. Parents must register in person, stay present at the venue, and follow rules (no food, same-day drop-off/pick-up, etc.). However, limited spaces mean you must register early.

WordCamp is more than just an event. It’s also an exploration. During our stay in Basel, we’ll also be exploring the local culture, food, and tourist attractions besides WordPress. Let’s gather an idea of what life as a tourist is like in Basel to plan our trip better.

Planning your trip

Basel, the city with history, art, and flavor, is more than just a venue.

Situated at the border of Switzerland, Germany, and France, Basel is a “pocket-sized metropolis” with vibrant charm. Its Old Town is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval architectures, featuring cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and landmarks like the Basel Cathedral and ornate Rathaus (City Hall).

If you’re an art lover, Basel is a heaven for you with its 40+ museums, including the renowned Kunstmuseum Basel and Fondation Beyeler. The Rhine River, which made Basel the center for trade and culture from the Middle Ages, offers a scenic backdrop for strolls or relaxation.

What to pack

Pack your casual, breathable clothes, as the early June days are quite pleasant in Basel. However, it’d be smart to pack a light sweater since the nights might get chilly. You may have to walk a lot between sessions, so don’t forget comfortable shoes. Besides, you can also carry an umbrella or a water-resistant jacket for a surprise rain.

Carry a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated; you’ll find water stations instead of plastic ones at the eco-friendly venue. Moreover, if you’re traveling internationally, a Type C or Type J adapter will prove to be a lifesaver.

The road to Basel

You can fly to EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg or Zurich Airport. EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg connects 90+ cities and is only a 20-minute shuttle ride from the venue. Zurich Airport, while 1h 15m by train, connects to 213 destinations in 71 countries.

Scenic train ride through Swiss Alps and valleys — Image – Source 1, Source 2

If you’re traveling from the major European cities, you can take the high-speed trains (ICE from Germany, TGV from France) to the Basel SBB station. From Basel SBB, trams 1 or 2 reach the Congress Center’s “Messeplatz/Exhibition Square” stop in 10 minutes. The BaselCard (free with most hotel/hostel/bed and breakfast stays) covers your tram rides.

If you’re driving, the Congress Center has a direct “Messe” exit to the Messe Basel car park (parking fees apply).

Accommodation Options

The Basel tourist office has provided a platform where you can select hotel rooms based on various criteria, including price range, proximity to the venue, availability of restaurants/lounges/bars/free internet, rating, and more.

Besides, there are more affordable options like the Basel Backpack or youth hostels if you’re on a budget. If you’re visiting in groups or planning to stay longer, Airbnb and apartments are a good choice.

You can also consider the hotels in Saint-Louis (France) or Weil am Rhein (Germany), which are accessible by tram or short train rides. However, you can get a BaselCard only if you’re staying in Basel. The BaselCard offers financial advantages like a 50% discount on tourist attractions, free bus and tram rides inside Basel (including the ones to and from the airport), etc.

Every attendee is searching for a place if they haven’t found it already. So, book your stay soon to confirm the place of your preference. Consult the hotel/booking authorities on the availability of the BaselCard for their guests; it’ll come in handy.

Local food to try

Basel cuisine is characterized by its strong Swiss influence, blending high-quality and seasonal locally sourced ingredients. It’s known for its hearty, comforting dishes, with dairy playing a significant role. Key characteristics include the use of flour, often featuring cheese and potatoes. Its simplicity, regional variations, and strong dairy farming tradition all contribute to its distinct character.

Basler läckerli (dessert/snack)

A hard, spiced biscuit made with honey, almonds, candied fruits, and a sugar icing. It’s a year-round Basel specialty, especially popular at Jakob’s Basler Leckerli, Läckerli-Huus, and Confiserie Bachmann. Its sweet, chewy texture makes it a beloved treat and souvenir.

Basler mehlsuppe (main course/soup)

A simple flour soup served during Basel’s Carnival (Fasnacht), made by toasting flour with butter to create a brown broth, topped with grated cheese. Its hearty, comforting flavor is a festival staple.

Basler brunsli (dessert/snack)

Gluten-free chocolate and almond (or hazelnut) cookies flavored with cinnamon and cloves, popular during Christmas. These small, cut-out cookies are found in supermarkets, bakeries, and confectioneries.

Mässmogge (snack/delicacy)

Thumb-length colorful candies with a hard shell and hazelnut paste filling, popular during the Basel Autumn Fair (Herbstmesse). They’re large, hard, and meant to be broken up rather than chewed.

Schlumbergerli (breakfast/snack)

Small, round bread rolls with a crisp yet soft crust, named after Amedée Schlumberger, who commissioned them in the 19th century. Known as “Schlumbis” in Basel and “Semmeli” elsewhere, they’re common in bakeries and supermarkets.

Basler brot (breakfast/side dish)

Basler Brot, in Basel, also known as Basler Laibli, is distinguished from other Swiss breads by a very soft, porous dough and a mealy, crunchy crust. It’s usually prepared with rye flour, water, and possibly other grains or seeds.

Fastenwähe (snack/delicacy)

A pretzel-shaped pastry topped with caraway seeds, similar to pretzels, which is especially popular during Basel’s Carnival. You’ll find it in Basel’s best bakeries.

Basel salmon (main course/delicacy)

Historically fished from the Rhine, this expensive fish was a delicacy in guild taverns since the 16th century. Known as “Salm” in Basel, it’s served in traditional restaurants showcasing local cuisine.

Aside from the local Basel cuisine, you can also try the popular Swiss dishes during your stay in Basel or if you travel around Switzerland. The Swiss specials include:

Swiss cuisine — Image Source: Fondue, Rosti, Zürcher geschnetzeltes, Raclette

Fondue

A shared meal where people dip bread or vegetables into a pot of melted cheese (typically Gruyère and Emmental) mixed with wine, garlic, and seasonings. It’s served warm, often with a side of pickles and potatoes. It’s a social, cozy meal, especially in colder months.

Rösti

A potato dish made by grating potatoes, shaping them into patties, and then frying them until crispy and golden. They’re often served as a side dish or with toppings like eggs or cheese. It’s a hearty, versatile comfort food.

Raclette

A semi-hard cheese is melted (traditionally over a fire) and scraped onto boiled potatoes, typically paired with pickles, vegetables, and cured meats. It’s a rich, savory dish popular for gatherings.

Zürcher geschnetzeltes

A Zurich specialty of thinly sliced veal in a creamy mushroom sauce, often flavored with white wine and onions. It’s commonly served with rösti or noodles and is a refined, flavorful main course.

Swiss chocolate

World-renowned for its smooth, creamy texture and high quality, Swiss chocolate is made with precise techniques and often includes milk chocolate varieties (pioneered by Switzerland). Brands like Lindt and Toblerone are iconic, with a focus on rich cocoa and innovative flavors.

You can also visit Lindt’s chocolate museum (guided tour available) or take a chocolate course from the best chocolate chefs. Check ticket availability to book yours for a journey through chocolate heaven.

List of activities

Basel comes with many tourist attractions that you can explore during off-hours. Your BaselCard offers 50% off entry fees to Basel’s museums, zoo, and Theater Basel, free Wi-Fi at city hotspots, plus reduced rates for e-bike rentals. Discounts are valid once per attraction and are not combinable.

Here’s a list of activities to add to your itinerary:

Basel Minster

A stunning Gothic cathedral on the Rhine River, known for its red sandstone architecture, twin towers, and historical significance. It offers panoramic views of Basel from its towers and hosts cultural events.

Basel’s old town

A well-preserved historic area with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and landmarks. It’s ideal for exploring medieval architecture, boutique shops, and local cafes.

Kunstmuseum Basel

One of the world’s oldest public art museums, housing an extensive collection of works from the Middle Ages to modern times, including pieces by Picasso, Van Gogh, and Holbein.

Town Hall (Rathaus)

A striking 16th-century building in the Marktplatz with a red front, highly detailed fresco paintings, and a courtyard. It’s the seat of Basel’s government and a hub for local events.

Zoo Basel

A renowned zoo, one of the oldest in the world, known for its conservation efforts and diverse animals, including penguins, elephants, and snow leopards. It’s family-friendly with interactive exhibits.

Toy Worlds Museum Basel

A unique museum showcasing a vast collection of toys, dolls, and miniature worlds, including teddy bears and dollhouses, which appeals to both children and nostalgic adults.

Merian Gardens

A serene botanical garden along the Rhine, featuring diverse plant species, themed gardens, and an 18th-century mansion. It’s perfect for a peaceful stroll or picnic.

River Rhine

The Rhine is central to Basel’s lifestyle. Visitors can swim using a Wickelfisch bag, take ferry rides, or stroll along the riverbanks to enjoy scenic views and local eateries.

Last but not least, if you have time on hand, you must enjoy the scenic train rides through the Alps and countryside with panoramic views. Popular options include Glacier Express, Bernina Express, and Gotthard Panorama Express. You’ll get to experience one of the most magical train rides, staring out the panoramic windows at Switzerland’s magnificent nature.

After exploring the Philippines at WordCamp Asia, this WCEU is going to be a complete change in terms of scenery, culture, and food staples. Now that you know a lot about Basel, are you ready for this intriguing ride?

See you soon!

WordPress users value community above all. And it’s a privilege to be a part of that community and celebrate its spirit with fellow WordPress enthusiasts. Let’s join WordPress Europe 2025 to mingle, laugh, form new ideas, and cherish the warmth of the community.

It’s a complete package; you get to work collaboratively to contribute to the future, make new friends who share the same interests as you, and party hard, all at the same event.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags if you’ve already sorted your tickets and share your trip plans with us so we can all make the most of our WCEU tour.

Sarika Sarmin

Sarika writes for Fluent Forms and loves to offer insights into small businesses. She’s curious and enjoys discussing ideas, interests, and perspectives. In her free time, she’s either marvelling at architectural beauties or trying different cuisines.

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WordCamp Europe 2025: Celebrate WordPress at the Cultural Capital of Switzerland