The city's location on the Rhine and proximity to the Black Forest give it a continental climate, particularly suited to viticulture.

The duc de Villars crossed the Rhine here in October 1702 to fight the Battle of Friedlingen during the War of the Spanish Succession.

Agriculture dominated local industry until the 19th century, when the city began to grow, aided by its favourable transport connections.

After the Second World War the population again grew rapidly due to the influx of refugees and stateless persons.

Since 2014, line 8 of the Basel tram system has extended across the border from Switzerland to terminate in Weil am Rhein.