Solothurn

This is Solothurn

Solothurn lies in the west of Switzerland at the southern foot of the Jura. The city is a popular destination thanks to its Baroque architecture, its old town, and its location on the Aare.

Discover Solothurn

Your sightseeing starts in the car-free old town, where charming boutiques invite you to browse and shop. On Wednesdays and Saturdays, colourful market stalls line the Baroque façades on the Märetplatz. From the tower of the St. Ursus Cathedral, you can take in views across the entire city. On the Weissenstein, Solothurn’s local mountain, the view stretches all the way to the Alps. Or stroll through the Verena Gorge to the hermitage. Round off the day at a bistro on the banks of the Aare.

The Old Town and the Number 11

The landmark of Switzerland’s most beautiful Baroque city is the St. Ursus CathedralJesuit Church. The oldest building is the Clock Tower: its astronomical clock sets a group of figures in motion and strikes the bells. The clock on Amthausplatz, by contrast, shows only eleven hours. In fact, much in Solothurn revolves around the number 11: eleven historic fountains, eleven steps up to the cathedral – and even the local beer is called “Eleven”.

City of Museums and Culture

Solothurn is rich not only in Baroque buildings but also in museums. The Museum of Fine Arts focuses on Swiss art. A family favourite is the Natural History Museum. And at Waldegg Castle, you journey back to the time when Solothurn was the seat of the ambassadors of the French king. It’s also worth checking the cultural calendar: the Solothurn Film Days, the most important festival for Swiss film, and the Literature Days, the largest multilingual Swiss literature festival, are both well known.

Around Solothurn

From Solothurn, it’s well worth taking an Aare boat trip to the watchmaking metropolis of Biel/Bienne. In around 45 minutes you can reach the capital, Bern, with its old town and the BearPark. Other excursion tips include the Thal Nature Park and Burgdorf Castle.

Experience Solothurn for less

With the Libero Day Pass, you can use public transport free of charge for one day. Many sights, as well as the Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History Museum, are also free to visit.