11 best of Solothurn

In Solothurn, we’re a little obsessed with the number 11. It’s a long story. But if you want to find out more, we can recommend 11 different guided tours and 11 special excursions that reveal the secret behind Solothurn’s magic number. Join the adventure and discover the power of 11.

Old town

The French royal family’s ambassadors left their mark here: the architecture of Solothurn’s old town reflects the time when this was their seat, and the old centre is often referred to as the ‘Ambassadors’ Town’. The beautiful historic centre with its Mediterranean flair offers attractive shops, stylish cafés, excellent restaurants and an enticing selection of cultural attractions.

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St. Ursus Cathedral

Our magnificent Solothurn Cathedral, also known as the St. Ursus Cathedral, was built between 1762 and 1773. An eye-catching landmark, the opulent building in the centre of the old town can be seen from afar. And – continuing a theme – three flights of 11 steps lead up to its front door.

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St. Ursus Tower

The cathedral’s imposing tower is 6 x 11 metres tall and its belfry is home to 11 bells. The tower features Ascona-born architect Gaetano Matteo Pisoni’s characteristic onion dome, which is topped by a sphere, a cross and a weathervane. Climbing the 249 steps to the top is a rewarding experience.

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Guided city tours

Get to know Solothurn on an unforgettable walking tour. Explore the town’s picturesque streets and discover a host of tourist attractions as your guide entertains you with amusing stories and anecdotes along the way.

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Solothurn’s market

An unmissable gem: the regular market (or Märet) sees speciality vendors from around the region set up stall in Solothurn’s historic centre. Discover fresh flowers, regional vegetables and other agricultural produce in Hauptgasse and Gurzelngasse, the main arteries of the old town.

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Solothurn’s Riviera

Bars and restaurants line the banks of the river Aare, inviting customers to relax for an hour or two on their sunny terraces. With colourful awnings, the aroma of fresh coffee and tasty gelati on offer, there’s a Mediterranean holiday vibe here in Solothurn’s very own Riviera.

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Museum of Fine Arts

Solothurn’s Fine art museum is home to one of the most valuable and significant art collections in Switzerland. Visitors can see works dating from the late Middle Ages to the present day and gain an insight into Swiss art. The collection also includes paintings by Hans Holbein the Younger, Vincent van Gogh and Ferdinand Hodler.

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Waldegg Castle

It isn’t just the castle’s beautiful baroque gardens that attract visitors from near and far. The impressive 18th- and 19th-century interiors are also well worth a visit. They reflect Waldegg Castle’s heyday, when Solothurn was the seat of the French king’s ambassadors.

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Aare river cruise

Take a trip along the Aare from Solothurn to Biel:Switzerland’s longest and most beautiful river cruise serves up an impressive array of scenery. Marvel at the stork colony in Altreu, the little villages en route and the historic town of Büren an der Aare.

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Weissenstein views

Solothurn’s local mountain proudly overlooks the town and provides the adventurous with a whole new perspective: 1,284 metres above sea level, the Weissenstein offers a breathtaking view of the Swiss Plateau and the Alps. Whether you’re interested in hiking, cycling, flying or just recharging your batteries – the Weissenstein is the place for you.

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Märetplatz

In the Middle Ages, the marketplace was an important hub. People thronged here to purchase food and find out the latest news. Visit ‘Märetplatz’ in Solothurn’s old town today, and you’ll experience the same bustling atmosphere – where history and the contemporary world meet.

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