Solothurn Travel Guide

Discover the best attractions, activities, food, and accommodations in Solothurn. Plan your perfect trip to this charming town in Switzerland with this comprehensive guide.


Introduction to Solothurn

Nestled in the Berne Region of Switzerland, Solothurn is a charming town with a rich history and breathtaking scenery. Known as the “City of Ambassadors,” it boasts a well-preserved baroque town center, stunning architecture, and cultural attractions that attract visitors from around the world. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will help you plan your dream trip to Solothurn, including must-visit attractions, food and drink recommendations, accommodations, and travel logistics.

List of Places to Visit in Solothurn

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Solothurn is rich in history and culture, making it an ideal destination for those who love to explore the past. Here are some culturally important attractions that you shouldn’t miss:

  • Solothurn Palace: A magnificent baroque palace that houses the cantonal government and the courthouse.
  • Cathedral St. Ursen: This magnificent cathedral with twin towers, located at the heart of the city, is a masterpiece of late Gothic architecture.
  • Museum Altes Zeughaus: Located in the old arsenal, this museum features a vast collection of weapons, armor, and military equipment dated back to the 15th century.
  • Nature Museum Solothurn: A natural history museum with interactive exhibits, presents the flora and fauna of the region

Natural Attractions of Solothurn: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Solothurn is also a paradise for nature lovers, offering endless options for outdoor activities and scenic views. Here are some natural attractions that must be on your list:

  • Jura Crest Trail: A 310 km hiking and biking trail with stunning panoramic views of the Swiss Alps and Jura mountains
  • Weissenstein Mountain: The highest peak in the Jura mountain range, with hiking routes of all difficulty levels and incredible views of the flatlands below. It’s never boring, as it gets transformed into a ski resort during the winter season.
  • Aare River: Take a relaxing walk or a bike ride along the river Aare that passes through Solothurn.
  • Verena Gorge: A beautiful small ravine in the Northern part of Solothurn, perfect for a hike with small children.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Solothurn

As mentioned above, Solothurn has a plethora of options for hikes and bike tours. Here are some of the best ones:

  • Jura Crest Trail: The classic Jura Crest Trail is a must-do for all outdoor enthusiasts, with hiking and biking routes taking you through stunning mountain ranges.
  • Balmberg Hike: The Balmberg hike takes you through beautiful Swiss forests, valleys and Swiss pastures with stunning views of the Alps. It takes around 2 hours to reach Balmberg, and an additional 1.5 hours to complete the tour.
  • Bike Tour Along the River Aare: A relaxed bike tour along the river Aare is a great way to explore the stunning countryside around Solothurn. The route takes you through picturesque villages and farmland.

Best Things to Do in Solothurn: Activities and Tours

Solothurn is a charming town with plenty of activities for visitors. Here are some of the best things to do in Solothurn:

  • The Solothurn Film Festival: This mesmerizing festival held every fourth week of January, is a platform for some of the best cinematic works worldwide. They focus mainly on art and foreign language films. It is a popular event and attracts people from different parts of the world.
  • Visit the Farmer’s Market: Head to the farmer’s market held every Wednesday and Saturday mornings, to savor fresh local produce, cheese, and traditional Swiss delicacies.
  • Visit the Christmas Market: Every year in December, Solothurn hosts a traditional Christmas market with dozens of stalls selling local crafts, traditional treats, and warm drinks.
  • City Tour: Walk through the cobblestoned alleys and explore the town center brimming with Baroque buildings with elegant fountains. The town also has an old clock tower, which plays melodies on every hour, and is a perfect place to capture memories.

Week-Long Itinerary for Solothurn

If you’re planning to spend a week in Solothurn, here’s a possible itinerary for your trip:

Day Activity
Day 1 City Tour and Shopping
Day 2 Visit the Museum Altes Zeughaus and Natural Museum Solothurn
Day 3 Hike or Bike along the Jura Crest Trail
Day 4 Day trip to the Verena Gorge
Day 5 Visit the Weissenstein Mountain and Travel via Cable Car
Day 6 Visit the Cathedral St. Ursen
Day 7 River Aare Sightseeing Boat Trip

Food and Drink Scene of Solothurn

Must-Try Dishes

Solothurn is known for a wide selection of culinary experiences, ranging from rich, creamy cheeses to traditional Swiss pastries. Here are some dishes you shouldn’t leave Solothurn without trying:

  • Cheese Fondue: A pot of melted cheese served to dip pieces of bread into and share among the group. This typical Swiss dish is a must and is best enjoyed in the company of friends or family.
  • Geschnetzeltes: A regional dish, features Swiss-style meat strips, mushroom sauce, and served with Rösti, a crispy Swiss potato dish.
  • Truffes du Jura: Delicate chocolate truffles prepared with locally picked wild mushrooms and dusted with cocoa
  • Solothurner Torte: A creamy butter almond cake that is a town favorite and is seen on every bakery shelf.

Local Beverages

Solothurn’s drink scene is equally impressive. Here are some of the local beverages you shouldn’t miss:

  • Solothurn Mineral Water: An unheard of specialty, which is bottled and sold across the region, is one of the best Beverages. It is perfect to hydrate your throat on hot days or after a long hike.
  • Grittibaenz: Often enjoyed during the Christmas season, this refreshment is a bread-themed cookie infused with sweet spices.
  • Liqueurs: Various wineries and distilleries nearby produce a range of alcoholic drinks, such as fruit brandies, herbal liqueurs, beer, and premium wines.

Where to Stay in Solothurn: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There is no shortage of accommodation options in Solothurn. Here are some recommendations to suit any budget:

  • Hotel Roter Ochsen: A beautiful centrally located hotel, with a restaurant serving traditional Swiss fare.
  • Schloss Biberist: Located at the outskirts of the city, a regal bed and breakfast situated in an ancient castle.
  • Solothurn Youth Hostel: A cheap but trendy hostel with a bar and a lounge area, ideal for solo travelers or backpackers.

What to Buy in Solothurn: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

From locally made chocolate to Swiss army knives, there is no lack of variety when it comes to souvenirs and local products to bring home from Solothurn. Here are some of the best:

  • Solothurner Torte: A perfect gift, also worth trying are the locally made sweets and cakes – from the Solothurner Torte, to the different flavored Swiss chocolates and truffles
  • Ostpfeffer: A locally made cheese mix that tastes exquisite on crackers or bread.

Local Culture and Customs of Solothurn

Solothurn is a charming town that highly treasures its culture and traditions. Respect for the locals and their customs is necessary. Swiss are conservative people, so one should take extreme caution and follow the dress code, when visiting heritage landmarks. They also take punctuality seriously, so make sure you show up for appointments or bookings on time.

Best Time to Visit Solothurn

The best time to visit Solothurn is during summer (June to August), with warm weather and long days for outdoor activities. In winter (December to February), Solothurn turns into a wonderland with a snow-covered landscape, making it a perfect Ski Resort. Do note that the weather gets chilly during both seasons, so warm clothing is recommended.

Do’s and Don’ts of Solothurn

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Carry cash, as some local shops do not accept credit cards.
  • Tasting the local cuisine and taking a walk around the town is an excellent way to get to know Solothurn better.

Don’t:

  • Littering of any sort is regarded as selfish and disrespectful. Please use the trash bins provided and dispose of used items properly.
  • Showing up late for appointments or bookings is seen as a sign of disrespect.

Safety and Health

Safety in Solothurn

Solothurn is considered one of the safest towns in Europe. However, it’s always advisable to be cautious and take care of your belongings when in crowded places. Also, be sure to look out for road safety—on snow-covered roads even more.

Health in Solothurn

Medical facilities are highly accessible and generally of high quality in Solothurn. The town has several hospitals and a range of pharmacies to sort patients and illnesses.

Getting to Solothurn: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Solothurn

The nearest airports to Solothurn are EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg, Zurich Airport, and Bern-Belp Airport. All are located within easy driving distance from Solothurn and can take around half-an-hour or less to reach the city center, via train or bus.

Bus Stations Near Solothurn

Several bus companies operate within Solothurn and offer transport to various nearby cities like Olten and Grenchen. Bus stations within Solothurn include Post Bus and Swiss National Postal Buses. You can purchase a ticket at the station or online.

Other Options

There is an option of arriving at Solothurn via train, and Swiss Railways connect Solothurn with other major Swiss towns and cities such as Bern, Basel, and Zurich, among others. Train travel is convenient as the stations are situated within a few minutes’ walk from the city center.

How to Get Around in Solothurn

Solothurn is quite small, and it’s easy to get around on foot or by bicycle. You can rent a bike from one of the many bike rental outlets around Solothurn and, on the other hand, Solothrun offers additional buses and cabs to explore areas that are out of biking or walking range.

Where to Go Next from Solothurn: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Solothurn is well situated to explore nearby cities and towns within Berne Region. Here are some places to consider:

  • Bern: The Capital of Switzerland, located about 30 minutes by train from Solothurn, is a must-visit. Lush mountainscape, winding streets and friendly locals make Bern one of Switzerland’s most charming towns.
  • St. Gallen: Another Swiss town known for its arts and culture, located around two hours away from Solothurn. Picture-perfect sceneries of the Swiss countryside and historical monuments add to the charm of this town.
  • The Emmental Cheese Diary: A historical cheese dairy where travelers can immerse themselves in Swiss Cheese making culture, around 30 minutes away from Solothurn.

Conclusion

Solothurn is a charming town that offers endless possibilities for tourists. Whether you are looking to explore history, indulge in the local culture, or just relax and soak in the mountain views, there’s something for everyone in Solothurn. Use this comprehensive guide to plan the perfect trip to Solothurn.

Solothurn, Palais Besenval Solothurn, Palais Besenval River Aare and River Aare and "Vorstadt" part of the old town Old Town Old Town St. Ursenkathedrale St. Ursenkathedrale Bieltor Solothurn Bieltor Solothurn