Grenchen: Watchmaking Culture, Art and Nature

Grenchen is a city and political municipality in the district of Lebern in the canton of Solothurn. Its character ranges from the history of the watchmaking industry and art to the Grenchner Witi and activities related to cycling and culture.

Watchmaking, industrialisation and art

At the Culture and History Museum of Grenchen, the permanent exhibition explores industrialisation and its consequences through the example of the Grenchen region. Six themed sections take visitors through the lives and work of people in industry and the impact on their everyday lives. The exhibition focuses in particular on the 1950s, the “Golden Age” of Grenchen’s watchmaking industry. This local perspective can be viewed alongside the city’s longer history: Grenchen is one of the centres of the Swiss watchmaking industry, which has been based in the city for more than 150 years. Industrial watch production began in 1851 with pioneers Josef Girard and Urs Schild.

The collection at Kunsthaus Grenchen comprises around 17,000 works, mostly prints. Its scope ranges from regional and Swiss art to international art, from the 16th century to the present day. Alongside the history of industry, the collection therefore spans a broad timeframe and geographical range. In workshops, participants can try out various printing techniques and create their own works using printing plates they have made themselves. Check workshop dates and availability in advance.

City history and cultural programme

Around the year 1000, local barons built a castle on a rocky outcrop; it was inhabited for three centuries. Grenchen won the Wakker Prize for architectural heritage in 2008. Another cultural venue is the historic Parktheater, which has offered a varied programme for almost 70 years, ranging from theatre to music spectaculars.

Guided city tours are available in Grenchen throughout the year. The 90-minute “Technology City in the Green” tour focuses on the watchmaking industry and industrialisation. The “Watchmaking World of Grenchen” tour includes a visit to the Grenchen-based watch company Fortis Watches AG and an introduction to the city’s watchmaking tradition at the museum and around the city; it can be booked on request. Check whether your preferred date is available.

Grenchner Witi and cycling tours

The Grenchner Witi preserves an open agricultural landscape and promotes nature-friendly farming while safeguarding farmers’ livelihoods. It protects habitats for animals and plants, including a bird-breeding site and a hare refuge of national importance. Part of the Witi is designated as a waterbird and migratory bird reserve of national importance.

The two cycling tours differ in their routes: “Grenchen Bike” is a mountain bike tour through the forests of Grenchen, starting and ending at Chappeli. The Solothurn–Grenchen cycling tour runs from Solothurn via Grenchen and back again. Route conditions may change; for “Grenchen Bike”, the season and weather also play a role. Check conditions before setting off.

More activities for your stay

Grenchen’s BMX and pump track facility, covering around 8,000 square metres, is open to the public every day from 8 am to 8 pm. Operating conditions may change, so it is worth checking the latest information before your visit. The Tissot Velodrome is a ten-minute walk from Grenchen Süd railway station.

Grenchen outdoor swimming pool is generally open from mid-May to mid-September. Its 10-metre diving platform may be used only with permission and in the presence of supervisory staff. As seasonal opening dates may vary, check them before your visit. At Grenchen Airport, airport tours are offered to visitor groups; there are also introductory flights and bookable sightseeing flights.

Discover more destinations: Staad, Rüttenen, Niederwil, Balm Bei Günsberg, Sankt Niklaus, Langendorf, Bettlach, Riedholz.

Back to the regional travel overview: Lebern.