Solothurn: Old Town, Museums and the Aare

Solothurn combines a historic townscape with museums, nearby nature and activities on the Aare. When planning your stay, you could first consider whether you would like to explore architectural history and collections, plan a seasonal boat trip or take your cue from a recurring cultural event.

Old Town and architectural history

Solothurn’s Old Town acquired most of its present-day form between 1520 and 1790. Its architecture brings together various styles, particularly Baroque buildings. Romantic lanes, old cobblestones, restaurants and shops shape the townscape. A walking tour takes you to historic monuments and ornate fountains. The Zeitglockenturm is Solothurn’s oldest building and was constructed in the early 13th century. Its astronomical clock was built in 1545 by Lorenz Liechti and Joachim Habrecht; it displays the day, month and year. Solothurn is also known as the “Ambassador City” because the French ambassador to the Old Swiss Confederacy was based here between the 16th and 18th centuries. The city is also known as the “City of St. Ursus”, after its patron saint.

Museums of art, history and nature

The Solothurn Museum of Art has a unique collection of more than 8,000 works dating from the Late Middle Ages to the present day. The collection may continue to grow over time. On request, the museum offers private groups guided tours of its exhibitions and collection; booking conditions may change, so check them in advance.

The armoury collection in the armoury hall of the Museum Altes Zeughaus also includes unique pieces of armour and spoils from the Burgundian Wars. Hands-on stations give families the opportunity to explore the weight, materials and construction of selected objects. The Solothurn Museum of Natural History showcases animals, plants, rocks and fossils from the surrounding area. Its ground-floor exhibition focuses on native mammals and covers the habitats of forests, open countryside and built-up areas. Interactive elements engage several senses.

The Aare, trails and the area around Solothurn

Near Solothurn, the Verena Gorge and St. Verena Hermitage are located in a cantonal nature reserve. Bus No. 4 runs from Solothurn main station to the southern entrance of the Verena Gorge, at the St. Niklaus stop. From there, a 15-minute walk leads to the hermitage. Also nearby, St. Verena Chapel is open to the public: built into a rock face, it opens towards the hermitage.

Cycling routes run along the Aare and Emme rivers, as well as through farming villages. Route availability and conditions may change; check the information before setting off. There are also scenic, leisurely hiking trails in and around Solothurn. For specific plans, it is worth checking the latest route information. The boat trip between Solothurn and Biel takes just under three hours and can be started in Solothurn. The journey offers views of the Jura mountain range. As the boat service is seasonal, check availability before travelling.

Cultural events throughout the year

The Solothurn Film Festival takes place every January and has been a driving force in Swiss film culture and a meeting place for more than 50 years. Dates and programme vary from year to year. Solothurn Carnival is also part of the region’s recurring annual cultural life: it runs from Fat Thursday to Ash Wednesday, with dates changing from year to year.

Choose your hotel stay around the event

If you are looking for a hotel in Solothurn, the event can help you decide what to focus on: the Old Town and museums, nearby nature, a trip on the Aare or an event related to the Film Festival or Carnival. When choosing a specific hotel, check the details that matter for your stay directly in the relevant listing.

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