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Intro

Solothurn is regarded as the finest Baroque town in Switzerland, where Italian grandeur is combined with French charm and German practicality. The so-called «ambassador’s town» is at the southern end of the Jura by the River Aare, about 30 km east of Biel/Bienne.

Solothurn at a glance

From the 16th to the 18th centuries, the Catholic town of Solothurn was the residence of the French king’s ambassador. Fine Baroque and Renaissance buildings, such as the noble Palais Besenval, and magnificent religious buildings meet the visitor at every end and turn – the Old Town has eleven churches and chapels and the same number of fountains and towers. Truly magnificent is the St.Urs Cathedral, with an Italian-style staircase in front. Inside are wonderful Baroque stuccos. The town walls, which are still intact in some places, were built according to the principles of the French military engineer Vauban.

Between the beautiful historic monuments, the patrician buildings and the sturdy fortifications, the traffic-free Old Town is a pleasant place to wander, with lots of small shops and inns. On warm summer evenings, it is very pleasant to sit in the garden restaurants and bars by the Aare.

The town has a range of cultural attractions going far beyond the regional, including the Solothurn Film and Literature Days. The museums range from the Art Museum to the internationally acclaimed Natural History Museum, the historic Museum Blumenstein, a Museum of Stones, the ENTER PC Museum and Schloss Waldegg, not to mention a collection of sentimental light fiction. Finally, in the «Old Arsenal» is one of the largest weapons collections in Europe.

Children feel perfectly at home in Solothurn. And the Natural History Museum is particularly popular with families and a fascinating way of viewing the region’s animal, plant and mineral life. Utterly unique are the 150 million year old fossilized turtles from the quarries of the city, the beautiful starfish from Weissenstein and of course the famous Lommiswil dinosaur tracks.

A little outside the town is the romantic Verena gorge with its chapel and hermitage, a popular destination for walkers. Hikers and cyclists will find an extensive network of footpaths and 600 km of cycle tracks in the surrounding area and along the Aare. Solothurn is on two national cycle routes: the Mittelland Route and the Aare Route.

Savoir vivre, Solothurn style!
Discover Switzerland’s most beautiful Baroque town through the eyes of a local: visit their favourite places, get insider tips, and see how they live. Visitors learn more about the history of the town and let themselves be inspired by its wide range of culinary offerings. 
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Overview
Solothurn
Aargau – Solothurn region
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Aargau – Solothurn Region

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Aargau – Solothurn Region

Experiences & Activities

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Hotels

  • La Couronne Hotel Restaurant 4 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Solothurn, Aargau – Solothurn region

    Learn more about: Solothurn, Aargau – Solothurn region La Couronne Hotel Restaurant
  • Jugendherberge Solothurn

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Solothurn, Aargau – Solothurn region

    Learn more about: Solothurn, Aargau – Solothurn region Jugendherberge Solothurn
  • Hotel an der Aare Swiss Quality 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Solothurn, Aargau – Solothurn region

    Learn more about: Solothurn, Aargau – Solothurn region Hotel an der Aare Swiss Quality
  • Restaurant Hotel Baseltor 3 Stars

    Recommended by Switzerland Tourism

    Solothurn, Aargau – Solothurn region

    Learn more about: Solothurn, Aargau – Solothurn region Restaurant Hotel Baseltor
  • Hotel Roter Ochsen 3 Stars

    Solothurn, Aargau – Solothurn region

    Learn more about: Solothurn, Aargau – Solothurn region Hotel Roter Ochsen
  • Bären Self Check-In Hotel

    Solothurn, Aargau – Solothurn region

    Learn more about: Solothurn, Aargau – Solothurn region Bären Self Check-In Hotel
  • Hotel Restaurant Roter Turm 3 Stars

    Solothurn, Aargau – Solothurn region

    Learn more about: Solothurn, Aargau – Solothurn region Hotel Restaurant Roter Turm
  • Hotel Ambassador

    Solothurn, Aargau – Solothurn region

    Learn more about: Solothurn, Aargau – Solothurn region Hotel Ambassador
  • H4 Hotel Solothurn 4 Stars

    Solothurn, Aargau – Solothurn region

    Learn more about: Solothurn, Aargau – Solothurn region H4 Hotel Solothurn
  • Hotel Weissenstein 4 Stars

    Oberdorf SO, Aargau – Solothurn region

    Learn more about: Oberdorf SO, Aargau – Solothurn region Hotel Weissenstein
  • Solothurn Krummturm Führung mit Apéro

    Have you always wanted to take a look at the Krummtrum in Solothurn? Here you go. Solothurn has been... from CHF 30
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    valid: 16.10.2025

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  • Solothurn Rundgang durch das Rathaus

    The town hall opens its doors, and during this tour, you will have the opportunity to learn details... from CHF 10
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    valid: 08.09.2025 - 14.10.2025

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  • Solothurn Aare trip between Solothurn and Biel by boat

    You travel by boat between Solothurn and Biel. The journey takes you across the River Aare to its... from CHF 66
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    valid: 12.07.2025 - 26.10.2025

    Learn more about Aare trip between Solothurn and Biel by boat
  • Solothurn Torten Workshop - Original Solothurner Torte

    Do you enjoy baking and want to make an original Solothurn cake yourself? In this workshop, you will... from CHF 35
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    valid: 21.08.2025 - 04.09.2025

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  • Solothurn Führung hinter den Kulissen im Stadttheater Solothurn

    Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of theater, take a peek into Switzerland's oldest theater... from CHF 15
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    valid: 19.08.2025 - 23.09.2025

    Learn more about Führung hinter den Kulissen im Stadttheater Solothurn
  • Solothurn Advent tour with mulled wine

    Immerse yourself in the winter charm of the most beautiful baroque city in Switzerland. Experience... from CHF 20
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    valid: 04.12.2025

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  • Solothurn Sunset Kanu-Tour auf der Aare

    Experience a romantic sunset canoe tour on the Aare and enjoy the last rays of sunshine. Witness the... from CHF 55
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    valid: 07.09.2025

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  • Solothurn Verführerisch: Kreieren Sie Ihr eigenes Parfum

    The fascinating world of fragrances! In the perfume workshop, you will create your own favorite... from CHF 58
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    valid: 25.09.2025 - 01.10.2025

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  • Solothurn Wie die Orgeln in St. Ursen klingen

    The cathedral organist will guide you up the spiral staircase to the large organ gallery, and then... from CHF 19
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    valid: 28.07.2025 - 20.10.2025

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  • Solothurn Ziegentrekking – tierisch gute Begleiter

    Did you know that goats are fascinating animals? You can go for walks with them, similar to walking... from CHF 49
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    valid: 17.09.2025 - 12.10.2025

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Travel information: Solothurn