Intro
Olten is located at the southern foot of the Jura on the river Aare. Due to its central location in the Swiss Mittelland, the small town is a popular venue for congresses and conferences. Likewise, the small town is known for the Swiss Writers' Trail and the old town.
Olten is located at the intersection of the north-south Basel-Chiasso and west-east Geneva-St.Gallen railroad lines. In addition, the national highway interchange is also located in the immediate vicinity. The central location of Olten, situated in the canton of Solothurn, is legendary and the Bahnhofbuffet Olten is considered a meeting place that is equally close to all Swiss. Due to its easy accessibility, the city became a popular location for industry and commerce early on.
Swiss Writers' Path and Old Town
The Swiss Writers' Trail, with its 70 or so listening stations by Alex Capus, Franz Hohler, Pedro Lenz and other authors, is a very special invitation to walk, listen, marvel and linger. Take your time and let yourself be inspired and enchanted by the wonderful stories in Olten. On the Quai Cornichon you can listen to 33 satirical gems by the winners of the Swiss Cabaret Prize Cornichon.
The historic old town center has been well preserved. Particularly popular here are the car-free strolling areas with buildings well worth seeing and attractive shopping opportunities, the various museums, the active music scene and the extremely diverse cultural and cabaret scene.
Excursion destinations around Olten
In the direction of the Jura and along the course of the Aare, numerous excursions, hikes and bicycle tours lead into nature with sparse deciduous forests. After an ascent, for example, through the well-known "Tüfelsschlucht" to the Allerheiligenberg and on to the Belchen, one is rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view over the Mittelland. The numerous steep Jura walls, climbing walls and quarries also attract ambitious sport climbers to the region.
Those looking for the exotic will find the largest Thai temple complex in Switzerland in nearby Gretzenbach. Between Olten and Aarau there is a beautiful 18-hole golf course for golf enthusiasts. Children and the young at heart will enjoy the solar bob run in Langenbruck on the Upper Hauenstein. In Langenbruck as well as on some other Jura slopes, smaller ski areas are operated in winter when there is enough snow. However, the Jura heights are primarily a popular cross-country skiing area in winter.
