Solothurn, Switzerland Travel Guide

Discover Solothurn, Switzerland's Baroque masterpiece where history, culture, and nature converge for an unforgettable experience.

Nestled along the banks of the Aare River, Solothurn is a charming blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known as the finest Baroque town in Switzerland, Solothurn captivates visitors with its well-preserved architecture, cobblestone streets, and a rich tapestry of stories dating back to the Roman era. As you stroll through the Old Town, you'll encounter stunning landmarks such as the majestic St. Ursen Cathedral, the Clock Tower, and the impressive Basel Gate. Each structure tells a tale of a bygone era, transporting you to a time when Solothurn was a significant political and religious center. The town's unique blend of Italian grandeur, French charm, and German practicality is evident in its buildings and lifestyle. The natural surroundings of Solothurn add to its allure. The Jura Mountains provide a picturesque backdrop, offering numerous opportunities for hiking, biking, and nature walks. The Verena Gorge, with its hermitage and peaceful woodland trails, is a hidden gem for those seeking tranquility and a touch of mysticism. Cultural enthusiasts will find a wealth of museums, galleries, and festivals to explore. The Solothurn Film Festival, Switzerland's most important festival for Swiss film, attracts cinephiles from around the world. Additionally, the town boasts a vibrant culinary scene, with local markets, traditional Swiss restaurants, and cozy cafes where you can savor regional delicacies.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Solothurn.

Visit the St. Ursen Cathedral for a panoramic view of the town from its tower.
Explore the Verena Gorge early in the morning to enjoy its serenity.
Check out the Solothurn Film Festival if your visit coincides with its dates in January.
Try the local specialty, Solothurner Torte, at one of the town's bakeries.
Take a guided tour to learn about the town's rich history and hidden secrets.

Top City Travel Guides in Solothurn

The cities of Solothurn, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Bern

Explore Solothurn: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Solothurn

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ZOO Siky Ranch, Christophe Keller

Experience the enchanting wildlife and family-friendly atmosphere at ZOO Siky Ranch in Crémines, Switzerland, a must-visit tourist attraction.

4.5

Verena Gorge Hermitage

Explore the serene Verena Gorge Hermitage, a spiritual retreat surrounded by breathtaking hiking trails in the heart of Switzerland's natural beauty.

4.7

Cathedral of Saint Ursus

Explore the architectural beauty and rich history of the Cathedral of Saint Ursus, a must-see cultural landmark in Solothurn, Switzerland.

4.7

Verena Gorge

Discover the enchanting Verena Gorge in Rüttenen, Switzerland, a hiker's paradise featuring stunning landscapes and a hidden church within a cave.

4.7

Best landmarks in Solothurn

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Verena Gorge Hermitage

Explore the serene Verena Gorge Hermitage, a spiritual haven amidst breathtaking landscapes and scenic hiking trails in Rüttenen, Switzerland.

4.7

Cathedral of Saint Ursus

Discover the architectural splendor and historical significance of the Cathedral of Saint Ursus in Solothurn, a captivating destination for all travelers.

4.7

Verena Gorge

Explore Verena Gorge, a stunning hiking area in Switzerland, where nature meets tranquility and adventure awaits at every turn.

4.7

Waldegg Castle

Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of Waldegg Castle in Feldbrunnen-St. Niklaus, a must-see destination for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.

4.6

Best restaurants in Solothurn

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Restaurant Pier 11

Experience the best of Swiss cuisine at Restaurant Pier 11 in Solothurn, where local flavors meet culinary innovation in a stunning setting.

4.3

La Couronne Hotel Restaurant

Experience Swiss hospitality at La Couronne Hotel Restaurant in Solothurn - where fine dining meets luxurious accommodations.

4.7

Cantinetta Bindella Solothurn

Discover authentic Tuscan cuisine at Cantinetta Bindella Solothurn - where every meal is a celebration of flavor.

4.3

Löwen

Experience exquisite Swiss cuisine at Löwen in Solothurn—where every meal is a celebration of flavor and tradition.

4.4

Best bars in Solothurn

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Solheure

Discover the vibrant atmosphere of Solheure, Solothurn's premier bar and lounge, offering unique cocktails and delicious cuisine in a cozy setting.

4.5

Hafebar Solothurn

Discover Hafebar Solothurn, a riverside bar blending picturesque views with a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for a relaxing drink in the heart of Solothurn.

4.6

Cafe & Bar Barock

Discover the perfect blend of vibrant bar culture and refined bistro dining at Café & Bar Barock in Solothurn, Switzerland.

4.5

Red John Irish Pub

Experience the heart of Ireland at Red John Irish Pub in Solothurn, where great food, drinks, and live music create unforgettable memories.

4.5

Best nightclubs in Solothurn

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Solheure

Experience the vibrant atmosphere and delightful flavors at Solheure, Solothurn's premier bar and restaurant along the Aare River.

4.5

Hafebar Solothurn

Discover the vibrant ambiance of Hafebar Solothurn, where riverside relaxation meets lively entertainment in the heart of Switzerland.

4.6

Badmeister Sommer Lounge

Discover the lively Badmeister Sommer Lounge in Solothurn, where exquisite dining meets vibrant nightlife in a charming atmosphere.

4.4

Rahat Lounge

Discover Rahat Lounge in Solothurn, an inviting hookah bar that blends café charm with a cozy lounge atmosphere for a perfect relaxation experience.

4.4

Best shops in Solothurn

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MANOR Solothurn

Explore the charm of Swiss retail at MANOR Solothurn, your destination for clothing, home goods, perfumes, and toys in a vibrant shopping atmosphere.

4.1

Import Parfumerie Solothurn Marktplatz

Discover the luxurious world of fragrances at Import Parfumerie Solothurn, your destination for exquisite perfumes and beauty products in a charming marketplace.

4.5

BABACOOL Trendshop

Explore BABACOOL Trendshop in Solothurn for unique fashion, accessories, and home decor that capture the spirit of Switzerland.

4.8

Metro Boutique Solothurn

Discover the unique charm of Metro Boutique Solothurn - your ultimate shopping destination for stylish clothing and accessories in the heart of Switzerland.

4.3

Explore Solothurn on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Solothurn, mapped for you.

Solothurn Essentials

Solothurn is well-connected and easily accessible. The nearest international airport is Zurich Airport, located about 100 kilometers away. From Zurich, you can take a direct train to Solothurn, which takes approximately 1 hour. Alternatively, Bern Airport is around 40 kilometers away, and you can reach Solothurn by train in about 30 minutes. If you are driving, Solothurn is conveniently situated along the A5 motorway.
Solothurn offers various transportation options, including a reliable public transport system. The town's bus network and train services can get you to most places efficiently. For a more leisurely exploration, consider renting a bike, as Solothurn is very bike-friendly. Taxis are available but can be expensive. Walking is also a great way to discover the town, as many attractions are within close proximity.
The official currency is the Swiss Franc (CHF). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout Solothurn for cash withdrawals. While some small businesses may prefer cash, most places will accept card payments. It is advisable to carry some cash for smaller transactions and in case you visit more remote areas.
Solothurn is generally a very safe town with low crime rates. Standard safety precautions should still be observed, such as not leaving your belongings unattended and being cautious in crowded areas. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists. The town is well-policed, and locals are friendly and helpful.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Solothurn has well-equipped medical facilities and a hospital. Pharmacies (Apotheken) are readily available for minor health concerns. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Local police and fire services are efficient and responsive.
Fashion: Do dress smartly but comfortably. Casual wear is acceptable, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect religious sites by dressing modestly and keeping noise to a minimum. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket before boarding and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Grüezi' (Hello) or a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Swiss dishes and be polite when dining out. Don't rush your meals, as dining is a leisurely activity in Switzerland.
To experience Solothurn like a local, visit the weekly market at the Hauptbahnhofplatz for fresh produce and local specialties. Take a stroll along the Aare River and enjoy a coffee at one of the charming cafes. Engage with locals, who are known for their hospitality. Don't miss the Solothurn Film Festival if you visit in January, and explore the Jura Mountains for hiking and nature activities.

When is the best time to visit Solothurn?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Solothurn

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Solothurn. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloGrüezi
  [Gree-tsee]
- GoodbyeAde
  [Ah-day]
- YesJa
  [Yah]
- NoNein
  [Nine]
- Please/You're welcomeBitte
  [Bit-teh]
- Thank youDanke
  [Dahn-keh]
- Excuse me/SorryEntschuldigung
  [Ent-shool-dee-goong]
- How are you?Wie geht's?
  [Vee gates?]
- Fine. And you?Gut. Und dir?
  [Goot. Oond deer?]
- Do you speak English?Sprechen Sie Englisch?
  [Shpreh-chen Zee Eng-lish?]
- I don't understandIch verstehe nicht
  [Ish fer-shtay-eh nikht]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseIch möchte die Speisekarte sehen, bitte
  [Ish mehr-teh dee Shpy-zeh-kar-teh zay-en, bit-teh]
- I don't eat meatIch esse kein Fleisch
  [Ish es-seh kyan Flysh]
- Cheers!Prost!
  [Prohst!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseIch möchte bezahlen, bitte
  [Ish mehr-teh beh-tsah-len, bit-teh]
- Help!Hilfe!
  [Hil-feh!]
- Go away!Geh weg!
  [Gay vek!]
- Call the Police!Rufen Sie die Polizei!
  [Roo-fen Zee dee Po-lee-tsai!]
- Call a doctor!Rufen Sie einen Arzt!
  [Roo-fen Zee eye-nen Artst!]
- I'm lostIch bin verloren
  [Ish bin fer-lo-ren]
- I'm illIch bin krank
  [Ish bin krank]
- I'd like to buy...Ich möchte kaufen...
  [Ish mehr-teh kauf-en...]
- I'm just lookingIch schaue nur
  [Ish shau-eh noor]
- How much is it?Wie viel kostet es?
  [Vee feel kost-eht es?]
- That's too expensiveDas ist zu teuer
  [Das ist tsoy-er]
- Can you lower the price?Könnten Sie den Preis senken?
  [Kern-ten Zee den Price zen-ken?]
- What time is it?Wie spät ist es?
  [Vee shpaht ist es?]
- It's one o'clockEs ist ein Uhr
  [Es ist ine Oor]
- Half past (10)Halb (10)
  [Halb (10)]
- MorningMorgen
  [Mor-gen]
- AfternoonNachmittag
  [Nahch-mit-tahg]
- EveningAbend
  [Ah-bend]
- YesterdayGestern
  [Ges-tern]
- TodayHeute
  [Hoy-teh]
- TomorrowMorgen
  [Mor-gen]
- 1Eins
  [Eyns]
- 2Zwei
  [Zvy]
- 3Drei
  [Dry]
- 4Vier
  [Veer]
- 5Fünf
  [Foonf]
- 6Sechs
  [Zex]
- 7Sieben
  [Zee-ben]
- 8Acht
  [Acht]
- 9Neun
  [Noyn]
- 10Zehn
  [Tzen]
- Where's a/the...?Wo ist ein/das...?
  [Vo ist ine/das...?]
- What's the address?Wie ist die Adresse?
  [Vee ist dee Ah-dress-eh?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Könnten Sie mir (auf der Karte) zeigen?
  [Kern-ten Zee meer (owf der Kar-teh) tsay-gen?]
- When's the next (bus)?Wann kommt der nächste (Bus)?
  [Vahn komt der next-e (Boos)?]
- A ticket (to ....)Ein Ticket (nach ....)
  [Ine Ticket (nahkh ....)]

History of Solothurn

Solothurn, known as Salodurum during the Roman era, has its roots deeply embedded in the ancient Roman Empire. It served as a strategic outpost along the Aare River, benefiting from the trade and movement of goods. Archaeological finds, such as the remains of a Roman villa and artifacts, provide a glimpse into the town's early significance and prosperity.
During the Middle Ages, Solothurn became a significant urban center. The construction of the St. Ursus Cathedral, a blend of Gothic and Baroque styles, marked an architectural milestone. The town joined the Old Swiss Confederacy in 1481, which played a crucial role in its political and economic development. The well-preserved medieval city walls and towers, such as the Basel Gate, stand as testaments to this era.
From 1530 to 1792, Solothurn served as the residency for the French Ambassador to the Swiss Confederacy. This period, known as the 'Ambassadorial Era,' brought significant cultural and economic exchanges between Solothurn and France. The French influence is still evident in the city's architecture and cultural life. The Amthaus, built as the French Ambassador's residence, remains one of Solothurn's most important historical buildings.
Erected in the 12th century, the Zytglogge (Clock Tower) is one of Solothurn's most iconic landmarks. The astronomical clock, added in the 16th century, not only tells time but also displays the phases of the moon and the zodiac signs. The intricate mechanism reflects the town's historical emphasis on precision and craftsmanship.
Solothurn is renowned for its Baroque architecture, earning it the nickname 'the most beautiful Baroque city in Switzerland.' The Jesuit Church, built between 1680 and 1689, is a prime example of this style, featuring elaborate stucco work and frescoes. The city's urban planning, with its elegant fountains and symmetrical streets, highlights the Baroque era's influence on Solothurn's aesthetic and cultural development.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Solothurn experienced significant industrial growth, becoming a hub for watchmaking and precision instruments. This industrial boom brought modernization while preserving the city's historical charm. Today, Solothurn balances its rich history with contemporary cultural offerings, including the Solothurn Film Festival, which celebrates Swiss cinema annually.