Oltner Kabarett-Tage (Cabaret Festival)
Switzerland's oldest and most important satire festival, held every May in Olten over eleven days on several stages, awarding the Swiss cabaret prize Prix Cornichon.
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A legendary meeting spot for people from all over Switzerland with a cult following.
Located right next to the station, it is famous for serving excellent Cordon Bleu.
Housed in a former locksmith shop, featuring hip decor and one of the best terraces in town.
The car-free Old Town is lined with independent boutiques, bookstores, and specialty shops.
A factory outlet shop located in the industrial area, well-suited for chocolate lovers.
A peaceful, free wildlife park on the edge of town, home to deer and raccoons.
A serene complex offering a quiet atmosphere and a simple church just steps from the center.
Water temperature…
Olten is a significant city in the Canton of Solothurn and is regarded as Switzerland's most important railway junction. Due to its central location in the Mittelland, the main North-South and West-East rail lines intersect here, making the city a strategic economic center. The historic Old Town is picturesquely situated on the Aare river and is accessible via a famous covered wooden bridge, which was rebuilt in the 19th century following a fire. Olten has a rich literary tradition and is known as the 'City of Writers', being the home of prominent authors such as Peter Bichsel and Alex Capus. The city also houses several significant museums, including the Natural History Museum and the Olten Art Museum. Thanks to its excellent transport links and proximity to the Jura mountains, Olten is a popular starting point for business travelers and nature lovers alike.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 83 | 65 | 82 | 83 | 129 | 118 | 124 | 124 | 87 | 96 | 80 | 92 |
See what it looks like near Olten right now.
Olten: Alte Brücke · 0.5 km · Open webcam on Windy · Webcams provided by Windy.com
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Your day in Olten begins in the charming Old Town. After exploring historic alleys, you cross the famous wooden bridge. In the afternoon, you delve into local culture and nature at the city's museums. The evening concludes with a walk through the quiet monastery district and a climb up the city tower for a final view.
A rainy morning under the arcades of Kirchgasse, which provide natural shelter. At noon, the Art and Natural History museums allow for extensive cultural time in the dry. Afternoon brings a quiet sanctuary in the Capuchin Monastery away from the wetness. In the evening, look out from the City Tower at the shining, wet rooftops of the town as the rain gradually subsides.
Frosty morning mist hangs over the Aare in Olten. At noon, warm up in the well-heated museums on Kirchgasse while the icy wind blows outside. The afternoon at the monastery offers contemplative peace away from the winter cold. Climb the City Tower before the early 5:00 PM sunset for a view of the illuminated town.
Your bike tour starts at the Aare river and quickly takes you to the heart of the Old Town. After a dose of culture in the museums, take a break on the riverbank. The afternoon is reserved for the athletic climb to Sälischlössli, which rewards you with an incredible view. Back in the city, you end the day with the view from the City Tower.
A wet start at the covered wooden bridge, protecting from the first shower. Cycling through the old town requires extra care on slippery cobblestones in the rain. At noon, the museums by the Aare offer a welcome dry culture break. The climb to Sälischlössli is tiring when wet, and the City Tower marks the weather-proof end.
Biting cold on the wooden bridge at the winter start. The old town with its decorated alleys and crisp winter air offers a special atmosphere. At noon, the warmth in Olten's museums feels especially good after the ride. After the frosty climb to Sälischlössli, the view over the snowy landscape is the reward, before heading to the tower in the dark.
Start your day by car at Sälischlössli for a spectacular morning view. Then, drive to the center, park the car, and explore the historic core of Olten on foot. The afternoon is dedicated to art and quiet contemplation, with a visit to the Art Museum and a short drive to the peaceful Capuchin Monastery.
Drive through grey rain clouds up to Sälischlössli for a misty view. Parking in the dry old town garage allows for a relaxed walk despite recurring showers. At noon, art and natural history are the focus in the heated museums. The afternoon ends at the Capuchin Monastery as rain drums steadily against the car windows.
Winter drive to the snowy Sälischlössli for a clear panoramic view in the morning. The heated old town parking garage offers maximum comfort when switching to the short walking path. After the midday museum visit in the warm, a short drive follows to the atmospheric monastery. The day ends in the warm light of Olten's winter street lamps.
A walking path in Olten lined with various art sculptures.
An educational trail in the Bannwald forest near Olten that teaches nature topics.
