HEALTH
Let yourself be carried away by the powerful rock sound of HEALTH.
PlizioGo
A fine specialty with meringue and hazelnuts, available in the confectioneries of the old town.
The local beer ('öufi' is Bernese German for eleven) can be tasted directly at the brewery by the Aare.
Enjoy fresh fish in the restaurants located directly on the riverside of the old town.
Twice a week, this is the place for regional produce, flowers, and cheese.
In the alleys, you'll find many owner-operated shops for jewelry, fashion, and crafts.
A mystical hermitage in a gorge on the outskirts of the city, a very powerful and quiet place.
Walk downstream towards Zuchwil for peace and nature right by the water.
Water temperature…
Solothurn is considered the most beautiful Baroque city in Switzerland, situated on the banks of the Aare at the southern foot of the Jura mountains. The city's architecture is shaped by the period between 1530 and 1792, when Solothurn was the seat of the ambassadors of the French kings, giving the city a noble, French flair. The standout structure is the St. Ursus Cathedral, a masterpiece of early Neoclassical style built from bright Solothurn marble. A fascinating feature of the city is the magic number eleven: there are eleven churches, eleven fountains, eleven towers, and a clock with only eleven digits. The medieval city fortifications, including the prominent Zeitglockenturm (clock tower), are well-preserved today and invite historical exploration. Culturally, Solothurn is internationally known for the Solothurn Film Festival and the Literature Days, while the Aare riverside with its cafes features high recreational value.
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 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 10 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 77 | 62 | 80 | 83 | 130 | 117 | 121 | 127 | 83 | 94 | 82 | 87 |
See what it looks like near Solothurn right now.
Solothurn: Stadt · 0.4 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 Solothurn, Switzerland's most beautiful baroque city, begins in the charming Old Town. You'll stroll through narrow alleys, past 11 historic fountains, and discover the architectural gems around the Clock Tower. The number 11 is omnipresent here, setting the city's rhythm. At midday, you'll climb the tower of St. Ursus Cathedral. The effort is rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama, stretching from the city's rooftops to the majestic peaks of the Alps. After your descent, the Old Arsenal awaits with its impressive collection of armor and weapons. The afternoon is for relaxation on the banks of the Aare river. A leisurely walk along the river offers a welcome change of pace and shows the city's green side. Watch the swans and unwind before getting ready for the evening. To end the day, you'll visit one of the traditional restaurants. With a glass of regional wine and a local specialty, you can reflect on the baroque splendor and the many impressions of this unforgettable day in Solothurn.
Morning starts under the arches of the Basel Gate, sheltered from the rain. Spend midday in the Jesuit Church and St. Ursus Cathedral, providing a dry sanctuary. The afternoon is perfect for the Old Arsenal Museum's indoor exhibits. End the day with an umbrella by the Aare, where the mist over the river creates a unique, atmospheric vibe.
The winter morning at Basel Gate is frosty and crisp. At noon, warm up in the Baroque churches, where the silence feels especially peaceful in winter. Spend the afternoon in the well-heated Arsenal Museum. As it gets dark early, enjoy the lights of the Aare promenade by late afternoon.
On two wheels, you'll experience Solothurn's baroque beauty and surrounding nature up close. Your tour starts on the Aare riverbank at the magnificent Landhaus, from where you can quickly reach the heart of the Old Town. You'll park your bike at the market square to explore the vibrant center on foot. The morning is dedicated to the landmarks: the imposing St. Ursus Cathedral and the historic Old Arsenal. Take your time to soak up the art treasures and unique atmosphere of these places before getting back in the saddle. After culture comes nature. A relaxing ride takes you along the picturesque banks of the Aare in the afternoon. The well-maintained cycle path constantly offers new perspectives of the city and the landscape. Enjoy the fresh air and the tranquility by the water. For a grand finale, venture the climb to the Verena Gorge. The short effort is rewarded with a visit to the hermitage, a place of peace and spirituality, nestled in a wild and romantic natural setting. From here, you'll return to the city full of impressions.
Morning at Landhaus starts with rain; we stick to paved paths. Midday is spent at the cathedral and museum while bikes are safely parked. Afternoon leads us along the Aare, where puddles require full concentration. We visit Verena Gorge only briefly as forest paths are slippery.
A frosty start at Landhaus requires warm clothing. At noon, we explore the sights on foot to keep our limbs moving. The ride along the Aare is refreshing, but the wind is icy. Verena Gorge looks silent and magical in winter but requires careful riding due to potential ice.
By car, you enjoy maximum flexibility to discover Solothurn and its surroundings. You start the day by parking your car at the Baseltor parking garage and exploring the first cluster: the historic Old Town. On foot, you'll discover the Clock Tower, the magnificent St. Ursus Cathedral, and the Old Arsenal. After soaking up the baroque splendor, you get back in the car. Your next destination is the idyllic Verena Gorge, north of the city. A short drive takes you to this place of tranquility. Here begins your second cluster: a walk to the mystical hermitage, surrounded by forest and rocks. In the afternoon, you drive back towards the center and park for your third cluster on the banks of the Aare river. A relaxing walk along the river or a coffee in one of the riverside cafes provides the perfect contrast to the morning. You enjoy the atmosphere and the view of the water. The day ends in the Old Town, where you left your car in the morning. Choose one of the excellent restaurants for dinner and let the diverse impressions – from urban elegance to nature-infused spirituality – sink in.
We start at the dry Baseltor parking garage. Sightseeing in the old town happens in stages between rain showers. At noon, we drive comfortably to the Arsenal Museum. Afternoon is spent in Verena Gorge, appreciating the short walks from the parking. The day ends nicely at Landhaus bank.
In the morning, enjoy the seat heating on the way to Basel Gate. Sightseeing in the old town is quick and crisp. At noon, we warm up in the Arsenal Museum. The drive to Verena Gorge goes through a winter landscape. Watch for icy roads near the forest. End the day in illuminated Solothurn.
