Solothurn
Solothurn is a compact Baroque town and tourism region in the Swiss Mittelland, lying centrally between Bern, Basel and Zurich on the banks of the river Aare. The region combines an urban, culturally vibrant small city with the rural Jura landscape around it, from the Weissenstein mountain above the town to the Verenaschlucht gorge, the Bucheggberg hills and the Naturpark Thal. The Aare dominates the area, offering river swimming, boat trips and a lively riverside dining scene known as the Solothurner Riviera. The old town is famed for its Baroque architecture and its recurring number eleven, while the region is rich in museums, theatres, festivals and a strong food and nightlife culture. With its mix of history, nature, sport and gastronomy, Solothurn is a compact destination where the city and the surrounding countryside are close together.
Summer activities
In summer the Aare is the heart of the region: swimming in the river, boat and canoe rentals, the Aare ferry and the longest river cruise make Solothurn a Mediterranean-feeling spot. The Weissenstein, the local mountain, offers hiking and mountain-biking trails, a Jura garden and paragliding, while the Solothurner Riviera lines the river with bars and restaurants. The region also offers cycling routes, golf and an 18-hole minigolf course.
Winter activities
The Solothurn Jura is a winter-sports destination close to the town: cross-country skiing on the Weissenstein, downhill skiing on the Balmberg and snowshoeing on the Grenchenberg. Winter hiking through snowy landscapes, sledging and a family treasure hunt in the winter forest round out the offer, with the Weissenstein as a winter paradise.
Culture and entertainment
Solothurn is a compact but culturally rich Baroque town with a lively festival calendar, including the Solothurner Filmtage, the Solothurner Literaturtage, the Barocktage, the Mozart-Festival and the Solothurner Fasnacht carnival. The town is known for its museums, including a celebrated collection of Swiss art, as well as theatres, galleries, concerts and the Kulturfabrik Kofmehl for live music, alongside a vibrant bar and nightlife scene.
