Most travelers visiting Switzerland build their itinerary around Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, and Zermatt. As a result, they often pass through Solothurn without ever leaving the train station. That is a mistake.
Located on the banks of the Aare River between Zurich and Bern, Solothurn is widely considered the most beautiful Baroque city in Switzerland. Unlike some of the country’s better-known destinations, it has managed to preserve its historic character without becoming overwhelmed by tourism. Visitors will find elegant architecture, lively riverside culture, excellent restaurants, mountain views, and traditions that stretch back centuries.
I may be biased because I was born and raised here, but after living in Zurich and later moving to Tokyo, I have come to appreciate just how special Solothurn really is. It combines many of the things people love about Switzerland, including history, nature, safety, walkability, and quality of life, while remaining one of the country’s most underrated destinations.
Why Visit Solothurn?
The biggest reason to visit Solothurn is authenticity.
While destinations such as Lucerne and Interlaken attract millions of international visitors each year, Solothurn remains primarily a Swiss city. You will hear more Swiss German than English, see locals gathering by the river after work, and experience traditions that are part of everyday life rather than performances for tourists.
The city is compact enough to explore on foot, yet large enough to keep visitors occupied for several days. Its location also makes it one of the easiest day trips from Zurich, Bern, or Basel.
For travelers searching for a more authentic Swiss experience, Solothurn delivers something increasingly difficult to find in Europe: a historic city that still belongs primarily to its residents.
The City of Eleven
No discussion of Solothurn is complete without mentioning the number 11.
Over the centuries, the number became deeply connected to the city’s identity. Visitors quickly notice references everywhere. There are 11 historic churches and chapels, 11 fountains, and 11 towers. The famous St. Ursus Cathedral contains 11 altars and 11 bells, while several architectural details throughout the city continue the tradition.
Even Solothurn’s beloved local beer carries the theme forward. Öufi Bier takes its name from the Swiss German word for eleven and has become one of the city’s best-known products.
Whether the significance of the number originated from religion, local folklore, or civic pride, it remains one of the most distinctive traditions in Switzerland.
Exploring the Old Town
The historic center is the heart of Solothurn and one of the finest examples of Baroque urban planning in the country.
Walking through the old town feels very different from exploring Zurich or Geneva. The streets are smaller, the pace is slower, and the atmosphere is remarkably relaxed. Elegant facades, fountains, churches, and historic buildings line the streets, creating a setting that feels almost unchanged from centuries ago.
The city’s most famous landmark is St. Ursus Cathedral. Its impressive Baroque architecture dominates the skyline and serves as the visual centerpiece of Solothurn. Visitors who climb the tower are rewarded with panoramic views across the rooftops, the Aare River, and on clear days even the distant Alps.
Nearby stands the Zeitglockenturm, the historic clock tower that predates the more famous clock tower in Bern. Together with the surrounding squares and narrow streets, it forms one of the most photogenic areas in Switzerland.
Life Along the Aare River
If the old town is the historical heart of Solothurn, the Aare River is its social heart.
During the warmer months, daily life shifts toward the waterfront. People gather after work, cyclists pass along the river paths, and cafés fill with locals enjoying the evening sun.
One of my favorite places in the entire city is the Aaremürli. On summer evenings, locals sit directly on the stone river walls with a drink in hand while watching the sun disappear behind the Jura Mountains. There is no official event and no tourist attraction. People simply gather because it is one of the most beautiful places in the city.
For visitors looking to experience Solothurn like a local rather than a tourist, spending an evening at the Aaremürli is essential.
Beyond the Old Town: The Weissenstein
Rising above Solothurn is the Weissenstein, often called the mountain of Solothurn.
A short journey by cable car brings visitors from the city into the Jura Mountains. From the summit, the view stretches across much of Switzerland’s Alpine chain. On particularly clear days, peaks from eastern Switzerland to Mont Blanc become visible.
The mountain is popular throughout the year. In summer, hikers explore the extensive trail network, while winter brings snowshoeing and sledding opportunities. For many locals, the Weissenstein is where city life and nature meet.
Solothurn’s Surprisingly Good Food Scene
Many visitors are surprised by the number and quality of restaurants in Solothurn.
Despite its modest size, the city has one of the highest concentrations of restaurants in Switzerland. Traditional Swiss cuisine, Italian restaurants, modern European dining, riverside cafés, and local wine bars can all be found within a relatively small area.
Food plays an important role in the city’s social life, especially during the warmer months when terraces along the river fill with residents.
For a complete overview of my favorite places to eat, including local specialties and hidden gems, see my Solothurn Restaurant Guide.
Nightlife and Culture
Solothurn may not compete with Zurich’s nightlife, but it offers far more than many visitors expect.
The city’s most famous cultural venue is Kofmehl. Over the years, it has become one of Switzerland’s best-known concert halls, hosting international musicians, Swiss artists, comedians, and cultural events. People regularly travel from across the country to attend concerts here.
The city is also known for its bar scene. Historic pubs, wine bars, cocktail lounges, and craft beer venues are scattered throughout the old town.
One particularly interesting part of Solothurn’s nightlife is its connection to absinthe culture. The city became home to one of Switzerland’s first modern absinthe bars following the legalization of the spirit, helping introduce a new generation to one of the country’s most fascinating drinks.
For more recommendations, see my complete Solothurn Bar Guide.
Festivals and Events in Solothurn
Although Solothurn feels peaceful for much of the year, its event calendar is surprisingly active and helps define the city’s identity.
The year traditionally begins with the Solothurner Filmtage, Switzerland’s most important festival dedicated to Swiss cinema. Every January, filmmakers, actors, journalists, and movie enthusiasts gather in the city for screenings, premieres, and discussions, transforming the historic old town into one of the country’s cultural centers.
A few weeks later, the atmosphere changes completely during Solothurn Fasnacht. While Basel’s carnival receives international attention, many Swiss consider Solothurn’s Fasnacht among the most enjoyable in the country. Guggenmusik bands, colorful parades, elaborate costumes, and celebrations throughout the old town create one of the highlights of the local calendar.
Beer lovers should consider visiting during Solothurn Biertage, one of Switzerland’s largest beer festivals. Breweries from across the country gather to showcase Swiss craft beer, regional specialties, and new creations, making it a must-visit event for anyone interested in Switzerland’s growing beer culture.
Cycling enthusiasts may already know Solothurn because of Bike Days, Switzerland’s largest cycling festival. Thousands of visitors arrive annually to test new equipment, watch competitions, attend workshops, and celebrate cycling culture in a country famous for its outdoor lifestyle.
Another major event is HESO (Herbstmesse Solothurn), the region’s largest trade fair and community festival. Combining food, entertainment, exhibitions, local businesses, and cultural performances, it attracts visitors from across northwestern Switzerland and offers an excellent introduction to the region’s economy and traditions.
Together, these events showcase the many sides of Solothurn, from cinema and culture to carnival traditions, craft beer, cycling, and community life.
Is Solothurn Worth Visiting?
Absolutely.
If your goal is simply to check famous landmarks off a list, there are larger and more internationally known destinations in Switzerland. Places like Lucerne, Interlaken, and Zermatt attract millions of visitors every year and deserve their reputation.
But if you want to experience a more authentic side of Switzerland, Solothurn offers something increasingly rare. It is a city where historic architecture is not preserved as a tourist attraction but remains part of everyday life. Locals still gather along the Aare after work, families celebrate centuries-old traditions during Fasnacht, and visitors can explore a remarkably well-preserved old town without fighting through crowds.
What makes Solothurn special is not a single landmark. It is the combination of many small details: the number 11 tradition, summer evenings at the Aaremürli, concerts at Kofmehl, hikes on the Weissenstein, local festivals, and the relaxed rhythm of life along the river.
I was born and raised in Solothurn and spent more than two decades calling this city home before moving first to Zurich and later to Tokyo. Living abroad has given me a new perspective on what makes my hometown unique. The things I once considered normal, a clean river flowing through the city center, a medieval old town that still functions as a living community, or mountain views visible from everyday streets, are things many people travel across the world to experience.
Solothurn is not the largest city in Switzerland, nor the richest or most famous. Yet it captures many of the qualities that make Switzerland exceptional: beauty, quality of life, history, safety, nature, and a strong sense of local identity.
For travelers willing to step slightly off the traditional tourist trail, Solothurn is not just worth visiting. It may become one of the places you remember most long after your trip to Switzerland has ended.