This medieval Swiss town sits beneath the Jura Mountains, with the Aare River running through its center. The old town has preserved buildings, churches, and castle ruins.
The Aare River winds past Solothurn's car-free old town, where Italian-style staircases lead to the St. Ursen Cathedral and former French ambassador residences from the 16th-18th centuries line the cobblestone streets. The number eleven appears throughout the city's design - from the cathedral's three sets of eleven steps to the fountains marking the town's intersections.
Walking Through Baroque Architecture
As you walk through Solothurn's old town, built between 1530 and 1792, you'll pass Baroque buildings with detailed stonework and ornate facades. Climb 249 steps up St. Ursen Cathedral's tower to examine the white limestone walls and see the town's red roofs spread out below. The 1689 Jesuit Church has intricate Italian stucco patterns across its ceiling. In the old town center, the 12th-century Clock Tower (Zeitglockenturm) marks the hours, while the Basel Gate stands with its medieval fortifications intact.
The Mystical Number Eleven
The number eleven shapes Solothurn's architecture and layout. You'll find eleven churches and chapels in the old town corners, and eleven historical fountains marking gathering spots. The cathedral's main staircase splits into three sections of eleven steps each, and eleven towers rise above the buildings. This mathematical pattern exists because Solothurn was the eleventh canton to join the Swiss Confederation.
Museums and Cultural Life
The Natural History Museum displays 150-million-year-old fossilized turtles found in local quarries and the dinosaur tracks discovered in Lommiswil. In the Old Arsenal, you can explore rooms containing armor and weapons from multiple centuries - one of Europe's largest military collections. During January, the Solothurn Film Festival transforms the old town's venues into screening rooms for independent Swiss cinema.
Nature and Walking Routes
In Verena Gorge, a path leads through limestone cliffs to a chapel and hermitage built into the rock. Take the cable car to Weissenstein mountain for walks along trails with views of the Bernese Alps. The paths along the Aare River connect to two national cycling networks: the Mittelland Route and the Aare Route.
Getting Around
Seven train lines intersect at Solothurn's station, with direct connections to Zurich, Basel, and Geneva. The old town's pedestrian zones make walking easy, and bicycle rentals let you explore the riverside paths and nearby areas. Regular buses connect to surrounding villages and the Weissenstein cable car station.
