Solothurn

Anyone who stands in front of the mighty St. Ursen Cathedral on Kronenplatz in the centre of the old town has arrived in Solothurn. It's worth planning enough time to visit this important Swiss early classicist building. And on a fascinating guided tour of the town, you will discover the secrets of Solothurn. Go on a tour through the picturesque alleyways of the historic old town, across magnificent squares and past numerous sights. Immerse yourself in Solothurn's baroque past and discover the vibrant present.

2,000 years old, much experienced and much moved. With this great history, it is obvious that Solothurn has a lot of art and culture to offer. The variety of museums is impressive. Whether art or nature museum, the collections are of great value. The ‘Old Armoury’ in the middle of the old town is very popular - and has characterised the cityscape for 400 years. Incidentally, it is the only armoury in Switzerland that has retained its original armoury character even after being converted into a museum. Another highlight is Waldegg Castle. Beautifully situated, this country residence of the Solothurn patriciate is a place of glorious history.

The beautiful shops and stylish boutiques in the centre of the old town leave nothing to be desired. Of course, the Baroque city also takes account of the sustainable change of the times: whether it's ecological body care, fairly produced fashion or second-hand offers - there's room for everything on a shopping spree through the enchanting alleyways. Even culinary delights. The small town on the River Aare has one of the highest densities of pubs in Switzerland. It even has its own Riviera, which exudes a Mediterranean holiday atmosphere with its cosy terraces and colourful parasols.

Solothurn's local mountain, Weissenstein, invites not only families but also hiking fans with ambitions to take a break. It's wonderful to take the Weissenstein cable car directly up the mountain and enjoy the fascinating panorama. An easy circular hike directly from the cable car mountain station or a challenging ridge hike - both are unforgettable. And, of course, the culinary delights in the mountain inns should not be missing from the all-round experience. The Weissenstein is an outdoor paradise in every season, because even in winter snowshoe hikes, cross-country ski trails and fast-paced toboggan runs promise unforgettable moments in the midst of nature.

But that's not enough beautiful natural phenomena: The boat trip on the Aare from Solothurn to Biel is relaxed, almost meditative. The almost three-hour experience connects the baroque town of Solothurn with the bilingual town of Biel/Bienne - this waterway is considered one of the longest and most beautiful in Switzerland. Along the leisurely route, you can see the storks in Altreu, the historic town of Büren an der Aare and the impressive lock in Port. Guests can also enjoy a delicious breakfast, a marvellous lunch or coffee and cake on board.