Switzerland · 2026 itinerary
Solothurn 3-Day Itinerary
A day-by-day plan for Solothurn: the best attractions in order, where to eat, how to get around — with free hotel briefings for your stay.
Arrive & Explore the Highlights
Late Baroque cathedral with eleven altars and a grand organ. Climb the 214 steps of the bell tower for a panoramic view over the old town and the Jura mountains.
🕐 Cathedral: daily 07:00–19:00. Tower: Apr–Oct 10:00–17:00, CHF 4
Free entry💡 Visit on a weekday morning for a quiet experience. The tower climb costs a small fee but the cathedral interior is free.
Hotels near Solothurn Cathedral (St. Ursenkathedrale) →Unpaved path along the Aare riverbank from the old town to the Solothurn bridge. Benches, shade and good spots for a picnic. Watch the barges and swans.
🕐 Outdoor, 24/7
Free entry💡 Pack lunch from the Migros at Bahnhofplatz. The path continues 2 km to the nature reserve at Stöckli – ideal for a quiet afternoon.
Hotels near Aare River Walk and Park →Seminar Hotel Wasserfallen · ££
Berghaus Vogelberg · ££
Deeper Into Solothurn
Remnants of the medieval fortifications including the white Biberenturm tower. Walk the short section of wall between the tower and the river for a rooftop view of the old town.
🕐 Outdoor grounds: 24/7. Tower interior: usually closed, but check local notices for occasional open days.
💡 The tower's upper floor is closed to the public but the grounds are free. Best photos at sunset. Combine with a visit to the adjacent Botanical Garden (free, open dawn to dusk).
Self-guided route past Solothurn's eleven historic stone fountains, each from the 16th century and decorated with statues of saints, warriors and allegorical figures. Keys: the St. George fountain on
🕐 Outdoor, 24/7
💡 Pick up a free map from the tourist office at Hauptgasse. The fountains are best seen in the morning when sunlight catches the carvings.
Bergwirtschaft Waldweid
Bistro am Dorfplatz
Final Favourites & Departure
Municipal art museum focusing on Swiss and European painting from the 19th century onwards, including works by Ferdinand Hodler and Cuno Amiet. Compact but well
💡 Free entry on the first Wednesday of every month. Otherwise CHF 12. The café next door has decent coffee for CHF 3.
Heidi Stübli
Berggasthaus Obere Wechten
Getting Around Solothurn
Bus 3 runs a bit more frequently in off-peak hours. Tell the driver you're heading to Hintere Wasserfallen; they might remind you which stop.
Book ahead on +41 32 623 33 33, especially evenings or Sundays. The drive is short but the last cable car up is around 18:00, so time it.
This gets you partway up the valley; you still need a 20-min walk or bus to the Rötihof cable car. Only worthwhile if you fancy a short hike before the climb. Check the cable car schedule first – last departure is 17:30 in low season.
Buy a supersaver ticket online in advance or use the Swiss Travel Pass if you're touring. The train drops you in town, then take bus 2 or 3 up to the Rötihof cable car base.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 3 days enough for Solothurn?
Three days covers the main highlights well. You can see the key attractions like Solothurn Cathedral (St. Ursenkathedrale) and get a genuine feel for the city. For a more leisurely pace or to explore neighbourhoods in depth, a 5-day trip is better.
What is the best time to visit Solothurn?
See our full best time to visit Solothurn guide — it covers weather month by month, peak vs. shoulder seasons and how to avoid the crowds.
Where should I stay for this itinerary?
A central location saves transit time between sites. Top options include Hotel Weisses Kreuz, Hotel Passage, Untergrenchenberg. See the full ranked list with free briefings for each.