Things to Do in Solothurn

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

💡 Visit on a weekday morning for a quiet experience. The tower climb costs a small fee but the cathedral interior is free.

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).

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

💡 Pack lunch from the Migros at Bahnhofplatz. The path continues 2 km to the nature reserve at Stöckli – ideal for a quiet afternoon.

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 the main square.

🕐 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.

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-curated.

🕐 Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00, Wed until 20:00. Closed Mon.

💡 Free entry on the first Wednesday of every month. Otherwise CHF 12. The café next door has decent coffee for CHF 3.