Switzerland · 2026
Weekend in Solothurn
How to spend 2 days in Solothurn — a Friday-to-Sunday plan covering the highlights without the tourist-trap detours. Built from real attraction data.
Arrive and Settle In
Friday evening is for arriving, checking in, and getting oriented. Keep it simple — a short walk to get your bearings, then dinner near the hotel.
Solothurn Cathedral (St. Ursenkathedrale)
Free 100m from centreLate 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.
Tip: Visit on a weekday morning for a quiet experience. The tower climb costs a small fee but the cathedral interior is free.
Aare River Walk and Park
Free 200m from centreUnpaved 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.
Tip: Pack lunch from the Migros at Bahnhofplatz. The path continues 2 km to the nature reserve at Stöckli – ideal for a quiet afternoon.
Friday dinner pick
The Main Sights
Saturday is your main sightseeing day. Start early to beat the crowds at the top attractions, then take the afternoon at a slower pace.
Solothurn City Walls and Watchtowers
Free Outdoor grounds: 24/7. Tower iRemnants 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.
Tip: 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).
Old Town Walk Along the Eleven Fountains
Free Outdoor, 24/7Self-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
Tip: Pick up a free map from the tourist office at Hauptgasse. The fountains are best seen in the morning when sunlight catches the carvings.
Kunstmuseum Solothurn
0 Tue–Sun 10:00–17:00, Wed untilMunicipal 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.
Tip: Free entry on the first Wednesday of every month. Otherwise CHF 12. The café next door has decent coffee for CHF 3.
Saturday dining
Before You Leave
Sunday morning, before checkout, is for the things you didn't fit in on Saturday — or a slower revisit of the place you liked most.
Sunday brunch
Getting Around Solothurn
Solothurn Hauptbahnhof → Rötihof (cable car base station)
Solothurn town centre or station → Rötihof cable car base
Solothurn Hauptbahnhof → Feldbrunnen-St. Niklaus station + walk
Zurich Airport (ZRH) → Solothurn Hauptbahnhof
Where to Stay for a Solothurn Weekend
For a short break, stay central — walking distance to the main sights saves hours across a 2-day itinerary.
Weekend in Solothurn — FAQ
Is a weekend enough to see Solothurn?
A weekend (2 full days) is enough to cover the highlights of Solothurn. You can see the main attractions, eat at a couple of good restaurants and get a real feel for the city — as long as you prioritise well. This guide is structured to help you do exactly that.
When is the best weekend to visit Solothurn?
See our full best time to visit Solothurn guide. For a weekend break, shoulder season (spring and autumn) typically offers the best balance of good weather, manageable crowds and reasonable hotel prices.
Where should I stay for a weekend in Solothurn?
For a short break, stay as central as possible — walking distance to the main sights saves significant time and lets you head out after dinner without worrying about transport. See the best hotels in Solothurn for rated options. TripSage's free briefings tell you the specific rooms to request at each property.
How do I get around Solothurn for a weekend?
The main transport options in Solothurn include Bus 2 or 3 from Solothurn station and Taxi Solothurn. For a short stay, walking and public transport are usually the most time-efficient combination — parking in most city centres adds cost and delays.