Solothurn is in Northwestern Switzerland, 45 km north of Bern and 70 km southwest of Basel. The city is easily accessible by train from Basel (70 minutes) or from Bern (30 minutes). Closest airports are Basel and Zurich (100 km).

With a population of less than 20,000 inhabitants, the small town is a well-kept secret for international traveler. However, despite its small size, Solothurn offers what discerning tourists love to discover. It has a rich history reflected in its architecture, elegance and tranquility without the crowds.

Tourism situation

The Kanton Solothurn recorded 225,000 tourist arrivals generating 409,600 overnights in 2024.

In 2024, Solothurn hotels achieved a total of 99,634 overnight stays (*source: Federal Statistical Office). The number exactly matches the result of the previous year (2023: 97,637). Hotels average occupancy reached 63.1%. When including youth hostels, holiday apartments and camping sites, total overnights reached 153,838, down 2.2% compared to 2023. The city has 29 listed hotels, 1 city hostel and 120 locations on Airbnb.

Main reasons for visiting

“Switzerland’s most beautiful baroque town” or the “City of Ambassadors”

Solothurn is often referred to as “Switzerland’s most beautiful baroque town.” From approximately 1530 to 1792, Solothurn served effectively as the permanent seat of the French king’s ambassadors to the Swiss Confederation. That diplomatic prestige brought wealth, taste, and architectural influence to the city —especially in French and Italian baroque styles.

Many monuments reflect the craze of the time towards a grand baroque architecture: St. Ursus Cathedral (built 1762-73) with its lavish stucco interiors, the Jesuit Church (built 1680–89), one of Switzerland’s finest baroque churches and elegant palaces such as Palais Besenval (built 1703–06) and Waldegg Castle. Both reflect the grandeur of French classic style.

The old town has no modern building -a rarity in Switzerland! – aligned with pastel facades of baroque townhouses and medieval structures such as the Zeitglockenturm (Clock Tower). Not to be missed is the Hotel de la Couronne, a baroque structure designed in 1772 by the architect of St. Ursus cathedral. It carries the memory of Napoleon Bonaparte, which left an unpaid bill of 2,582 Louis d’Or (gold currency). The unpaid charge still hangs framed In the hotel’s entrance.

Solothurn old town aligns its pastel baroque houses (Photo: LC/Cleverdis)

Solothurn shows an unusual obsession with the number 11—reflected in its architecture and city planning. It became the 11th canton of the Swiss Confederation in 1481. Within the city, visitors can discover 11 churches/chapels, 11 historic fountains and 11 fortification towers. Inside St. Ursus cathedral, they are 11 altars and 11 bells. Even its main staircase is divided into segments of 11 steps. The canton is also divided into 11 districts. It is an interesting element that can be used in tourism marketing.

Nature

Paths along the Aare River are ideal for walking or cycling. A short hike or funicular ride leads to Weissenstein, offering panoramic views over the Alps on clear days.

Culture

There is a small but impressive museum of fine arts. Cultural events such as the Solothurn Film Festival and the Literature Days give the town a vibrant local identity, yet even during peak seasons, Solothurn rarely feels overrun.

Solothurn panorama along the Aare River (Photo: LC/Cleverdis)
Marketing

Solothurn wants to be more than a one-day city break. The city council launched “The Solothurn Experience Weeks”. Taking place from July 28 to October 26, 2025, it offers different experiences to enjoy town with changing events taking place daily. Themes include “Behind the Scenes”, “Try It Out!”, “Culinary Highlights”, “Special People”, “Out in Nature”, “Attention Kids!”, and “Special Moments”.

Over 60 different events around these various themes are on offer. Such as a visit to the honeybees at the monastery, the creation of a personal perfume, making a Solothurn cake, story time for children, brunch in a gondola at Weissenstein, or a sunset canoe tour on the Aare.

Tours and Workshops happen in monasteries, breweries, or the city theater, as well as workshops like paper-making, marbling, or screen printing, depending on the organizer’s offerings.

Booking options are available through Solothurn Tourism. With the “Experience Weeks”, Solothurn wants focusing on experiences that go beyond merely visiting the Baroque city. The program is an example of how to present the city and the canton as a diverse travel destination.

To learn more, click here. 

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