Solothurn

Reaching Solothurn is straightforward. Trains connect the city with Bern, Basel, and Zurich, and from Solothurn Bahnhof the Old Town is an easy 15-minute flat walk, suitable even for families with younger kids. Within the city itself, walking works very well, and distances remain short throughout the historic center.

That said, for families, the practical answer is clear: renting a car is strongly recommended. While the Old Town is ideal on foot, a car makes the difference once you step outside the city. Natural sites in the Jura region, viewpoints, gorges, and outdoor areas are far easier to combine with city time when you’re not dependent on schedules or connections.

Since 2015, our website has specialized in individual planning of unique routes, taking into account personal preferences and desires.

Each of you will receive a unique PDF file from us, which contains everything you need: travel routes, car rentals, hotels, the best tourist attractions, attractions for kids and everything you need for a perfect vacation.

During the trip, we are available for you by phone via WhatsApp.

Our personal service provides information from A to Z, taking into account many small details that can become a decisive factor on the way from a wasted trip to an unforgettable vacation.

Our service will make your trip comfortable, save a lot of time on planning and preparation, and most importantly – will allow you to become freer and fully enjoy the pleasure of the trip.

More Info

Spring and summer are the easiest seasons for a family visit. Green surroundings, long daylight hours, and comfortable walking conditions make it simple to combine Old Town strolls with outdoor activities. In summer, time by the Aare River becomes a natural highlight for kids, offering space to move and relax without planning.

Autumn suits families who prefer a quieter atmosphere. Streets are calmer, the light is softer for photography, and forests around Solothurn turn colorful. Walking through nearby gorges feels especially peaceful during this season. Winter is calm and atmospheric, but it’s better suited to short urban walks rather than nature-focused days.

Why Is St. Ursen Cathedral Essential in Solothurn?

The visual anchor of the city is St. Ursen Cathedral. Even families who usually skip churches tend to appreciate this one. Entry to the cathedral is free, and the interior feels bright and open rather than heavy or overwhelming. It’s easy to absorb without spending too much time indoors.

The main reason to come here is the tower climb. The ascent includes 249 steps and costs 5 CHF, payable in cash only. From the top, the views stretch across the Old Town, the Aare River, and the Jura foothills, adding real context to the city’s layout.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: I climbed the tower with older kids. Bring water, take it slowly, and don’t forget cash—this detail is easy to miss.

Why Stop at Zeitglockenturm Even Briefly?

Zeitglockenturm is the oldest structure in the city and sits directly along a natural walking route through the Old Town. There is no interior visit; it’s a visual stop only. That simplicity works well for families—short, clear, and easy to include without disrupting the flow of the day.

Where Does Solothurn’s Atmosphere Really Come Alive?

Daily life in Solothurn centers around Hauptgasse and Marktplatz. Arcades, fountains, bakeries, and cafés create a relaxed setting where families can slow down. kids can move freely, adults can pause for coffee, and everything remains close and manageable.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: This is the most comfortable area for a relaxed lunch break. No reservations, no planning—just stop when it feels right.

Why Start Your Walk at Baseltor?

Baseltor is the most natural entry point to the Old Town. It’s free to visit, visually striking, and immediately sets the tone for the walk ahead. Starting here helps the route flow smoothly through the historic center.

Golden hour over Solothurn—domes, rooftops, and a storybook old town

Can You Really Reach Nature on Foot in Solothurn?

Yes—and this is one of Solothurn’s strongest advantages. Verena Gorge (Verenaschlucht) begins close to the city and offers a shaded walking path alongside running water. The walk to the hermitage takes 20–30 minutes, is easy underfoot, and works well for families who want nature without long transfers.

This area makes it possible to leave the Old Town and feel immersed in greenery within a short time, without complicated logistics or physical strain.

Is Weissenstein Worth the Effort with kids?

Weissenstein offers wide Jura views without demanding hikes. Access is straightforward with a car, and several short walking paths are suitable for kids. It’s a good place to slow down, enjoy open scenery, and stop for a simple picnic without committing to a long route.

Who Should Consider Hasenmatt?

Hasenmatt is the highest point in the canton. Full routes are more demanding and best suited to experienced families, but selected shorter sections can still be rewarding. On clear days, views extend toward the Alps, adding depth to the Jura landscape.

Click here to learn more about creating a personal itinerary

The Aare River runs directly through Solothurn and shapes the rhythm of the city. Flat walking paths, grassy areas, and summer swimming spots make it an ideal midday break, especially when kids need space to move freely.

Tip from the Itinerary Expert: We used the river as a reset point—no tickets, no schedules, just open space and time to slow down.

Yes, and this is one of the most memorable moments for kids in the area. Dinosaurier-Spuren Lommiswil offers a simple but powerful experience: real dinosaur footprints viewed from a clear platform. There is no museum setting, no guided program, and no long explanations—just a direct encounter that kids immediately understand.

The visit is short, usually 30–40 minutes, which works well within a family day without causing fatigue. It’s easy to combine with other nature stops in the Jura region.

The town in front, the Alps behind—one of those views you never stop photographing

For families who are short on time, one full day is enough to explore the Old Town and spend relaxed time along the Aare River. This allows for a gentle introduction to the city without rushing and works well as a stop between larger destinations.

With two days, the experience becomes more balanced. One day can focus on the Old Town and the river, while the second allows time for Verena Gorge (Verenaschlucht) and slower city exploration. This pace suits families who want variety without constant movement.

Spending three days offers the most complete experience. It allows you to combine the city, nearby Jura nature, viewpoints such as Weissenstein, and short outdoor excursions, all without pressure. Days feel full but never overloaded.

The real strength of Solothurn is that it doesn’t reward overplanning. Leaving space in the schedule often leads to the most enjoyable moments.

Solothurn is especially well suited for families who value calm over intensity and prefer quality time to packed schedules. It works best for those who enjoy walking, nature close to the city, and destinations where kids can move freely without constant supervision or planning.

This destination fits families who are looking for a walkable Old Town, easy access to natural landscapes, and days that unfold naturally rather than through fixed attractions. The atmosphere encourages slowing down, observing details, and enjoying simple moments together.

Solothurn is less suitable for families seeking large amusement parks, water parks, or an active nightlife scene. Evenings are quiet, and entertainment is subtle rather than programmed. For many families, this becomes an advantage rather than a limitation.

Aerial view of Solothurn Cathedral—perfect symmetry in the heart of town

• Always carry cash for St. Ursen Cathedral (St. Ursen Cathedral).
  I learned this the hard way. The tower climb costs 5 CHF and payment is cash only. There is no clear warning before the stairs begin, and it’s frustrating to miss the climb after already planning for it.
• Start your Old Town walk at Baseltor (Basel Gate).
  From experience, this creates the most logical route through Hauptgasse and Marktplatz without backtracking. With kids, a clear direction keeps the walk smoother and avoids unnecessary fatigue.
• Visit Verena Gorge (Verenaschlucht) before late morning.
  I’ve been there at different times, and before 11:00 the atmosphere is noticeably cooler and quieter. For families, this makes the walk far more enjoyable and less rushed.
• Rent a car even if you stay centrally.
  Inside Solothurn, walking works perfectly. Still, I always rent a car. It turns places like Weissenstein and Lommiswil into simple half-day outings instead of logistical challenges.
• Don’t overload the Old Town schedule.
  In my experience, 2–3 hours are enough for the center. Solothurn works best when you leave space for the Aare River or nearby nature rather than filling every hour.
• Use the Aare River as a midday reset, not just an evening walk.
  I usually stop here after lunch. Open space, water, and grass help kids recharge without tickets, queues, or planning.
• Save Dinosaur Tracks Lommiswil (Dinosaurier-Spuren Lommiswil) for the end of the day.
  It’s a short visit but emotionally strong. I treat it as a final highlight, even when everyone is already tired.
• Adjust expectations for evenings.
  Solothurn is quiet at night. From my experience, early dinners and relaxed walks work far better than searching for entertainment or nightlife.

Click here to create a personal itinerary for Switzerland

I visited Solothurn in September 2023, traveling with a family, and what stayed with me most was the sense of balance the city offers. Solothurn doesn’t demand constant movement or attention. The Old Town is compact and easy to navigate, allowing the day to unfold naturally: a calm walk along Hauptgasse, a relaxed pause at Marktplatz, and one meaningful highlight such as the tower climb at St. Ursen Cathedral (St. Ursen Cathedral). It’s the only church I actively include here, purely because the view adds real context to the city.

What truly defines Solothurn, however, is how seamlessly nature fits into a family itinerary. Verena Gorge (Verenaschlucht) is close, shaded, and simple enough for kids without feeling artificial or staged. Weissenstein delivers wide Jura views without demanding long or exhausting hikes, and the Aare River functions as a natural pause point during the day. From experience, having a car matters—it allows you to move between city and nature smoothly, without planning stress.

There are limitations. Evenings are quiet, and families expecting constant entertainment may find the pace slow. For families seeking atmosphere, accessible nature, and time together without pressure, Solothurn offers exactly what many destinations promise but rarely deliver.

Start Planning Your Itinerary