Solothurn Uncovered: A Journey Through History and Eleven Legends

Your tour begins at the Baseltor, Solothurn’s most striking city gate and a proud symbol of its medieval defenses. As you stand before its sturdy stone walls and arched entryway, you get an immediate sense of the city’s long history as a fortified settlement. Passing through the gate feels like stepping into another era, setting the tone for the rest of your walk.

From Baseltor, you continue along Hauptgasse, the Old Town’s elegant main street lined with Baroque façades, fountains, and small shops. This stretch is less about a single landmark and more about soaking in the atmosphere—ornate windows, pastel buildings, and the gentle hum of local life. It’s a perfect introduction to Solothurn’s reputation as Switzerland’s most beautiful Baroque town.

Your next stop is the magnificent St. Ursus Cathedral, the architectural crown jewel of Solothurn. Its grand staircase leads you up to a façade of gleaming white stone, and inside you’ll find a serene, beautifully proportioned Baroque interior. If time and energy allow, a quick climb up the tower rewards you with sweeping views over the Old Town and the Aare River.

A short walk brings you to the Zeitglockenturm, Solothurn’s medieval clock tower and one of its oldest surviving structures. Its astronomical clock face is a charming reminder of early Swiss craftsmanship, and the tower itself anchors the surrounding streets with a sense of continuity stretching back centuries.

Just a couple of minutes away stands the Jesuit Church, a masterpiece of Baroque religious architecture. Its interior is richly decorated yet harmonious, with soft light filtering through high windows and reflecting off sculpted altars and ornate details. It’s a peaceful pause in the middle of the city.

Continuing onward, you arrive at the Rathaus and the lively Kronenplatz. The Town Hall’s elegant exterior reflects Solothurn’s civic pride, while the square around it offers a snapshot of daily life—people chatting at café tables, cyclists passing through, and the gentle rhythm of a small but vibrant city.

From here, you make your way to the Aare River promenade, a refreshing change of scenery that opens up to wide views and calm water. The riverside path is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with charming cafés and benches inviting you to slow down for a moment and enjoy the natural beauty that frames the Old Town.

A few steps along the river bring you to the Landhaus and the nearby Roter Turm. The Landhaus, once a trading and event building, stands proudly with its stately architecture, while the Roter Turm—an old defensive tower—adds a medieval touch to the riverside landscape. Together, they highlight Solothurn’s blend of civic and military history.

As you re-enter the heart of the Old Town, you pause at the St. Ursen Fountain, one of several ornate fountains that decorate the city. This is also a fun moment to notice Solothurn’s fascination with the number eleven, which appears in everything from church features to city legends. It’s a quirky detail that gives the town its unique charm.

Your tour concludes at the Arsenal Museum courtyard, a quiet and atmospheric space surrounded by historic stone walls. Even without entering the museum, the courtyard offers a sense of Solothurn’s military past and provides a fittingly reflective end to your journey through one of Switzerland’s most beautiful historic centers.