Canton: Solothurn
Destination: Solothurn (the town)
Interesting thing: Solothurn goes up to 11! The town of Solothurn is centred around this number. There’s eleven fancy fountains, eleven churches and chapels and eleven towers.
Welcome to sunny Solothurn! The old-town of this canton’s eponymous capital city is “the finest Baroque town in Switzerland” according to the official tourist site www.myswitzerland.com – and I’d be inclined to agree.
We had a delightful afternoon exploring the car-free streets of central Solothurn last week. The old town was constructed from the 16th to 18th centuries and is also known as the Ambassador’s Town because it was home to the French ambassador/s at the time. As such, it’s quite consistent in style, it appears no expense was spared in the building and it’s all very pretty.
We particularly liked the fountains. Not sure we found all eleven of them since we had to do a small detour so small people could visit the playground in the park, but we saw plenty. We stuck our heads inside the beautiful baroque confection of the Jesuit Church, as well as the larger St Urs Cathedral. We climbed the cathedral tower (248 steps!) and ate our lunch (of almost-local Schüblig sausage – tasty!) next to the impressive astronomical clock, which dates back to the 13th century and is one of the oldest structures in the town.
Once again, I’m left wanting more. Next time I’d love to do the magical number 11 tour of Solothurn, maybe visit some of the museums and explore more of the river Aare.
By the way, here’s a handy list of cantons visited / to go so far.
Basel-Landschaft
Basel-Stadt
Bern *
Fribourg
Geneva
Graubünden
Luzern
Neuchâtel
Nidwalden
Obwalden
Schaffhausen
Schwyz
Solothurn
Uri
Valais
Vaud
Zug
Zürich
*I haven’t written this up yet!
clairevetica 
The number 11. Interesting! I haven’t been to Solothurn yet (the town – I have been in the canton)
Apparently there is even a clock with only eleven numbers although we didn’t find it! 🙂
You’re making great progress exploring Switzerland one canton at a time!
I haven’t been to the city of Solothurn in ages, but when we visited as a family (I must have been 11 or 12) I remember we had ice cream next to one of those fountains!
Speaking of 11, I had no idea about that! Very interesting!
We were there only two weekends ago. To bad we could have meet! We ate our snack up on the tower aswell. Do you know where you are going next?
Good question. The in-laws arrive next week so will probably go to Luzern, Nidwalden and/or Obwalden and a side-trip to Valais 🙂
Ok is it their first time in Switzerland?
Solothurn has a very cool old arsenal with lots of swords and canons and such. Haven’t been there in ages so we should give it another visit! Have you been to Baden? Another great old town. And Stein Am Rhein is a great one. Perfect tourist visit!
We went to Stein Am Rhein in the dead of winter – would be nice to see it in summertime 🙂
It’s so quiet – too quiet! Where is everyone?
Are they all in getting Botox? (See your more fountains photo.)
Wow, I´ve been to Solothurn quite a few times but never knew there are 11 fountains, churches etc. I love its baroque character and quietness.
Solothurn sounds very intriguing…. it does remind me a bit of Baden, where we live. Beautiful and quaint!
So due to babies and visitors I’ve not been blog reading and HOW THE HELL DID I MISS THIS SERIES?! I LOVE IT! And am officially jealous and likely to totally single white female your idea. Am about to binge read all your other cantons. Thanks!
Ha ha I’m flattered! Watch out for a better version by yours truly coming out in a few weeks in a Swiss publication… 🙂