Schloss Blumenstein

Contains a number of surprisingly big names for such a small town, for example the "Solothurner Madonna" by Hans Holbein the Younger, other old master paintings, as well as impressive paintings by Hodler, other modern artists (including van Gogh and Klimt) and a collection of Swiss contemporary art. A peculiar point of interest is the Wellington boot sculpture, by Roman Signer, over the pool outside which is periodically propelled around a swing by a water jet shooting out of the heel.

A section of the towns fortifications that were not torn down and now serve as a park where visitors can walk along or below the walls. The walk along the wall offers an easy (and free) view of the Alps on a clear day. A number of events take place in the park. A unique sight is the Soldatendenkmal (soldier's monument) which commemorates the Swiss soldiers that died in service watching the borders during the world wars.

A large collection of weapons and armour. The old building itself is very impressive too, and is turned into a giant advent calendar from the outside during December.

The cathedral is impossible to miss as it dominates the Solothurn skyline. Entry into the cathedral is free. You can go up the tower which offers views over the town, river valley, Jura mountains, and on a clear day a panorama of the Alps. The tower entrance is on the outside of the building at the rear of the Cathedral. The cost is stated at the entrance door and you pay when you reach the top of the tower which serves as the cashier/gift shop. The tower is closed in winter.

A church and house in a gorge in the forest. Reached by following the footpath signs for "Einsiedelei" with a 30- to 45-minute walk north of the city (15 minutes through pleasant housing, and 30 through the forest along the Verena gorge), or take bus 4 to "Rüttenen, Brüggmoos". The hermitage and gorge are a beautiful place to walk around, especially in the evenings when candles are lit and placed in between the rocks throughout the gorge.

A clock tower overlooking the main square. The building is the oldest in Solothurn and there is an astronomical clock similar to the Zytglogge in Bern. It features a verse in German and Latin, probably by Glarean (1488-1563), that states that there is "no older city in Gaul than Solothurn, except Trier", and calls these cities sisters.