Bed and Breakfast in Solothurn

The cosmopolitan town of Solothurn is the capital of the canton of the same name and has approximately 17,000 inhabitants. It is nicknamed "the town of Ambassadors" because, in the 16th to 18th centuries, it served as the seat of the ambassadors of the French king, who with their lifestyles and architectural preferences shaped the townscape. As a result, the numerous buildings from that time have given Solothurn the reputation as the finest Baroque town in Switzerland. The ambassadors, who mainly resided here to source Helvetic mercenaries for their king, maintained an ornate royal household and thus played an important role economically. Plenty of money flowed from Paris to Solothurn. Thanks to the mercenary trade, individual families acquired considerable wealth and followed the French nobility’s lifestyle. Today, some distinguished town houses or summer residences (such as the castle Waldegg) testify to that fact. The French Revolution ended the ambassadors’ positions and the lucrative mercenary business. Other notable attractions in Solothurn include the Palais Besenval, the Ambassadorenhof, the Altes Zeughaus (old armoury), and the Jesuit Church (dedicated in 1689) whose facade Louis XIV is said to have donated. Visible from afar is the baroque-neoclassic Cathedral of St. Ursus (the landmark of Solothurn), with an imposing staircase and eleven altars, including the high altar in the choir built of sixteen kinds of marble. The many boutiques, antique shops, bookshops and cafés invite visitors to stroll and enjoy the picturesque old town. Lodging options include ideally-located hotels in different price categories, apartments, rooms, and private accommodations. And those who appreciate something regional, often book bed & breakfast. The river Aare, which flows through Solothurn, offers a variety of recreational opportunities. The trip from Solothurn to Biel is considered the most beautiful river cruise in Switzerland and runs past the village of Altreu, where storks feel at home and often nest on the roofs of houses. Altreu was therefore awarded the title "European Stork Village" from EURONATUR. With the festival of Solothurn Literature Days, the city has something to offer culture lovers also. Or those that are looking for a peaceful time perhaps would prefer a stroll through the romantic Verenaschlucht (Verena Gorge) to its idyllic Hermitage.