Solothurn is a town in Switzerland, located in the Berne Region at the southern edge of the Jura Mountains. It's on the River Aare at the southern base of the Jura mountain range and is commonly called St. Ursen City, Wengi City, the City of Ambassadors. Some say it's Switzerland's most beautiful baroque city and the city of culture.

Solothurn Halal Travel Guide

Solothurn's history dates back to Roman times. As early as 350 BC the Romans built their "Castrum Salodurum", a bell-shaped walled fort. The remains can still be seen at Friedhofplatz and in Löwengasse.

The name "St.Ursen City" recalls the legend of the two Roman legionnaires, Urs and Victor, who were beheaded in Solothurn due to their Christian beliefs. In honour of their martyrdom and the associated miracles, both were declared city saints. St. Ursen Gothic Church dominates the city skyline and is its emblem.

Solothurners are very fond of the number 11. With 11 museums, fountains, chapels and churches, and a clock with a dial that only shows 11 hours. Numerous references to 11 are present in the design and construction of the cathedral. Not to mention the local organic juice called Öufi Bier ("Eleven Beer").

Solothurn is a German-speaking town but, as in the rest of Switzerland, communication in French and English is easy in the city centre.

Travel as a Muslim to Solothurn

By rail

• Solothurn Main Station - 47.204233, 7.542714 - Solothurn train station Picswiss SO-19-13

Solothurn is served by one of the most efficient passenger rail services in the world, the Swiss Federal Rail (SBB)] system. Direct trains run roughly each half-hour between 04:00 and 01:00 the next morning every day to and from Geneva, Zurich, Bern, and points in between.

Book a Halal Cruise or Boat Tour in Solothurn

Solothurn is also connected by boat to the bilingual town of Biel/Bienne. Boats by the BSG take 2 hours 50 minutes to complete the journey between the two towns, stopping also in the towns of Grenchen and Büren. Service is limited, however: As of 2022, boats leave three times a day except Mondays from May to September (there is an additional evening boat on Wednesdays with service only as far as Grenchen) and twice daily in October. There is no service from the last week of October until April.

How to get around in Solothurn

The town is small enough to be easily explored on foot. The old town is north of the train station, across the river.

What to see in Solothurn

• Solothurn Old Town - free The old town is easily fully explored on foot within an hour or two at the most. Farmer's markets are held in the old town every Wednesday and Saturday morning. Cultural festivals or events are held in or near the old town on most weekends. Many cafes and bars are scattered around, the river front ones are especially pleasant on a warm summers evening.
• Solothurn Gothic Church - The Gothic Church of Stt. Urs and Victor | 47.208333, 7.539444 - Solothurn Gothic Church Solothurn - St. Ursen von Osten - You can go up the tower which offers views over the town, river valley, Jura mountains, and a hint of the Alps. The tower entrance is at the rear of the Gothic Church. 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.
• Solothurn Natural History Museum -

• Solothurn Art Museum - Located on the north side of the old town by the bastion. A peculiar point of interest is the Wellington boot sculpture over the pool outside which is periodically propelled around a swing by a water jet shooting out of the heel.
• Old Arsenal Museum -
• Einsiedelei im Verenaschlucht (Hermitage in the Verena gorge) - free Reached with a 45-minute walk north of the city (15 minutes through pleasant housing, and 30 through the forest along the gorge). It's located in a forest and is a stunning location to walk around, especially in the evenings when candles are lit and placed in between the rocks throughout. Look for signposts and ask around. Please don't abuse this off-the-beaten-path gem and keep it quiet and peaceful as it is a path of meditation.

Best things to do in Solothurn

Recreation

• Hiking and biking - A wide range of options are available With the Aare river valley offering very flat trails through farmland and along the river banks, and the forests and Jura above providing more challenging and striking routes. Wildlife is easily found, with deer and beavers not far from the city.
• Take the cable car to Weissenstein - A newly built modern cable car offering a fast (and enclosed) ride from just above the village of Oberdorf to the restaurant complex at Weissenstein towering over the area. On clear days this offers fantastic panoramic views over the Alps and especially of the Bernese Oberland. Take a meal/drink and admire the view, or head off on one of the many well marked walking trails in the area. The lower cable car station is reached as a direct stop on the train route to Moutier, by the number 1 bus to Oberdorf (get off at the last stop and follow the walking paths over the field or walk up the primary street), or by a 20-30 min gentle uphill walk from Solothurn town centre.

Festivals

• Fasnacht (Carnival) | Opening Hours: Takes place in the week up to Ash Wednesday Mostly Free Luzern and Basel have bigger and more famous ones, but the Solothurn one is still full of life and is mostly attended by local residents giving it more of an authentic atmosphere. Starting with a 5am parade on Maundy Thursday, the whole town puts on fancy dress and goes crazy for a week. Hordes of people in costume can be found watching bands play Guggenmusik everyday. On the Sunday and Tuesday a parade of floats and marchers passes through the town. On the final day the Böögg is burnt (essentially a giant wickerman filled with explosives).
• Bike days | Opening Hours: Mid May A big bike show with a mix of exhibits, technical help, and races to watch.
• Beer days | Opening Hours: Late April A popular organic juice festival show casing a whole range of local beer.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Solothurn

A number of mainstream and specialised shops can be found in the old town. Larger retailers and retail parks can be found outside on the town edges.

Halal Restaurants in Solothurn

A number of modern restaurants are dotted around the old town area and are lively on any weeknight. Kebab shops and similar affordable take-aways are doted around the town.

A local speciality is Solothurner torte, a dessert with creme sandwiched between two biscuits. You're bound to like this if you like the Luxemburgerli of Sprungli in Zurich.

• Pittaria - Theatergasse 12, 4500 Solothurn ☎ +41 32 621 22 69 - Fr. 12-25 Middle Eastern Halal food offering falafel, Hallumi, Shish Kebab etc: to eat Halal in or take away. Winner of the best falafel in Switzerland award several times over and raved about in Lonely Planet.

Bars

A number of cafes are gathered on the riverside in the old town. The area is very popular, with a nice atmosphere in the summer.

• SolHeure | Ritterquai 11 - On the bank of the river Aare you will find this nice bar/restaurant which used to be the old slaughterhouse of the town. But don't be afraid to go there, nothing reminds of the ancient times.
• Oufi Brewery | Fabrikstrasse 4 - Brewery for the local beer; offering drinks, food and alal-tours/ tours of the Brewery. A five minute walk from the old town.

Clubs

• Kofmehl - Kofmehlweg 1 A well known concert venue, located a 5-to-10-minute walk from the old town. A surprising number of international bands go there in addition to (and sometimes rather than) the bigger towns in the area. Check their website for listings.

Buy Muslim Friendly Condos, Houses and Villas in Solothurn

eHalal Group Solothurn is a prominent real estate company specializing in providing Muslim-friendly properties in Solothurn. Our mission is to cater to the specific needs and preferences of the Muslim community by offering a wide range of halal-certified residential and commercial properties, including houses, condos, and factories. With our commitment to excellence, customer satisfaction, and adherence to Islamic principles, eHalal Group has established itself as a trusted name in the real estate industry in Solothurn.

At eHalal Group, we understand the importance of meeting the unique requirements of Muslim individuals and families seeking properties that align with their cultural and religious trainings. Our extensive portfolio of Muslim-friendly properties in Solothurn ensures that customers have access to a diverse selection of options tailored to their needs. Whether it's a luxurious villa, a modern condominium, or a fully equipped factory, our team is dedicated to assisting clients in finding their ideal property.

For those seeking a comfortable and modern living space, our condos are an excellent choice. Starting at US$ 350,000, these condominium units offer contemporary designs, state-of-the-art facilities, and convenient locations within Solothurn. Each condo is thoughtfully designed to incorporate halal-friendly features and amenities, ensuring a seamless integration of Islamic values into everyday living.

If you are looking for a more spacious option, our houses are perfect for you. Starting at US$ 650,000, our houses provide ample living space, privacy, and a range of customizable features to meet your specific requirements. These houses are located in well-established neighborhoods in Solothurn, offering a harmonious balance between modern living and Islamic values.

For those seeking luxury and exclusivity, our luxury villas in Solothurn are the epitome of sophistication and elegance. Starting at US$ 1.5 million, these villas offer a lavish lifestyle with private amenities, breathtaking views, and meticulous attention to detail. Each luxury villa is meticulously designed to provide a serene and halal environment, allowing you to enjoy the finest living experience while adhering to your Islamic principles. For further details please email us at realestate@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly hotels in Solothurn

• An der Aare | Oberer Winkel 2 +41 32 626 2410 Member of Swiss Quality Hotels International. Centrally located three star hotel in the Baroque city of Solothurn, 150m to the city centre and only 800m to the train station. One-person room from Fr. 120. Two-person room from Fr. 157 (rates 2009).
• YouthHostelSolothurn | Landhausquai 23 - Dorms start at Fr. 31.50 for Members. Doubles with shower/wc Fr. 49 per person. The youth hostel in Solothurn is located next to the river Aare. The building used to be the first school in town and offers nice and cosy rooms. Next to the hostel are several good restaurants.

Explore more Halal Friendly Destinations from Solothurn

• Berne]]
• Biel
• Delémont]]
• Zurich

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