Don't worry. I hadn't either before I came here for a job interview with my former boss back in A lot has changed since then and over the past couple of years living and working here, I've not only fallen in love with this charming city but also found some interesting things to do.
Before I move back home to eastern Switzerland in the near future, I'd like to share some of my favourite spots of Solothurn with you. For starters, you'll find 11 historical fountains scattered throughout the old town. Which, who'd have thought, is how they say eleven in the local dialect. Ursus Cathedral, the city's landmark, is where it gets even more interesting. The designer of this masterpiece was so fascinated by the number 11 that he built the whole construction around it.
The bell tower measures 6 times 11 metres and comes with 11 bells. There are 11 altars inside the cathedral, which can all be seen from the 11th black stone.
The kneelers are arranged in rows of 11 and the staircase outside the cathedral counts three times 11 steps. Ursus Cathedral is completely built around the number Speaking of the cathedral, the views from the top of its tower are fantastic. To the north you can admire the Jura mountains with Weissenstein, Solothurn's backyard mountain. This has been an ongoing debate between me and my local friends since the day I moved here….
In addition to these alpine views, you have the River Aare and the entire old town at your feet. I always find it fascinating to check out those rooftop terraces and watch the city from a bird's-eye view. The tower is open from April through October. Climb the tower of St. Ursus Cathedral to enjoy great views over the city, the Jura mountains and the River Aare. Whenever I feel like going for a walk and don't know where else to go, I head to the hermitage at the end of Verenaschlucht.
