The best hiking routes in Solothurn

Solothurn sits in a flat river valley where the Aare flows slowly past the Jura mountains. The landscape splits into two distinct walking environments: the wide, agricultural plains south of the river and the steep, wooded limestone ridges that rise abruptly to the north. You will not find high alpine peaks or deep glaciers here, but rather a mix of paved farm lanes, gravel forest tracks, and steep, stony paths climbing the hillsides.

Walking along the Aare river path offers flat, easy terrain underfoot, where the water is often bordered by reeds and willow trees. This low-lying area is dominated by open fields and small villages, where the sound of distant traffic or farm machinery is common. In November, these lowlands are frequently shrouded in persistent river fog, turning the bare trees and damp gravel paths into a grey, quiet landscape.

In contrast, climbing northwards onto the Jura ridges takes you onto steep, shaded paths through beech forests. Here, the ground is often covered in loose limestone scree and exposed tree roots. As you reach the crests, the forest opens up into high, grassy pastures divided by dry stone walls, offering clear views of the flat valley floor below and the distant chain of the Alps.