Olten lies in a basin on both sides of the Aare at the southern foot of the Jura, between the southernmost range of the folded Jura and the foothills of Born, Engelberg and Säli. The railway lines of the north–south Basel–Chiasso route and the east–west St. Gallen–Geneva route cross here, making Olten one of Switzerland’s most important railway hubs. The town developed around a bridge over the Aare as early as the Middle Ages, then continued to grow as a railway town in the 19th century. Its riverside setting and railway history offer different perspectives on the town and its attractions.
Museums of local history, archaeology and nature
Three museums are housed under one roof in the House of Museums. Their exhibits range from archaeology in the Canton of Solothurn and the history of the town of Olten and the canton from its beginnings to the present day, to natural history and biodiversity at the local, regional and cantonal levels. The “Three in One Go – Highlights at the House of Museums” tour takes visitors through three permanent exhibitions.
The Olten Historical Museum focuses its collections on industrial and technological history, everyday culture and social history. Interactive stations in the permanent exhibition invite visitors to solve tasks and try out playful activities. The Olten Natural History Museum explores the region’s natural history through unique fossils and showcases present-day biodiversity with lifelike taxidermy. At the Archaeological Museum of the Canton of Solothurn in Olten, you can see a wide range of artefacts from 80,000 years of history.
Old Town and cultural life
The historic Old Town lies on the left bank of the Aare and is directly accessible from the main railway station via a historic wooden bridge. A walk takes you past attractive squares, lanes, houses and other buildings. An extensive pedestrian zone, with numerous cafés, restaurants and shops, offers another perspective on the townscape. If you’d like to learn more about the Old Town or specific topics, you can join public Old Town and themed tours, which are offered in Olten throughout the year. Check the tour dates and topics in advance.
The Olten City Theatre stages concerts by internationally renowned classical musicians, operas, operettas, musicals and plays in two spacious auditoriums. The programme changes seasonally; if you’d like to attend a particular event, it’s best to check the schedule. Olten is also home to the Olten Cabaret Days. Dates and programmes change, so check the latest festival information when planning your visit. The IPFO House of Photography hosts internationally renowned photography exhibitions.
Stories to listen to and discover
The Swiss Writers’ Trail begins right at Olten railway station. It can be explored free of charge at any time of year. Around 70 listening stations with QR codes offer stories lasting between two and four minutes each. The trail also includes the Christian Schenker family tour, with eleven listening stations, a discovery map and a matching CD. Short stories take centre stage, alongside a dedicated tour option with additional materials.
Forest trails, paddling and activities
The region around Olten is a classic hiking destination, with circular routes, themed hikes, hiking trails, mountain hikes, and half- and full-day tours. The wooded hills around Olten are also ideal for hiking. The Bornwald Sculpture Trail features people, animals and mythical creatures made from raw tree trunks from the local forest. It is considered an easy hike and starts at the edge of the forest on Erlimattweg. If conditions change, check access locally. The Bannwald Forest Discovery Trail is just over two kilometres long.
On the water, Aare Canoe Route 5 runs between Murgenthal and Olten, passing the historic Aarburg Fortress. Check the route conditions before setting out to paddle. Olten Sports Park offers facilities and activities for ice skating, ice hockey, figure skating and inline skating. Seasonal opening hours for individual activities may change; check the details in advance if you’re interested.
Market and travelling by bicycle
Olten’s weekly market sells vegetables and other regional specialities such as cheese and meat products; the selection may vary by season. If you’re travelling with your own bicycle, SBB can transport it to your holiday destination. Bicycles can also be taken on trains and many buses. As transport conditions may change, check the information for your connection before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Schönenwerd, Olten, Kappel, Gretzenbach, Hägendorf, Gösgen, Dorneck, Wasseramt.
Return to the main travel overview: Solothurn.
