Surroundings, Solothurn

For Weissenstein (10km/6mi) leave Solothurn by the Bieltor and Bielstrasse and bear right along Weissensteinstrasse into a road which runs through the watchmaking town of Langendorf (artificial ice-rink in winter) to Oberdorf. 4.5km/3mi: Oberdorf station (658 m/2,159ft), from which a chairlift (2,369 m/7,773ft, 16 minutes) ascends to the Weissenstein (1,284 m/4,214ft).The road then climbs in steep bends up the Nesselboden (1,051 m/3,448ft), with a celebrated view of the Alps extending as far as Mont Blanc. Marked footpaths lead to various viewpoints in the hills, which offer excellent skiing in winter.A botanical garden showing plants specific to the Jura is open June and July.

There are numerous walks along marked paths around the Nesselboden, of which the Planetenweg (Planet Way) is recommended. It represents on a scale 1 to 1 billion the distance between the sun and the planet Pluto. Other walks encompass the flora (Botanical Garden) and geology of the Jura.

For safety reasons visitors to the "Nidenloch" caves must report to the Gasthaus Hinterweissenstein before and after visiting the caves. In the entrance are wire cable ladders; stout footwear is essential.

Not far to the west of the Weissemstein area at Altreu is the oldest and most well-known stork colony in Switzerland with at present over 200 wild storks.

Schloss Waldegg is a center for culture which has communication between the regions of Switzerland as its aim. The museum depicts the history of the French embassy in Solothurn (1530-1792).

About 10km/6mi northeast from Solothurn is the medieval little town of Wangen, with a very well-preserved medieval center which is almost of a square design. The covered wooden bridge over the Aare was built in the 16th C. Worth seeing are the parish church of the Holy Cross and St Maria (1825; 14th and 15th C. frescoes) and the castle (restored 1680; Baroque ceiling paintings by J. Werners). The Gemeindehaus by the clock tower contains documents about the town's history and ceramics.

The little picturesque town of Wiedlisbach was, like Solothurn, founded by the Counts of Fribourg (ca. 1280). A corner tower remains from the old fortifications in the "Hinterstädtli", and in St Catherine's chapel (Katharinenkapelle; 1338) there are Late Gothic frescoes. The Kornhaus contains a small local collection of ceramics, glass and tin from Bernese and Solothurn studios.

This popular tourist destination, Alt Falkenstein in Balsthal, houses a museum with a diverse collection of items. Highlights of the Alt Falkenstein Local Museum include arts and crafts, a ceramic collection, fossils, weapons and three rooms furnished in 18th and 19th century style.

The Museum of Mechanical Musical Instruments houses the collection of Dr. H.C. Heinrich Weiss-Stauffacher with over 500 mechanical instruments and orchestrions on display.

The local village museum in Bellach houses tools and agricultural equipment as well as a furnished kitchen and bedroom display.

The Langendorf Village Museum has temporary exhibits as well as a collection of Lenco production machinery.

A popular site in Muhen is the thatched roof or straw house that features a living room, bed chambers, a kitchen, ploughs, and tools for farming.

Combs and hair decoration made from horn and early plastic are included in this museum that outlines the history of the comb factory Muemliswil.

This annual festival runs through the Easter season, usually in late March or early April.

Zeihen Village Museum houses a local history collection, footwear, and agriculture exhibits.

Halten has a small open air museum including textiles and trades implements.

Over 8,000 contemporary works of art including painting and sculpture by Swiss and international artists are on display at the Grenchen Art Gallery.

Schönenwerd is a village with a variety of buildings from different eras. The Paul Gugelmann Museum and the Bally shoe museum are highlights for visitors.