ViaSurprise feeder: Solothurn - Welschenrohr

Solothurn has a lot to offer; it's no wonder the capital of the canton is considered the most beautiful Baroque city in Switzerland. Saints, heroes, and noblemen shaped the history and face of Solothurn. The old town offers some treasures from various eras, especially worth mentioning is the St. Ursen Cathedral. The early classical cathedral made of bright «Solothurn marble» (Jura limestone) with the famous Pisoni grand staircase impresses from afar. The two-day feeder route of ViaSurprise leads north out of the city, past the cantonal school and up the Verena path to the entrance of the Verenaschlucht with the hermitage. The path gently ascends along the babbling stream. At the end, the hermitage awaits, where a hermit still lives today. After the narrow gorge, the vast landscape welcomes you, where the Kreuz restaurant invites you to a first rest. Then you walk along the edge of Rüttenen to Falleren. Here a hiking trail branches off to the left and leads over the Fallerenboden and Bellevue, along Oberdorf to the valley station of the Weissenstein cable car. Those who want to conquer Weissenstein quicker can take the cable car here. Those who prefer to climb on foot follow the hiking trail towards Weberhüsli and Gartenmatt and into the BLN area Weissenstein (an area from the federal inventory of landscapes and natural monuments of national importance), with great views and insights into the landscape and its formation history. At the top, not only a magnificent view but also the Kurhaus Weissenstein awaits hungry guests. At the Hinter Weissenstein restaurant, experienced climbers can obtain the key to the entrance of the Nidlenloch cave system for a fee. The extensive cave system is a popular excursion destination. For inexperienced guests, a guided tour is recommended, which must be organized in advance. From here, the path leads down to Welschenrohr in the Thal Nature Park. The watchmaker village takes you into the exciting history of the watch industry in the «uhrundzeit» museum. The Kreuz and Hirschen inns provide excellent catering and are the accommodation options in Thal after this day stage.