Solothurn

🏨 The Hostel

The Solothurn Youth Hostel is nestled directly on the banks of the River Aare in a beautifully preserved historic customs house dating back to 1830. With 15 bright, functional rooms offering a total of 92–94 beds — including a mix of dormitory-style rooms, family rooms, and private doubles, the hostel caters perfectly to school groups. Some rooms feature private washbasins or en‑suite showers and toilets, while others share well-maintained facilities on the floor. All complemented by free Wi‑Fi throughout the building.

Inside, you'll discover welcoming common areas: a lounge with billiards and table tennis, library space, and two fully equipped seminar rooms — ideal for workshops or group discussions . There's even a secure bike storage room, perfect for class-led cycling excursions along the river. On the terrace or the roof, the group can enjoy sprawling views of the Aare and the old town’s baroque rooftops. The in‑house dining room serves a wholesome breakfast buffet, and half‑ or full‑board is available — vegan, vegetarian, and allergen‑friendly meals included. For day trips, packed lunches can also be arranged.

🌆 The City

Solothurn, often called the “City of Eleven”, brims with historic quirks and elegant charm. Its timeline and architecture are heavily influenced by the number eleven: the old town hides 11 churches and chapels, 11 museums, 11 historic fountains — and even the iconic St. Ursus Cathedral took 11 years to build, features 11 bells and a staircase of 33 (3×11) steps . That story alone sparks fun scavenger-hunt ideas for classes!

Wandering through narrow lanes lined with patrician houses, students will be drawn to cozy cafés, craft shops, and the majestic cathedral. At the same time, Solothurn offers plenty of modern flair: theaters, cinemas, and galleries — including the Kunstmuseum with artistic works from medieval to contemporary—await nearby.

The hostel’s prime location along the tranquil Aare invites riverside strolls, while the city’s architecture — from Gothic to baroque, provides a living history lesson. This rich cultural tapestry makes Solothurn an engaging classroom without walls.

🎯 Activities & Excursions

Solothurn unfolds with diverse experiences tailored to class interests — history, nature or creativity:

📜 Number 11 Scavenger Hunt: Turn the city’s obsession with “11” into a playful educational game: find churches, fountains, stairs—discover hidden facts on the way.

🚲 Aare River Bike-Hike Trail: The bike-path runs directly past the hostel—perfect for supervised class cycling adventures along the scenic riverbanks

🦖 Museums Galore: Visit the Naturmuseum with fossils, dinosaur tracks, and a Foucault pendulum—a hit for science and history classes. Explore the Steinmuseum to touch historic stone artifacts—great for geology groups 

🏛️ Dive into war history at the Altes Zeughaus Museum, housed in a former armory.

🎭 Art & Theater: Engage students with the Kunstmuseum’s centuries-spanning collections , or attend a performance at Theater Mausefalle, known for its vibrant children’s productions and interactive workshops.

⛳ Outdoor & Sports: Nearby facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, indoor pool, minigolf, tennis, and cross-country skiing on the Weissenstein — just a short walk or bus ride away.

✅ Conclusion

The Solothurn Youth Hostel is a superb base for a class trip that combines hands‑on history, cultural immersion, and active fun. Whether tackling the “City of Eleven” scavenger hunt, cycling along the river, exploring science museums, or watching local theater — all set against a backdrop of baroque beauty. Your class is in for an enriching, unforgettable experience in Solothurn.

Baroque charm meets riverside adventure – class trip in the “City of Eleven.