Planning a trip to Solothurn

Getting There -- Solothurn has frequent train connections to the major cities of Switzerland, including Zurich (65 min.), Geneva (2 hr.), and Biel (1 hr.). Call tel. 0900/300-300 or go to www.sbb.ch for rail information. If driving, head north from Bern on the N1, veering west at the turnoff to Solothurn.

Visitor Information -- The Solothurn tourist office, the Verkehrsbüro, Hauptgasse 69, am Kronenplatz (tel. 032/626-46-46; www.solothurn-city.ch), will provide you with a map and pinpoint some of the best hiking in the area. It's open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30 to 6pm, Saturday 9am to noon.