Located southeast to the tiny village of Zullwill, the Ruine Gilgenberg was once a medieval fortress built by the Ramstein lords in the 14th century. The name Gilgenberg alludes to the Ramstein family's coat of arms, which depicts two crossly placed lily sticks. The castle underwent a revamp in 1356 when it was ruined by an earthquake that occurred in Basel. After Ramstein's death, the castle changed hands, until it was ultimately placed under the protection of the Swiss Confederation as a regionally important landmark.
Housed within the confines of the former Klingental Dominican convent, Museum Kleines Klingental displays sculptures right from the Middle Ages. For the history and art aficionados, there is also a 17th Century model of the city, awaiting you. The convent's history unfolds itself through the art works on exhibit. The venue can also be hired for private parties, anniversaries, weddings, business meetings, seminars and other events.
One of the local chemical giants, Hoffman-LaRoche has its base in one of the best spots, practically next to the Rhine. In between, however, you'll find Solitude Park. As you wander through the small park, you soon forget its surroundings, especially in the summer, when everything seems so green. The play area is not huge, but there is more than enough to keep the kids entertained. The Tinguely Museum, opened in 1996 and dedicated to the Swiss sculptor, is another of the park's attractions.
The Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural history museum) has been located in this former Augustine monastery since 1849. What began as a collection of curiosities is now a center for science and research. Most of the eight million objects in the colletion are on display, and the museum's strengths lie in paleontology, mineralogy, zoology, entomology and anthropology, but you don't need a degree to visit. The other exhibits, including early man, dinosaurs and insects, will appeal to visitors both young and old.
Inside the old armory from 1614, an extensive military history collection can be viewed and admired. The armory was initially set up for the citizens of Solothurn in case of an imminent attack, as was the norm during those tumultuous times during the establishment of Swiss Confederacy. Today, old weapons of all kinds can be viewed at this fascinating museum.