Kreuz in Solothurn — A Cooperative Inn Rooted in the Altstadt Since 1973

A Cooperative Inn at the Heart of the Old Town

Tucked into a quiet lane of Solothurn's pedestrian-friendly Altstadt, Kreuz has been a cooperatively organised gathering place since 1973, blending a legendary Gasthaus, a café-bar, seasonal garden beiz and a small hotel under one historic roof. The address is Kreuzgasse 4, and the mood is unmistakably homey — the kind of charm that has been built up over more than half a century of hosting locals and travellers.

Where to Find It

The hotel sits at Kreuzgasse 4 in the 4509 postal district of Solothurn, just inside the Altstadt and within moments of the Aare riverbank. That proximity to the river shapes a lot of what makes the property distinctive: a summer garden beiz opens at one of the most tranquil corners right along the water whenever the weather cooperates.

A Kitchen Built à la Maison

Downstairs, the Gasthaus kitchen prepares every dish à la maison, with a Mediterranean-to-classic range and a clear emphasis on vegetarian plates. From sunrise onward, the café-bar — affectionately nicknamed the «Landhüsli» — pours a strong espresso with a fresh Gipfeli, then carries the day through to the last Appenzeller beer or a final gin from Aargau. The vibe, the team likes to say, is "almost like being in Italy."

Sleeping Above the Gasthaus

Up on the second and third floors, 12 simply and cosily furnished hotel rooms each carry their own individual flair. The setting is unfussy and intimate: no two layouts feel alike, and the trade-off is location rather than luxury, with the river, the old town and the restaurant scene as the real amenities.

Spaces for Private Evenings

For guests planning a celebration or a meeting, the Kreuzsaal and the bar can be hired for special evenings. The cultural programming — folded into what the operator calls "KreuzKultur" — sits alongside private events, so a dinner in the historic hall can stretch into a night of music or readings.

Practical Considerations

Kreuz is run by Genossenschaft Kreuz Solothurn, the cooperative that has shaped its identity for decades. As with most long-established Gasthäuser, hours and seasonal offerings (including the «Böxli» summer beiz) can shift with the weather and calendar, so confirming current openings directly with the team is wise before planning a visit.