La Couronne in Solothurn: Switzerland's Second-Oldest Hotel in the Old Town

A Historic Address on Hauptgasse

Tucked into the timber-framed rhythm of Solothurn's Altstadt, La Couronne opens its doors on Hauptgasse 64, the main artery of one of Switzerland's most photographed baroque old towns. The property is described by its own team as one of the country's oldest continuously operating hotels, with a heritage threaded through centuries of travelers, merchants and local celebrations. Walking out of the lobby places you directly in the cobblestone streets that give Solothurn its reputation as a beautifully kept piece of Swiss architectural history.

Boutique Character and the Old-Town Setting

The hotel presents itself as a Viersterne-Boutique-Hotel — a four-star boutique property — with rooms that are individually and lovingly furnished. That emphasis on character over uniformity gives each stay a slightly different feel, and the layout follows the contours of the historic building rather than a standardized modern template. Guests step from a quiet corridor straight into a lived-in old-town atmosphere, where the address itself feels like part of the experience.

Le Restaurant and the GaultMillau Kitchen

Dining is centered on Le Restaurant, where French-inspired cuisine is led by chef Sebastian Kuntz and his team. The kitchen works with fresh produce, with many ingredients sourced from the surrounding region, and the menu runs from straightforward lunch dishes to a multi-course gourmet dinner in the evening. The restaurant is recognized with 14 GaultMillau points, a distinction that signals serious culinary ambition without tipping into pretense. Adjacent to the dining room, a cozy Bar à Vin offers a relaxed counterpoint for an aperitif or a slower evening glass.

Feiern, Events and the Festsaal

A highlight for anyone planning a celebration is the hotel's historic Festsaal — a ballroom that anchors the events offering. The team positions La Couronne as a venue for everything from intimate family gatherings to large gala dinners, framing each occasion as something to be hosted "in best hands." Because the property belongs to a cooperative that also runs partner businesses under the Baseltor Gruppe, the events calendar often extends beyond the hotel's own walls, with regular happenings at sister locations as well.

Practical Considerations

The address — La Couronne, Hauptgasse 64, 4509 Solothurn, Switzerland — places the hotel in the dense center of the old town, so arriving on foot from the train line or by car (with nearby public parking typical of the district) is straightforward. As with any historic hotel, certain services, room configurations and event offerings can shift over time, so confirming specifics directly with the property before planning a stay or celebration is wise.

Atmosphere and Hospitality

The hotel's own welcome line — "Bei uns ist die Gastfreundschaft Zuhause," meaning hospitality feels like home — captures the tone the team aims to set. Combined with a chef-driven restaurant, a wine bar, individually styled rooms and a centuries-old ballroom, La Couronne offers a layered Solothurn experience where history, gastronomy and event hosting share the same address.