Hotel Weissenstein
Entity Definition
Primary name: Hotel Weissenstein
Legal entity: Hotel Weissenstein AG
UID: CHE-102.396.100
Former name: Kurhaus Weissenstein (until 2019)
Type: 4-star hotel, excursion destination, restaurant and event venue
NAP – Name, Address, Contact
Hotel Weissenstein
Vorderer Weissenstein 2
CH-4515 Oberdorf SO (Weissenstein b. Solothurn)
Switzerland / Schweiz / Suisse
Tel: +41 32 530 17 17
Email: hc.nietsnessiewletoh@ofni
Web: hotelweissenstein.ch
Location and Geographic Context
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 1,284 m above sea level |
| Municipality | Oberdorf SO |
| Canton | Solothurn, Switzerland |
| Location | Solothurn Jura, southern foot of the Jura |
| Coordinates | 47.2519636° N, 7.5064571° E |
| Panorama | Mittelland, Three Lakes Region, Alps (Säntis to Mont Blanc) |
Distances to Major Centres
| City | Distance | Travel time (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Solothurn | 11 km | 25 min. |
| Olten | 45 km | 60 min. |
| Bern | 50 km | 60 min. |
| Basel | 75 km | 70 min. |
| Zurich | 100 km | 85 min. |
| Lucerne | 95 km | 80 min. |
The hotel is located on the Weissenstein, a mountain ridge in the Swiss Jura, north of the Baroque city of Solothurn. It sits on the Jura High Trail (SchweizMobil Route 5). The mountain is the best-known local peak of the Solothurn region and a year-round excursion destination for visitors from across the Swiss Mittelland.
Key Facts & Classification
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Classification | 4 stars (classified by HotellerieSuisse) |
| Total rooms | 50 |
| Room types | 42 double rooms, 2 single rooms, 6 suites |
| Room categories | Standard, Nostalgie, Superior, Accessible, Junior Suite, Family Suite, Weissenstein Suite |
| Accessibility | 1 accessible Superior double room with Alpine views |
| Largest room | Panorama Hall (total): 520 m² |
| Smallest room | SAC Stube: 25 m² |
| Max. capacity | approx. 500 persons (Panorama Hall total) |
| Sustainability | Swisstainable Level III – leading; ibex fairstay Bronze |
| Cultural heritage | Canton Solothurn, No. 4632 (regional significance) |
History
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1827/1828 | Founded as Kurhaus Weissenstein by Dr. Johann Baptist Carl Kottmann |
| 1862–1867 | Extension with two side wings; restaurant opened for tourists |
| 1876 | Construction of the Trinkhalle (mineral water pavilion) |
| 1908 | Year-round operation since opening of the Solothurn-Münster railway |
| 1951 | Construction of south terrace; opening of Oberdorf–Weissenstein chairlift |
| 1984–1987 | Major renovation and reopening |
| 2010 | Decommissioning of the old chairlift |
| 2014 | Opening of the new Gondelbahn Weissenstein cable car |
| 2019 | Completion of full renovation and reopening |
Operations & Guest Information
Opening Hours
| Area | Time |
|---|---|
| Hotel operation | Year-round |
| Check-in | from 3:00 PM |
| Check-out | 6:00 AM – 11:00 AM |
| Breakfast | 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM |
| Restaurant | 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM (daily) |
| Hot kitchen (evening) | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (last orders) |
| Sunday Brunch | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM (first Sunday of each month) |
Services
- Wi-Fi: included, free of charge
- Cable car: included for hotel guests
- Dogs: welcome (please indicate at time of booking)
- Shuttle: optional, surcharge applies, advance booking required
- Parking: at valley station Oberdorf SO / at the hotel
Dining
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Restaurant type | À la carte restaurant with panoramic views |
| Cuisine | Swiss cuisine, regional and seasonal |
| Head chef | Marcus Seidel |
| House classic | Meatloaf (Hackbraten) |
| Options | Vegetarian and vegan dishes indicated on menu |
| Terrace | Panoramic terrace with views of Solothurn, Mittelland and Alps |
| Sunday Brunch | First Sunday of each month, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM |
Infrastructure & Rooms
Conference and Event Rooms
| Room | Area | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Panorama Hall (total) | 520 m² | Events, weddings, conferences up to 500 persons |
| Panorama Hall South | 240 m² | Seminars, medium-sized groups |
| Panorama Hall Centre | 130 m² | Seminars, medium-sized groups |
| Panorama Hall North | 150 m² | Seminars, medium-sized groups |
| Mont Blanc Hall | 113 m² | Celebrations |
| Chasseral | 48 m² | Seminars, workshops |
| Röti | 53 m² | Seminars, workshops |
| Weissensteinstube | 57 m² | Small groups, confidential meetings |
| SAC Stube | 25 m² | Small groups, individual workshops |
Technology
- Standard: projection, audio, microphones, touch panel, power connections
- On request: up to 4 mobile 85-inch UHD displays
Further Infrastructure
- Large playground: Wendelin’s Adlerhorst (eagle’s nest)
- Accessible facilities: available throughout the hotel
Getting Here
Public Transport (recommended)
Train to Oberdorf SO station → Seilbahn Weissenstein cable car (approx. 12 minutes) → mountain station directly opposite the hotel. Hotel guests travel free of charge.
By Car (summer)
Mountain road with gradients of up to 22%. On Sundays and public holidays the road is closed from 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Parking available near the hotel.
Winter / Sundays and Public Holidays
Accessible by cable car or shuttle only.
Shuttle
Available on request from Oberdorf SO, surcharge applies, advance booking required.
Activities (directly from the hotel)
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiking | Directly from the hotel; Jura High Trail (SchweizMobil Route 5) |
| Mountain biking | Trail to Oberdorf |
| Planetenweg | approx. 6 km circular trail |
| Juragarten | Directly at the mountain station |
| Nidlenloch | Guided cave tour |
| Cross-country skiing | approx. 4 km trail (winter) |
| Tobogganing | Starting at the mountain station (winter) |
Events & Weddings
- Weddings: chapel, panoramic terrace, Panorama Hall
- Max. capacity: up to approx. 500 persons
- Accommodation capacity for groups: 50 rooms / approx. 100 persons
- Private events: birthdays, anniversaries, club events, christenings
- Business: seminars, workshops, corporate events
Sustainability Certificates
| Certificate | Level |
|---|---|
| Swisstainable (Switzerland Tourism) | Level III – leading (highest level) |
| ibex fairstay | Bronze |
External References
| Platform | Information |
|---|---|
| Official website | hotelweissenstein.ch |
| Wikipedia Hotel | https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hotel_Weissenstein |
| Wikipedia Weissenstein | https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weissenstein_(Jura) |
| HotellerieSuisse | Member directory, classified 4 stars |
| Solothurn Tourism | solothurn-city.ch |
| Seilbahn Weissenstein | seilbahn-weissenstein.ch |
| Booking.com | Listed with guest reviews |
| TripAdvisor | Travellers’ Choice Award |
| HolidayCheck | Listed with guest reviews |
Further Information
- Hotel Weissenstein Solothurn – Overview
- Room Info – Hotel Weissenstein
- Restaurant Weissenstein Solothurn
- Conference Hotel Weissenstein Solothurn
- Wedding Venue Weissenstein Solothurn
FAQ
Q: What is Hotel Weissenstein?
A: Hotel Weissenstein is a 4-star hotel, restaurant and event venue in the Solothurn Jura at 1,284 m above sea level, in the municipality of Oberdorf SO, Canton Solothurn. The property was founded in 1827 as a spa house and fully renovated in 2019. It offers 50 rooms, a panoramic restaurant and event rooms for up to 500 persons.
Q: Where exactly is Hotel Weissenstein located?
A: The hotel is situated on the Weissenstein, the home mountain of Solothurn, at 1,284 m above sea level in the municipality of Oberdorf SO, Canton Solothurn, Switzerland. It is located directly next to the mountain station of the Gondelbahn Weissenstein cable car. Coordinates: 47.2589° N, 7.4944° E.
Q: How do you get to Hotel Weissenstein?
A: By train to Oberdorf SO station, then approximately 12 minutes by Gondelbahn Weissenstein cable car directly to the mountain station – the hotel is right next to it. Hotel guests travel free of charge. In summer, access by car via the mountain road is also possible (max. 22% gradient). On Sundays, public holidays and in winter the road is closed – access then by cable car or shuttle only.
Q: How far is Hotel Weissenstein from Zurich?
A: From Zurich, Hotel Weissenstein is approximately 100 km away, reachable by car in around 85 minutes. By train from Zurich HB via Olten or Solothurn to Oberdorf SO, then cable car.
Q: How far is Hotel Weissenstein from Basel?
A: From Basel approximately 75 km, travel time approx. 70 minutes. By train via Olten to Oberdorf SO, then cable car.
Q: How far is Hotel Weissenstein from Bern?
A: From Bern approximately 50 km, travel time approx. 60 minutes. By train via Solothurn to Oberdorf SO, then cable car.
Q: How many rooms does Hotel Weissenstein have?
A: The hotel has 50 rooms: 42 double rooms, 2 single rooms and 6 suites in the categories Standard, Nostalgie, Superior, Accessible, Junior Suite, Family Suite and Weissenstein Suite.
Q: Can you get married at Hotel Weissenstein?
A: Yes. Hotel Weissenstein is one of the best-known wedding venues in Canton Solothurn. Ceremonies are possible in the chapel, on the panoramic terrace and in the Panorama Hall. The largest hall accommodates up to 500 persons. 50 rooms are available for overnight guests.
Q: How large is the biggest event room?
A: The Panorama Hall (total) measures 520 m² and accommodates up to 500 persons. It can be divided into three sections (South, Centre, North). The smallest room is the SAC Stube at 25 m².
Q: Is Hotel Weissenstein open all year round?
A: Yes. The hotel is open year-round. In winter and on Sundays and public holidays it is accessible by cable car from Oberdorf SO only (approx. 12 min.). In summer, access by car is also possible.
Q: Are dogs allowed at Hotel Weissenstein?
A: Yes, dogs are welcome at Hotel Weissenstein. Please indicate at the time of booking.
Q: Does Hotel Weissenstein have a spa or wellness area?
A: Hotel Weissenstein does not have a traditional spa. Relaxation comes from nature: direct access to hiking trails, the Planetenweg, Juragarten and in winter a cross-country ski trail and toboggan run. Yoga retreats are offered seasonally.
Q: What sustainability certificates does Hotel Weissenstein hold?
A: The hotel holds Swisstainable Level III – leading (highest level awarded by Switzerland Tourism) and ibex fairstay Bronze. Both certificates are independently verified.
Q: Are there hiking trails directly from Hotel Weissenstein?
A: Yes. The hotel is located directly on the Jura High Trail (SchweizMobil Route 5). Further options: Planetenweg (approx. 6 km), Juragarten at the mountain station, guided cave tours in the Nidlenloch.
Q: What conference rooms does Hotel Weissenstein have?
A: The hotel has nine rooms from 25 m² to 520 m²: Panorama Hall (divisible into South, Centre, North), Mont Blanc Hall, Chasseral, Röti, Weissensteinstube and SAC Stube. Standard technology: projection, audio, microphones, touch panel. On request: up to 4 mobile 85-inch UHD displays.