Who is responsible for maintaining the quality of the place?

The Baseltor cooperative was founded in Solothurn in 1978. Today it runs six different restaurants, which together play an important role in creating a lively city with cultural charisma. All the establishments are housed in historic buildings which the members of the cooperative have refurbished and converted in close collaboration with the heritage authorities and various architectural firms. Solheure is located in the former slaughterhouse and one-time granary.

Does the place serve its purpose?

With its long bars both indoors and outdoors, Solheure quickly becomes an uncomplicated meeting place for young and old. Situated on the bank of the Aare, this place exudes a holiday atmosphere, especially on summer evenings.

Is the place maintained and sustainably developed?

In 2021, the Swiss national group of the International Council on Monuments and Historic Sites (ICOMOS) honoured the activities of the Baseltor cooperative with a special prize. For more than 40 years, the cooperative has been committed to preserving and revitalising the historic city centre and serving the people of Solothurn. For each of its six establishments, it has created a coherent world of fresh design in historic premises.

Will the place remain attractive in the long term for living, working, leisure and/or tourism?

Solheure opened its doors in 2001 and has since revitalised the banks of the Aare, which had previously been economically neglected. It was an important step towards making the river more enjoyable for the city’s inhabitants. Since then, it has been possible to stroll down a flight of steps from the Kreuzacker bridge to the Aare, where, just a few metres away, people can enjoy a drink at the restaurant’s long outdoor bar.

Does the place bring different people together?

Solheure has a bar, a restaurant, a lounge and a garden, as well as three separate rooms of different sizes that can be booked for events and seminars. Solheure also hosts concerts – and in the summer these are held outdoors by the river, under the title “Summer Jam”. Guests at Solheure can just have a coffee or a beer, but they can also enjoy a delicious meal.

Does present-day design improve the quality of the existing?

At the turn of the millennium, the former slaughterhouse on the bank of the river Aare became available for a new use. The cooperative leased part of the gutted building and converted the premises into its second restaurant. Beneath the roof of the high-ceilinged space, architect Guido Kummer inserted a wooden box that houses staff changing rooms and public toilets. This black box hangs over the actual bar and dining area, which is dominated by unplastered walls, a long bar and a variety of seating and lounge elements. The contemporary intervention respects the historic fabric of the building while adding a striking accent. Solheure has won numerous awards since its completion.

Does the place foster connectedness with nature and the landscape?

The bar is beautifully located, with a long, narrow outdoor area right next to the Aare. The gravel crunches underfoot, the façade is overgrown with plants, and in addition to the chairs and bar stools, the wall along the riverbank also offers a place to sit. Twenty years after its opening, Solheure is still considered one of the most beautiful summer bars in Switzerland.

Does the place make people feel at ease?

After 15 years, the interior, designed by GREGO Architektur, was showing its age. That’s why the bar was given new furniture, once again designed by GREGO. The eye-catching textiles for the upholstered furniture were created especially for the restaurant by designer Sonnhild Kestler. Abstract flowers, animal heads and geometric patterns now provide bright and colourful embellishment for the long bench in the corner and the assorted stools and armchairs.