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3 Days in Olten: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

17 July 2026

Discover Olten: Your 3-Day Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Olten is one of Switzerland's most charming and yet most underrated cities. Nestled in the canton of Aargau on the banks of the Aare River, this vibrant small city combines medieval architecture, a thriving cultural scene, and a prime location in the heart of Switzerland. Those visiting Olten for the first time will quickly discover that this city has far more to offer than a simple stopover. With our 3-day itinerary, first-time visitors are guaranteed to get the most out of their stay.

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of the Old Town

Thanks to its central location, Olten is reachable by train from Zurich, Bern, or Basel in under an hour. Use the first day to soak up the soul of the city and explore the historic old town at your own pace.

  • Covered Wooden Bridge: Begin your tour at this city landmark — one of the oldest covered bridges in Switzerland, leading directly into the heart of the old town.
  • St. Martin's Church: This imposing 18th-century church impresses with its understated elegance and a magnificent view over the city's rooftops.
  • Marktgasse and Small-Town Charm: Stroll through the lively alleyways, discover local boutiques, and enjoy a coffee in one of the cosy cafés.
  • Aare Riverside Promenade: In the evening, a leisurely walk along the Aare is well worth it — especially at sunset, it's a truly unforgettable sight.

To round off the first day, we recommend a typically Swiss dinner at one of the local restaurants, where you can enjoy specialities such as rösti or fondue.

Day 2: Culture, Nature, and Trips into the Surrounding Area

The second day is all about art, nature, and exploring the wider Aargau region.

Morning: Art and History

  • Kunstmuseum Olten: The museum houses an impressive collection of Swiss art from the 19th and 20th centuries. An absolute must for art lovers.
  • Stadtmuseum Olten: Learn about the history of the city and its most famous personalities — including the writer and satirist Josef Viktor Widmann.

Afternoon: Pure Nature in the Aargau Jura

Just a few kilometres from Olten, the beautiful Aargau Jura begins. Grab your hiking boots and explore the gentle hills, dense forests, and idyllic valleys of this unspoilt natural landscape.

  • Hike to the Hauenstein: This classic route offers breathtaking panoramic views over the Swiss Plateau and, on a clear day, all the way to the Alps.
  • Wartburg Ruins: Along the way, a detour to the medieval castle ruins is well worth it — history and nature all in one.

After the hike, a stop at one of the region's cosy mountain restaurants for a well-earned meal is recommended before heading back to Olten.

Day 3: Day Trip to Aarau and a Relaxed Farewell

On the third day, a trip to the cantonal capital of Aarau is well worthwhile — it's reachable from Olten by train in just around 15 minutes.

Aarau — Capital of the Canton of Aargau

  • Old Town with Painted Ceiling Eaves: Aarau's charming old town is known for its unique, artfully painted roof undersides — a truly one-of-a-kind feature.
  • Aargauer Kunsthaus: One of Switzerland's most significant art museums, with a prestigious collection of national and international art.
  • Aarau Shopping Mile: Perfect for picking up a last Swiss souvenir or some Swiss chocolate to take home.

Back in Olten: A Relaxed Wind-Down

Back in Olten in the afternoon, there's still time for a final stroll around the weekly market (depending on the day of the week), a relaxing swim in the Aare in summer, or simply a quiet coffee with a view of the historic bridge. Olten is guaranteed to send you on your way with a smile on your face.

Where to Stay in Olten?

For your stay in Olten, we recommend comfortable accommodation right in the city — ideally one of our carefully selected holiday apartments. Unlike conventional hotels, our properties offer more space, more privacy, and a genuine home-away-from-home feeling. You can cook for yourself, have breakfast at your own pace, and experience the city the way locals do. Book directly through our website now and enjoy the best prices — with no booking fees or markups from third-party providers.

Practical Travel Tips for Olten

  • Getting There: Olten is a major railway hub — arriving by train from all parts of Switzerland is fast and straightforward.
  • Best Time to Visit: Olten is worth visiting all year round. Spring and autumn are particularly beautiful for hiking; in summer, the Aare invites you to swim.
  • Getting Around: The city centre is easily explored on foot. For trips into the surrounding area, trains and buses provide excellent connections.
  • Language: Swiss German is spoken in Olten, but standard German is understood everywhere.

Olten is a hidden gem that deserves to be discovered. Plan your stay now, book your accommodation directly with us, and experience a Swiss city that has far more to offer than you might expect!