Opening Chesslete Parade
Join the early-morning mayhem in costume; bring earplugs if sensitive to noise.
~5:00
Solothurn Carnival
Solothurner Fasnacht
Solothurn, Switzerland
Feb 4 - 10, 2027ConfirmedSource
Each February, the city of Solothurn goes into a festive 'state of emergency' for its Fasnacht. Masks, music, and parades fill the old town for days as tens of thousands celebrate, in a pre-Lenten carnival that locals call the fifth season of the year.
Key moments
Day 1 · Feb 4
Day 4 · Feb 7
Grand Fasnacht Parade
Arrive early at Amthausplatz for a central spot; tickets (Plakette) required for viewing along route.
~14:31 - 17:00
Day 12 · Feb 15
Closing Parade & Zapfenstreich
Gather early along the route for the final spirit of Fasnacht; festive atmosphere as locals celebrate.
~17:30
Where it happens
Amthausplatz
Solothurn, Switzerland
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Be respectful of traditions and follow instructions of organizers during processions.
Dress for the setting
Respect local customs (e.g., wear masks if joining festivities, follow parade boundaries).
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Very crowded along parade route; sidestreets are less busy.
Weather
Cold winter weather; prepare for low temperatures and possible snow.
Transport
BSU bus lines 1–8, PostBus line 40
Tickets
Ticket required: CHF10 - CHF40
Safety & access
Generally safe with visible police presence during events.
Reviewed mediaREGIONAL COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Solothurn Carnival
Solothurner Fasnacht
Solothurn, Switzerland
Each February, the city of Solothurn goes into a festive 'state of emergency' for its Fasnacht. Masks, music, and parades fill the old town for days as tens of thousands celebrate, in a pre-Lenten carnival that locals call the fifth season of the year.
Access stepAccess needs a step
Feb 4 - 10, 2027Confirmed dates
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The story behind it
Fasnacht is rooted in Catholic pre-Lenten tradition as the “fifth season” of the year. In Solothurn it is observed with local guild processions and street parties. Festivities begin on Saint Hilarius’s day (13 January) and culminate with parades on the Sunday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. The city club Narrenzunft Honolulu leads the Hilari procession, and the town playfully calls itself “Honolulu” during carnival week. A...
Key moments to know
Day 1Feb 4~5:00Expected
Opening Chesslete Parade
Join the early-morning mayhem in costume; bring earplugs if sensitive to noise.
Day 4Feb 7~14:31 - 17:00Expected
Grand Fasnacht Parade
Arrive early at Amthausplatz for a central spot; tickets (Plakette) required for viewing along route.
Day 12Feb 15~17:30Expected
Closing Parade & Zapfenstreich
Gather early along the route for the final spirit of Fasnacht; festive atmosphere as locals celebrate.
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Be respectful of traditions and follow instructions of organizers during processions.
Dress for the setting
Respect local customs (e.g., wear masks if joining festivities, follow parade boundaries).
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Feb 4 - 10, 2027
Confirmed
City / Area
Solothurn
German-speaking Switzerland
Access
Bern Airport (BRN) · 33 km from festival
Cost
CHF10 - CHF40
Book ahead if required
Atmosphere
Lively and festive atmosphere with music and dancing throughout the...
Very crowded along parade route; sidestreets are less bus...
Good for
Families, culture enthusiasts
Very High visitor welcome
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