Olten

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Olten

Canton	Solothurn
District	Olten
Coordinates	47°21′N 7°54′E
Population	16,665 (December 2003)
Area	11.50 km²
Elevation	396 m
Postal code	4600
SFOS number	2581
Mayor	Ernst Zingg
Website	www.stadtolten.info
Twin towns	Altenburg (Germany)
Olten

Olten is a town in the Canton of Solothurn, Switzerland.

Olten is within 30 minutes of Zurich, Bern, Basel, and Lucerne by public transport, and is a rail hub of Switzerland.

[edit] History

Despite the presence numerous archaeological evidences of early habitation, Olten is first documented in 1201. It became important in the 13th century because of its bridge over the Aare River. This geographical fact has determined much of its history.

[edit] Culture

Every year, on August 1, a large firework show occurs from boats floating down the river. It is also home to one of two wooden foot bridges in Switzerland. In Olten's so called "Bahnhofbuffet" (Swiss word for a railway station's restaurant), the famous "Gruppe Olten" (Olten Group) was founded. The Olten Group was a group of writers, that were angry with the regular Swiss writer's club (SSV - Schweizerischer Schrifstellerverein) and left it because they found it unprogressive.