This medieval Austrian town has a preserved old center with narrow streets and historic squares. Local theaters, art galleries, and active nightlife add to its cultural appeal.
Wels, a city of 60,000 people in Upper Austria, lies 317 meters above sea level along the Traun River. In the main square, you'll see the 14th-century Lederer Tower and medieval buildings with arcaded courtyards. The city has both the interactive Welios Science Center and the twice-yearly Welser Messe trade fair, which draws visitors from across the region.
Getting to Wels
You can reach Wels by train on the main line between Vienna and Salzburg. By car, take the A1 motorway from Vienna or Salzburg, or the A9 from Graz (exit at Sattledt). The closest airport is in Hörsching, 15 kilometers away.
Exploring the Town Square
The medieval Stadtplatz (main square) is the center of daily life in Wels. The Lederer Tower, built in 1376, rises above the square's northern edge. Inside the late Gothic parish church, you'll find 14th-century stained-glass windows. The town hall, remodeled in 1748, and buildings with traditional Upper Austrian arcaded courtyards line the square.
Shopping Districts
The city center has over 800 shops spread across several car-free zones. Local musicians perform on the streets, and cafes set up tables outdoors during warm weather. You'll find most shops around the Stadtplatz and Kaiser-Josef-Platz.
Parks and River Recreation
You can swim in marked sections of the Traun River during summer or use the city's public pools. Walking and cycling paths connect the city's parks. Road cyclists often use the quiet country roads around Wels for their rides.
Museums and Culture
At the Welios Science Center, you can try hands-on experiments about renewable energy. The city's former imperial castle, where Emperor Maximilian I spent his final days in 1519, contains collections of local artifacts. The city calendar includes about 2,000 annual events, such as FilmfestiWels and the Arkadenhof Kultursommer summer program.
Day Trips
Trains connect Wels to both Salzburg and Vienna in under two hours. The Alps begin just south of the city, and you can drive to several lakes within an hour. Linz, the provincial capital, is a 30-minute train ride away.
Roman History
Around 120 CE, the Romans built their settlement Ovilava here, making it the capital of their Noricum province. Archaeologists have found tools and artifacts from the Neolithic period near the Traun River, particularly in the city center area.
