Wels is a city in Upper Austria, on the Traun River near Linz. It is the county seat of Wels-Land, and with a population of approximately 60,000, the eighth largest city in Austria.
Wels is a predominant city in the region of Upper Austria and is located on the River Traun next to Linz.
The city became increasingly important during the Roman ages owing to its central location and had fortifications and city walls constructed for its protection.
During the middle ages Wels remained prosperous, however during World War II it saw heavy destruction but managed to retain some of its historical buildings like the Ledererturm and Stadtpfarrkirche.
Today Wels stands as a wonderful city to visit with a great host of activities within the city, and in the wider region like the Kalkalpen National Park.
Main sights
Stadtplatz
The Stadtplatz is one of the main local areas in Wels and stretches from the Ledererturm on the Pollheimerstabe, right to the Stadtpfarrkirche Church at the other end on the Alderstrabe.
There is a pedestrianized section in the middle but cars do pass through at either end.
Lining the square are many different shops and cafes to enjoy a spot of shopping, and the building they are housed in feature an array of beautiful colours.
Aside from the opulent fountain the serves as a roundabout, during the winter months an ice-rink is often erected and also market stalls will pop up selling traditional goods and crafts.
Tiergarten
The Tiergarten or Wels Zoo is set in a beautiful parkland in the centre of Wels, not far from the river Traun.
The design of the park dates back to the 1930’s and retains its old charm and character.
The animals you can see include Lynx, Deer, Donkeys and Wild Cats among others, furthermore there are opportunities to feed some of the animals.
There is a playground for children, and also a cafe where you can buy snacks, drinks and ice-cream.
For a place with no admission fee, the Tiergarten is a great attraction and will provide the whole family with hours of fun.
Schmiding Zoo
The quality and variety in this zoo is fantastic and the enclosures of the animals are spacious and with plenty of vegetation.
You can see the rare Siberian Tiger, Austria’s only Gorilla, African Giraffes, and an amazing range of birds from Vultures to Kites and Condors.
The zoo also contains Austria’s largest sea aquarium displaying such creatures as eels, stingrays, sturgeon and angelfish.
The brilliant displays and wide variety of animals make the Schmiding Zoo a real treat.
Kalkalpen National Park
Austria has a host of stunning national parks owing to its dramatic Alpine landscapes and the Kalkalpen Park is one such wonder.
The park is located approximately 1h30 drive south of Wels and spans some 20,000 hectares.
Within this immense parkland is Central Europe’s largest forest and also largest area of Karst land.
There are several visitors centres in the park, and you can enjoy the brilliant scenery through hiking, horseback riding or even mountain biking.
There is also a panoramic viewing tower near Windischgarsten which can be accessed by a chair lift.
Kalkalpen is a magnificent park and truly shows the beauty of Upper Austria.
Ledererturm
This large imposing tower is the last remnants of medieval Wels and the fortifications that used to surround the town.
The tower stands at 37.7m and is made up of four square floors and the iconic pointed roof.
At the base of the tower is an archway where the road leading onto the popular Stadtplatz cuts through.
The Ledererturm dates back to the 13th century and has seen much restoration over the years due to damage through fires and war.
The impressive design, beautiful windows framed by Austrian flags and the decorative archway make this a really wonderful building to admire.
Marienwarte Tower
This ornate observation tower was built in the late 1800’s and has always served as a lookout post in the Wels area.
The main tower of the building stands at 391 meters above sea level and from the top you are treated to panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the city of Wels cut through by the Traun river.
The building is set on the top of a hill which gives it a great position, and is surrounded by a small wood which is pleasant to walk through.
Contacts
Wels Marketing & Touristik
4600 Wels, Stadtplatz 44 (1. Stock)
T: +43 7242 67722-0
F: +43 7242 67722-4
E-mail: office@wels.at
Öffnungszeiten:
Mo-Do: 7:45 – 12:00 Uhr; 12:30 – 17:00 Uhr
Fr: 7:45 – 13:00 Uhr
Wels Info
4600 Wels, Stadtplatz 44
T: +43 7242 67722-22
F: +43 7242 67722-4
E-mail: info@wels.at
Öffnungszeiten:
Mo-Fr: 9:00 – 12:00 Uhr; 13:00 – 18:00 Uhr
