Wels

🎭 Activities

• Carnival Celebration – February: This festive event lights up the city with a vibrant parade, live music, and dazzling costumes that bring joy to residents and visitors. The streets are filled with laughter, dancing, and local traditions, offering a warm and welcoming experience for all. It’s a colorful way to celebrate the season with the entire family. 

• Easter Market – March to April: The Easter Market in Wels offers an array of colorful crafts, traditional treats, and spring-themed workshops for families. Visitors can browse handmade goods, enjoy live entertainment, and celebrate Easter in a cheerful setting. The market’s festive atmosphere makes it a springtime favorite in the region. 

• Trade Fair – September: This annual trade fair brings businesses and innovators together, showcasing a wide range of products, from agriculture to cutting-edge technology. Visitors can explore exhibitions, attend workshops, and discover the latest trends in various industries. It’s a dynamic event that highlights Wels’ role as a regional hub for business and creativity. 

• Christmas Market – December: The Christmas Market in Wels enchants visitors with its cozy stalls, twinkling lights, and seasonal aromas of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts. Families can enjoy festive activities, live performances, and a magical winter atmosphere. The market offers a perfect way to celebrate the holiday season with loved ones. 

• City Festival – June: This lively citywide celebration features live music, food stalls, and entertainment for all ages, turning Wels into a bustling hub of activity. Locals and visitors come together to enjoy performances, games, and delicious food. It’s a vibrant showcase of Wels’ community spirit and cultural diversity. 

• Summer Cinema Nights – July: Held under the stars, this open-air cinema event brings the best of film to Wels’ scenic outdoor venues. Visitors can enjoy a variety of movies, from classics to recent hits, with delicious snacks and refreshments available. It’s a unique and relaxing way to spend warm summer evenings. 

• Harvest Festival – October: Celebrate autumn with this festival that features local produce, traditional foods, and family-friendly activities. The event highlights regional agriculture with fresh fruits, vegetables, and artisanal goods. Visitors can enjoy music, dances, and a cozy fall atmosphere in the heart of Wels. 

• Art Days – May: This cultural event celebrates local and international art with exhibitions, workshops, and public art installations throughout the city. Visitors can explore galleries, meet artists, and participate in creative activities. The festival enriches Wels’ cultural scene and inspires art lovers of all backgrounds. 

• Food Festival – June: Food lovers flock to this festival, which showcases local culinary traditions alongside international flavors and gourmet experiences. Visitors can sample dishes, watch live cooking demonstrations, and learn from top chefs. The event combines gastronomy with entertainment, making it a highlight for food enthusiasts. 

• Cycling Marathon – August: This cycling event takes participants through scenic routes in and around Wels, offering options for both amateurs and seasoned cyclists. Spectators can cheer on the riders while enjoying food, music, and family activities. It’s a thrilling celebration of sport and nature in the picturesque Upper Austrian countryside. 

🔹 Small Facts

• Wels Historic Old Town: Wels’ Old Town features a beautiful mix of medieval and baroque architecture. The town’s origins go back to Roman times, when it was known as Ovilava. Today, visitors can stroll through charming streets filled with historic buildings, shops, and cafés. 

• Wels Castle (Schloss Wels): Wels Castle, built in the 12th century, was once the seat of the Tyrolean princes. The castle now houses the Wels Museum, showcasing artifacts from the city’s history, including its Roman and medieval past. Its towers and courtyards provide a glimpse into the region’s royal and military heritage. 

• The Welserhaus: The Welserhaus is a significant historical building in Wels, dating back to the 15th century. Once a merchant house, it now serves as a museum and exhibition space, highlighting the city’s trading history. The Welser family, for whom the building is named, was an influential merchant family during the Renaissance. 

• St. Mary’s Church (Stadtpfarrkirche Wels): St. Mary’s Church is a striking example of late Gothic architecture and one of the city’s oldest landmarks. The church is home to beautiful stained glass windows and a stunning altarpiece. It has played a central role in Wels’ religious history for centuries. 

• Wels Exhibition Center (Messe Wels): The Wels Exhibition Center hosts numerous trade fairs and events throughout the year. It’s one of Austria’s largest event venues, attracting visitors and businesses from around the world. The center plays a vital role in the local economy by hosting international events in various industries. 

• The Dragon Fountain (Drachenbrunnen): The Dragon Fountain, located in the heart of Wels, is a unique piece of public art that celebrates local legends. The fountain features a dragon, a symbol of Wels’ rich mythological and historical traditions. It is a popular photo spot and a point of interest for visitors exploring the Old Town. 

• The Roman Museum Wels: The Roman Museum Wels is dedicated to the city’s Roman past, as Wels was once known as Ovilava during Roman times. The museum showcases a variety of Roman artifacts, including coins, pottery, and sculptures. It offers an in-depth look at the daily life and culture of the Roman Empire in the region. 

• The Stadtpark (City Park): Wels’ City Park is a large green space that provides a peaceful escape from the urban environment. The park features walking paths, ponds, and beautiful flowerbeds, making it a favorite spot for relaxation. It also hosts events and concerts, adding to the city’s vibrant cultural life. 

• The Brucknerhaus: The Brucknerhaus in Wels is named after the famous Austrian composer Anton Bruckner, who spent part of his childhood in the region. The building hosts a variety of cultural events, including concerts and theater performances. It’s a key venue for music lovers and a testament to the city’s connection to Austria’s classical music tradition. 

• Wels Market Square: Wels’ Market Square is the central hub of the city, surrounded by historic buildings and bustling with activity. The square has been the site of markets for centuries, dating back to medieval times. Today, it’s a lively place for shopping, dining, and enjoying the city’s vibrant atmosphere. 

• The Welser Forest (Welserwald): The Welserwald is a scenic forest located just outside Wels, offering a range of outdoor activities. The area is perfect for hiking, biking, and enjoying nature in a tranquil setting. It’s an excellent place for families and nature lovers to explore and appreciate Austria’s natural beauty. 

• The Evangelical Church in Wels: The Evangelical Church in Wels is a striking example of Neo-Gothic architecture. Built in the 19th century, it serves as the center of the Protestant community in the city. Its impressive façade and beautiful interior make it one of Wels’ most notable religious buildings. 

• The Wels’ Flower Show: Wels is home to the annual Flower Show, a popular event that attracts visitors with its colorful displays of plants and flowers. The show features hundreds of exhibitors showcasing their floral creations, gardening tools, and horticultural knowledge. It’s a great way to explore Austria’s gardening culture and horticultural expertise. 

• The Wels Zoo: The Wels Zoo is a small but charming zoo located just outside the city. It is home to a variety of animals, including local wildlife and exotic species. The zoo focuses on educating visitors about animal conservation and offers a fun and educational experience for families. 

• The Wels Civic Museum: The Wels Civic Museum showcases the history and culture of the city from its early beginnings to modern times. The museum features exhibits on Wels’ Roman past, medieval history, and industrial development. It provides an excellent overview of the city’s evolution through the ages and is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.