Wels Travel Guide

Explore the culturally rich city of Wels with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover its historical sites, natural attractions, hiking routes, food and drink scene, and more.


Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Wels, Austria

Nestled in Upper Austria, Wels is a charming city that boasts a rich history, beautiful natural attractions, and a vibrant cultural scene. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, Wels is sure to delight you with its picturesque landscapes and captivating museums. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll introduce you to the best places to visit, things to do, and must-try dishes in Wels.

List of Places to Visit in Wels

Wels is home to several museums, historical sites, and natural wonders that are worth visiting. Here’s a list of the top places to add to your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Burg Wels - a medieval castle that dates back to the 14th century and now houses a museum and event space
  • Minoritenkirche - a 13th-century church that features a beautiful Baroque interior
  • Welios Science Center - an interactive science museum that’s perfect for families
  • Stadtarchiv und Stadtmuseum - a local history museum that showcases the city’s past

Natural Attractions of Wels: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Wels Zoo - a family-friendly attraction that’s home to a range of animals, including tigers, elephants, and penguins
  • Lake Wels - a serene lake that’s perfect for swimming, boating, and fishing
  • Pferdekopf - a scenic hill that offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside

Hiking/Biking Routes of Wels

If you love outdoor adventures, Wels is the perfect base for exploring the area’s stunning landscapes. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes to try:

  • Traunradweg - a scenic biking route that follows the Traun River from Wels to Linz
  • Stadtwanderweg - a peaceful hiking trail that winds through lush forests and rolling hills

Best Things to Do in Wels: Activities and Tours

There’s no shortage of activities to keep you busy in Wels. Here are some of the best things to do:

  • Wels Night Market - a vibrant market that takes place on summer evenings and features local food, drinks, and live music
  • Wels Beer Festival - an annual festival that celebrates the area’s brewing traditions
  • Kletterzentrum Wels - an indoor climbing center that’s perfect for beginners and advanced climbers alike

Week-Long Itinerary for Wels

If you have a week to spare, here’s a suggested itinerary for exploring Wels and its surroundings:

Day Activity
1 Explore Burg Wels and the Minoritenkirche
2 Visit Welios Science Center and Stadtarchiv und Stadtmuseum
3 Take a hike on Stadtwanderweg or bike the Traunradweg
4 Go on a safari at Wels Zoo
5 Relax by Lake Wels
6 Climb at Kletterzentrum Wels
7 Enjoy local food and drinks at the Wels Night Market

Food and Drink Scene of Wels

No trip to Wels is complete without indulging in some of the city’s delicious local dishes and beverages. Here are some must-try dishes and drinks:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Wels Fish - a delicacy that’s made with local fish and served with potatoes and vegetables
  • Bienenstich - a traditional dessert that’s made with honey, almonds, and custard

Local Beverages

  • Wels Beer - a range of locally brewed beers that are best enjoyed at one of the city’s cozy pubs
  • Linzer Torte - a sweet pastry that’s made with ground almonds and raspberry jam

Where to Stay in Wels: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Wels has a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Here are some of the most popular options:

  • Hotel Maxlhaid - a modern hotel located just outside the city center
  • Hotel Kremsmünstererhof - a charming guesthouse with comfortable rooms and a traditional Austrian restaurant
  • Youth Hostel Wels - a budget-friendly option that’s perfect for backpackers and solo travelers

What to Buy in Wels: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

If you’re looking for unique souvenirs and local products to bring home, here are some ideas:

  • Welser Christkindlmarkt - a Christmas market that sells festive ornaments and handmade crafts
  • Wels Flea Market - a popular market that sells vintage items and second-hand clothing

Local Culture and Customs of Wels

The people of Wels are friendly and hospitable, and the city has a rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the local customs and traditions to be aware of:

  • Respect for family values and traditions is highly valued
  • Austrian German is the official language, but English is widely spoken
  • Tipping is expected at restaurants and for taxi services

Best Time to Visit Wels

The best time to visit Wels is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and pleasant. The city hosts many festivals and events during this time, including the Wels Beer Festival and the Wels Night Market. However, if you’re interested in winter sports, you may want to visit during the colder months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Wels

Here are some general do’s and don’ts to keep in mind during your visit to Wels:

Do:

  • Try the local food and drinks
  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Use “Bitte” (please) and “Danke” (thank you) in your interactions with locals

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or leave trash in public areas
  • Don’t be overly loud or disruptive in public places
  • Don’t forget to validate your bus or train ticket before boarding

Safety and Health

Wels is a safe city with low crime rates. However, travelers should take general safety precautions and be aware of their surroundings. Here are some tips for staying safe and healthy during your stay:

Safety in Wels

  • Be aware of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas
  • Stay in well-lit areas at night
  • Avoid walking alone in isolated areas

Health in Wels

  • The tap water in Wels is safe to drink
  • Austria has a good public healthcare system, but travelers should have travel insurance in case of emergencies

Getting to Wels: Transportation Options and Logistics

Wels is easily accessible by plane, train, and bus. Here are some options for getting to and around the city:

Airports Near Wels

  • Blue Danube Airport Linz (LNZ) - located approximately 20 km from Wels

Bus Stations Near Wels

  • Wels Bus Station - located in the city center

Other Options

  • Train - Wels is well-connected to major cities in Austria and Europe by train
  • Car - Wels is easily accessible by car, and there are several car rental options available in the city

How to Get Around in Wels

Public transportation in Wels is reliable and affordable. Here are some options for getting around the city:

  • Local Bus - the city’s bus network is extensive and connects all major neighborhoods and attractions
  • Bike - Wels is a bike-friendly city, and there are several bike rental options available
  • Walking - many of the city’s attractions are within walking distance of each other

Where to Go Next from Wels: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Wels is a great base for exploring the surrounding area. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions to consider:

  • Linz - a vibrant city with a rich cultural scene and beautiful architecture
  • Salzburg - a historic city that’s famous for its musical heritage and stunning landscapes
  • Hallstatt - a picturesque town that’s known for its ancient salt mines and scenic beauty

Conclusion

Wels is a beautiful city that’s full of history, culture, and natural wonders. Whether you’re interested in exploring museums and historical sites or hiking and biking through picturesque landscapes, Wels has something to offer everyone. Use this comprehensive guide to plan your next trip to Wels and discover all that this charming city has to offer.