Wels

Wels, the jewel in the central region of Upper Austria, is a city grown out of history in the middle of nature. Wels is known as an international congress and trade fair city but also as a vibrant shopping city. Attractive shops and a high-quality gastronomy scene in the midst of historic buildings and squares encourage you to take a stroll about the town and enjoy yourself.

The location on the Traun was already settled in the Neolithic Age. The name Wels is of Celtic origin (Ueles-Wilabis) and the Romans also appreciated the central location. On the left bank of the Traun, in the area of today's town, the first Roman settlement probably arose in the second half of the 1st century AD. Emperor Hadrian raised Ovilava to the status of a municipium, an autonomous town. In the 4th century AD, in the course of the administrative reforms of Emperor Diocletian, Ovilava probably became the capital of the newly created province of Ufernoricum on the Danube. The further history of Wels, which was shaped by the rule of the Bavarians, Babenbergs and Habsburgs, was varied. Wels owes many a lucrative privilege, which contributed to the economic upswing of the town, to Emperor Maximilian I, the "last knight", who died in Wels Castle in 1519. People in Wels look back on the city's history with pride.

A stroll through Wels' shopping streets reveals many an insider tip.
Numerous owner-managed businesses, exclusive boutiques, but also well-known chain stores ensure an exquisite mix of branches in the city centre. The Wels ShoppingNights invite you to trendy shopping with an event character. Wels offers a wide variety of local and international culinary delights - from down-to-earth, home-style restaurants to trendy bars and nightlife venues. Wels' coffee houses and, when the sun is shining, the pavement cafés in the pedestrian zone are oases of cosiness. Hosts with a passion welcome their guests in Wels' hotels. Embedded between magnificent town houses and romantic arcaded courtyards, life can be enjoyed.

Wels offers fun, games and excitement in all weathers - from the climbing hall, judo,
basketball, football and table tennis to bathing fun and relaxation in the Welldorado. Natural science and technology are waiting to be discovered by young and old children at Welios®. In the Wels Zoo, the oldest zoo in Upper Austria, you can experience the colourfulness and beauty of over 100 different animal species in the midst of a magnificent park landscape.

Wels moves the masses. Wels has been a popular trade fair city since 1878. There are hardly any limits for congress organisers. The city is neither too big nor too small and enchants visitors with its impressive historic old town. Organisers of business events can expect a fascinating backdrop for a wide variety of occasions in Wels. Whether smaller meetings or events with thousands of participants: Everything is possible here. Individually coordinated event locations in the city centre offer space for 15,000 people - all centrally located and usually within a few minutes' walk from the hotel. The numerous family-run three- and four-star hotels with a total capacity of 900 beds are characterised by personal service and strict environmental standards. By the way, "Green Meetings and Events" make Wels unique among Austria's cities. A comprehensive service for event organisers is provided by Business Touristik Wels.