Wels Travel Guide

City City in Upper Austria, known for textiles

Wels wears layers of history: a medieval town square, Schloss Wels and a busy trade-fair center. Visitors wander museums, seasonal markets and cafés, using the town as a convenient base for Upper Austria’s countryside.

Costs

Moderate (USD 80-140)

Reasonable Austrian city prices; generally cheaper than Vienna.

Safety

Very safe and orderly

Very low crime and reliable public services; feel secure walking around.

Best Time

May-September (pleasant weather)

Warm months suit sightseeing, festivals and outdoor cafés.

In This Guide

Why Visit
Best Things to Do
Bucket List
Best Time to Visit
How to Get There
How to Get Around
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Local Time

5:02 AM

GMT+2

Weather

42°F

Mostly Clear

Population

16,857

Infrastructure & Convenience

Good regional trains and buses, walkable centre and tourist information available.

Popularity

Attracts trade-fair attendees and regional cultural visitors rather than mass tourism.

Known For

Roman origins (Ovilava), Wels Castle, trade fairs (Messe Wels), historic old town, riverside parks, cultural festivals, local museums, culinary scene

Wels was the Roman town Ovilava; archaeological remains attest to its ancient past.

Why Visit Wels? #

Wels offers a compact Austrian city experience centered on its old town and historic sites like Schloss Wels and the Stadtplatz. Seasonal markets, regional fairs at Messe Wels and cozy taverns serve Upper Austrian comfort food such as Kasnocken and hearty roasts. The Traun riverside and well‑marked cycling routes make it a pleasant stop for explorers who enjoy architecture, local gastronomy and easy access to the surrounding countryside.

Best Things to Do in Wels

All Attractions ›

Traunsee

Scenic Austrian lake known for clear waters

Lake

New Cathedral, Linz

Neo-Gothic cathedral in Linz, Austria and tall spire

Church

Almsee

Alpine lake in Upper Austria's Salzkammergut region

Lake

Kremsmünster Abbey

Benedictine abbey with medieval library and observatory

Museum

St. Florian Monastery

Baroque Augustinian monastery near Linz, notable musical heritage

Museum

Lauriacum

Ancient Roman town and legionary fortress near Enns

Archaeological Site

Traunstein (mountain)

Prominent Alpine peak overlooking Traunsee in Upper Austria

Mountain

Old Cathedral, Linz

Baroque former cathedral in Linz city centre

Church

Wels Bucket List

Don't Miss

Welios Science Center - Interactive exhibits and hands-on science displays ideal for families and curious adults.
Wels Castle (Schloss Wels) - Explore museum exhibits housed in the medieval castle overlooking the historic town center.
Wels Stadtplatz (Main Square) - Admire Baroque facades, cafés, and the town's lively market atmosphere on the square.

Hidden Gems

Stadtmuseum Wels - Small local museum tracing regional history with archaeological finds and period displays.
Aqualux swimming complex - Relax in pools, saunas, and wellness facilities popular with local families and visitors.
Schafberg walking trails - Nearby lowland trails offering easy hikes and views across farmland and woodlands.

Day Trips

Linz - Take a short train ride to Linz for museums, contemporary art, and riverside promenades.
Lake Attersee - Enjoy boating and swimming at a clear alpine lake less than an hour away.

Best Time to Visit Wels #

Visit Wels from late spring to early autumn for warm weather, outdoor festivals, and cycling. Winters are cold and damp with occasional snow, better for cozy indoor activities.

Summer

June - August · 15-28°C (59-82°F)

Pleasant, warm days ideal for cycling, beer gardens, and river walks; occasional heat spells, but mostly comfortable and full of local summer events.

Winter

December - February · -2 to 5°C (28-41°F)

Chilly, often damp or snowy-Christmas markets feel authentic; pack warm layers, and expect shorter daylight but cozy cafés and indoor museums to fill afternoons.

Autumn

September - November · 5-18°C (41-64°F)

Crisp air and colorful foliage make park walks lovely; harvest festivals appear, and cooler nights mean sweaters and early evening dinners indoors.

Best Time to Visit Wels #

Climate

Wels's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -4°C to 24°C. Moderate rainfall (941 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit

AugustJulyJune

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

36°

Warmest Month

-22°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

34 Poor

Comfort

-1°

Feels Like Freezing

-1°C

Temperature

-4° – 2°

93%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

58 mm

Rainfall

1.9 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.1

UV Index

Low

8.6h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

45 Poor

Comfort

0°

Feels Like Cold

0°C

Temperature

-3° – 4°

90%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

54 mm

Rainfall

2.0 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.2

UV Index

Low

10.0h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

53 Acceptable

Comfort

5°

Feels Like Cold

5°C

Temperature

0° – 9°

85%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

68 mm

Rainfall

2.2 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.5

UV Index

Low

11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

57 Acceptable

Comfort

9°

Feels Like Cold

9°C

Temperature

4° – 14°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

71 mm

Rainfall

2.1 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.9

UV Index

Moderate

13.5h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

61 Good

Comfort

14°

Feels Like Cool

14°C

Temperature

9° – 20°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

85 mm

Rainfall

2.0 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.2

UV Index

High

15.0h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

69 Good

Comfort

17°

Feels Like Cool

17°C

Temperature

12° – 22°

77%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

107 mm

Rainfall

1.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.4

UV Index

High

15.8h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (122 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

19°

Feels Like Mild

19°C

Temperature

14° – 24°

76%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

122 mm

Rainfall

1.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.5

UV Index

High

15.5h daylight

August

August is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

19°

Feels Like Mild

19°C

Temperature

13° – 24°

76%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

99 mm

Rainfall

1.6 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.2

UV Index

High

14.1h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

67 Good

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

10° – 19°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

74 mm

Rainfall

1.6 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.8

UV Index

Moderate

12.4h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

53 Acceptable

Comfort

9°

Feels Like Cold

9°C

Temperature

5° – 13°

85%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

63 mm

Rainfall

1.7 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.4

UV Index

Low

10.7h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

4°

Feels Like Cold

4°C

Temperature

1° – 6°

90%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

71 mm

Rainfall

1.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.1

UV Index

Low

9.1h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

41 Poor

Comfort

0°

Feels Like Cold

0°C

Temperature

-2° – 3°

92%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

69 mm

Rainfall

1.9 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.1

UV Index

Low

8.2h daylight

How to Get to Wels

Wels is well connected to Linz and Vienna by Austria's reliable ÖBB rail network; the nearest airport is Linz (LNZ) with easy rail or taxi links. Trains are the fastest and most convenient way to get to and from Wels for most visitors.

By Air

Linz Airport (LNZ): Linz is the closest airport to Wels - the drive from Linz Airport to Wels takes about 20-30 minutes. From Linz city centre, frequent ÖBB regional trains run to Wels Hauptbahnhof in roughly 10-15 minutes; single fares for regional trains are commonly in the €2.80-6.00 range depending on ticket type.

Vienna International Airport (VIE): Vienna is the major international gateway. Trains from Vienna Hauptbahnhof (Railjet or Railjet connections) reach Wels in about 1.5-2.5 hours depending on service; fares vary widely (advance/discount fares often €20-40, standard fares higher). Driving from Vienna is about 2-2.5 hours.

By Train & Bus

Train: Wels Hauptbahnhof is a major ÖBB junction with frequent regional and long-distance services (Regionalzug, Railjet, Railjet Express). Typical regional trips (Linz-Wels) are short (10-20 minutes) and inexpensive (a few euros).

Bus: Regional buses service the surrounding districts; FlixBus and other coach operators also stop in Wels for longer-distance low-cost connections. Local buses cover routes within the town and to nearby suburbs.

How to Get Around Wels #

Wels has a compact town center that’s easy to explore on foot; regional trains connect Wels to Linz and other Austrian cities. Local buses and cycling are common for short trips. If you plan day trips around Upper Austria, the rail network is efficient and reliable. Parking is available around the Hauptplatz and municipal lots.

Where to Stay in Wels #

Budget

Old Town / Train Station - €40-90/night

Near the old town and train station - several small guesthouses and budget hotels, limited backpacker hostels.

Kolpinghaus Wels - Simple, budget-friendly rooms near center.
Hotel Ploberger - Family-run, affordable and central.

Mid-Range

City Centre - €90-140/night

Good selection of comfortable, well-located hotels with reliable amenities and walkable access to sights and restaurants.

Hotel Fonz - Central, comfortable rooms and breakfast.
Hotel Wildauer - Quiet, well-reviewed family hotel.

Luxury

Wels / Linz (nearby) - €150+/night

Wels itself has few full luxury hotels; top-tier options are in nearby Linz - easy train access for premium stays.

Nearby Linz/Luxury Chains (via train) - High-end hotels a short train ride away.
Boutique upscale stays in surrounding area - Country manor and boutique options nearby.

Where to Eat in Wels #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Wels's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Regional

Pizza

Kebab

Burger

Italian

Asian

Chinese

Thai

Greek

Sushi

Indian

Mexican

Sausage

Balkan

Chicken

Turkish

Fish

Burek

Local

Nudle

Nightlife in Wels #

Nightlife in Wels is modest: a selection of bars, pubs and small clubs around the town center. The scene is quieter than Austria’s larger cities but pleasant for evenings out.

Shopping in Wels #

Shopping clusters around the Hauptplatz and side streets - you’ll find boutiques, cafes and weekly markets selling fresh produce and regional goods. For larger department stores, look to nearby larger cities.