Exploring Wels, Austria: A Cultural And Historical Journey

Although not as popular as other Austrian cities, Wels is a beautiful upcoming tourist destination that is worth a visit. The small city is steeped in history, with the first settlers arriving 5000 years ago. The museum provides a great historical overview of the region, including the death of Emperor Maximilian I. The Stadtplatz, a pedestrianised section in the middle of the city, is lined with shops and cafes. The Stadtpfarrkirche, the main church in the square, is worth a visit, as is the Minoriten Museum, which was established in a 13th-century monastery. For nature lovers, there are two zoos in the city, Tiergarten and Schmiding Zoo, which houses Austria's only gorilla. The surrounding area, Bezirk Wels-Land, is ideal for hiking and cycling, with 20 hidden gems to discover.

Explore the historic buildings, shops and cafes of Hauptplatz square

Hauptplatz Square in Linz, Wels, is one of the largest enclosed squares in Austria and is a great place to start exploring the city. The square was built in 1230, and the surrounding buildings showcase Baroque and Renaissance styles. The central square is a perfect place to relax with a coffee or a beer, and there are plenty of shops to explore, too.

The majority of the historic Baroque architecture is congregated within the main square area and is within a short walking distance. The Old City Hall (Stadt Linz) and the Old Basilica (Alter Dom) are two of the most notable buildings, with their twin towers. The Linz Tourist Information Office is connected to the Old City Hall, so it's a good place to start if you want to learn more about the history of the square and the city.

The square also has a central Plague Column, a statue, and a fountain that serves as a roundabout. During the winter months, an ice rink is often erected, and market stalls pop up, selling traditional goods and crafts. There are several restaurants, bars, and cafes to choose from, and during the warmer months, people enjoy outdoor dining and socialising around the Trinity Column.

If you're looking for a bite to eat, you can find everything from traditional Greek food to modern cafes serving cakes and coffee. The cafe Konditorei Jindrak is a popular choice for its delicious cakes and pretty, modern setting. For those wanting something more hearty and traditional, Obermair's Wirtshaus is a first-class restaurant and bar serving Austrian classics in a friendly and personal atmosphere.

There are also plenty of attractions nearby, including the Zahnmuseum Linz (History of Dentistry Museum) and the Linzer Keller Theatre, which is the oldest patrician home in Linz, dating back to 1485.

Visit the free Tiergarten zoo, home to lynx, deer, donkeys and more

Tiergarten is a free zoo in Wels, Austria, that is home to a variety of animals, including lynx, deer, donkeys, and wild cats. The zoo has been around for several decades and is a great place to visit for families, with plenty of activities for children. In addition to the animals, there is a playground, a cafe, and a small pond. The zoo also has an indoor restaurant and an open-air restaurant, as well as several play areas for kids, including bouncy castles during the summer.

Tiergarten is known for its beautiful, peaceful atmosphere, providing a nice outdoor space to unwind and enjoy nature. The zoo is well-maintained and clean, with spacious enclosures for the animals. In addition to the land animals, there is also a building that houses water species, including crocodiles, turtles, sharks, and snakes.

While Tiergarten does not charge an entrance fee, some visitors have expressed a desire to have an optional admission fee to improve the experience. For example, some visitors have noted that additional staff could help enforce rules about feeding the animals, as there have been issues with people giving inappropriate food to the animals, causing them harm.

Overall, Tiergarten zoo in Wels, Austria, is a great option for families looking for a free, fun, and educational experience. With its variety of animals, playgrounds, and dining options, it offers an enjoyable and affordable way to spend a few hours immersed in nature.

Discover the Minoriten Museum, housed in a 13th-century monastery

Located in the historical centre of Wels, the Minoriten Museum is housed in a former monastery, the Minoritenkirche, which was built at the beginning of the 14th century. The museum provides a great historical view of the region, including the death of Emperor Maximilian I, who died in the town. Materials from the Neolithic Age through to the early Middle Ages are well represented in the museum. The exhibition begins with information on excavations carried out on the site of the museum, which was once a Minorite Abbey. The greatest strength of the museum is its model of an early primeval settlement with original items on display. Holdings from the Roman era comprise the bulk of the museum's collections, with a timeline that covers the years 0 AD to 500 AD, providing an overview of Roman times in Wels, the wider Roman Empire, and other civilizations of foreign continents.

The Minoritenkirche is now used as a venue for various events, including classical concerts, exhibitions, and meetings. The combination of high-tech equipment and a historic setting makes it an exclusive and ideal location for events. The museum is open from Tuesday to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm, Saturdays, 2 pm to 5 pm, and Sundays and holidays, 10 am to 4 pm.

In addition to the Minoriten Museum, there are other museums and attractions in Wels that are worth visiting. These include the Stadtpfarrkirche, the main church in the square, and the Ledererturm, an ornate observation tower built in the late 1800s. The Stadtplatz, a pedestrianised section in the middle of the city, is lined with shops and cafes, and during the winter months, an ice rink and market stalls pop up, selling traditional goods and crafts.

Wels is also home to two zoos, the Tiergarten and the Schmiding Zoo, which feature a variety of animals, including rare species such as the Siberian Tiger, Austria's only gorilla, and an extensive range of birds. The city also boasts a lively restaurant scene, with establishments like Obermair's Wirtshaus offering traditional Austrian cuisine and a friendly atmosphere.

Wander the Stadtplatz, taking in the Ledererturm tower and Stadtpfarrkirche church

The Stadtplatz, or city square, is a great place to wander and get a feel for the history of Wels. Stretching about 400 metres in an east-west direction, parallel to the Traun River to the south, the square originated in the 13th century. The buildings surrounding the square showcase beautiful colours and house shops and cafes. In the winter, an ice rink is often set up, along with market stalls selling traditional goods and crafts.

At the west end of the Stadtplatz is the Ledererturm tower, a landmark of Wels and the last remaining tower of the former city fortifications. The name comes from the nearby suburb "Unter den Lederern", or "amongst the leatherers", where The Stadtplatz, or city square, is a great place to wander and get a feel for the history of Wels. Stretching about 400 metres in an east-west direction, parallel to the Traun River, the square dates back to the 13th century. Some of the buildings along the square, including the Stadtpfarrkirche church, also date back to this time.

The Stadtpfarrkirche, located at the east end of the square, is Wels' oldest church. It was first mentioned in 888, when it was made of wood, and was later rebuilt in the Gothic style, with a large onion-domed tower. The church stands at the opposite end of the square to the Ledererturm tower.

The Ledererturm is the last remaining tower of the former city fortifications, and its name comes from the leather workers, or 'Lederer', who settled nearby. The tower was first mentioned in 1326 and was damaged in 1610 during an attack on the town. It was rebuilt in the early 17th century and remains a trademark of the city today.

As you wander the square, you'll also come across the beautiful Haus der Salome Alt, a Gothic building from the 16th century, as well as shops, cafes, and a fountain. In the winter, an ice rink is often set up, along with market stalls selling traditional goods and crafts.

Enjoy traditional Austrian food at Obermair's Wirtshaus

Wels, Austria, is a small city with a lot of history, dating back to the first settlers around 5000 years ago. The city is home to beautiful architecture, including the ornate Ledererturm observation tower, which was built in the late 1800s and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The Stadtpfarrkirche, the main church in the square, is also worth a visit.

One of the highlights of visiting Austria is, of course, the food. And there's no better place to enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine than at Obermairs Wirtshaus. Located in the quiet district of Wimpassing, this restaurant and bar has been a staple in Wels for generations. While the interior has been modernised, the quality of the food remains the same.

The menu features a range of hearty Austrian dishes, including beef broth, Schweinsbraten, and Gulasch. For those with a sweet tooth, there are locally made cakes and ice cream. If you're visiting on a Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, or Sunday, you can enjoy their famous Wiener Schnitzel or Surchnitzel, cooked in butter and served with their refreshing, homemade Most (cider). They also have a Veggie Burger for those looking for a more modern option.

The Wirtshaus is open from 11:30 am to 2 pm and 5:30 pm to 9 pm, Wednesday to Friday, and 11:30 am to 2:30 pm on weekends. It is highly recommended to make a reservation, especially if your party size changes, as they will charge for no-shows. The restaurant is family-friendly and dog-friendly, and they also have their own farm, so you can be sure of the quality and freshness of their ingredients.

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