Europe Travel Guide

Wels (population of 56,478 as of 2001) is the second largest city of the state of Upper Austria, located in the north of Austria, upon the Traun River near Linz. It is not part of any district, but a Statutarstadt. It is also the seat of the administration of the district of Wels-Land.

Geography
Wels is located in the Hausruckviertel at an elevation of 317 m. From north to south, it extends over 9.5 km, from west to east over 9.6 km. 3.4 % of the area are covered with forest, 23.5% are used for agriculture.

The neighborhoods and villages making up the municipality are: Aichberg, Au, Berg, Brandln, Dickerldorf, Doppelgraben, Eben, Gal, Hllwiesen, Hlzl, Kirchham, Laahen, Lichtenegg, Mitterlaab, Nham, Niederthan, Oberhaid, Oberhart, Oberlaab, Oberthan, Pernau, Puchberg, Roithen, Rosenau, Schafwiesen, Stadlhof, Trausenegg, Unterleithen, Waidhausen, Wels, Wimpassing, Wispl.

History
The area of Wels has been settled since the Neolithic era and gained importance in Roman times because of its central location in the province of Noricum. Around the year 120, Wels received roman city rights undere the name of Municipium Ovilava. Around 215, it was named Colonia Aurelia Antoniana Ovilabis by Emperor Caracalla. At that time, the city already had 18,000 inhabitants. However, Wels completely lost its importance with the end of Roman rule.

In 1222, during the ruler of the Babenberger family, Wels again received city rights. A document dating to 1328 provides evidence for Wels’ important role as the location of a market. Its endowment with economic privileges and its advantages position upon several rivers allowed it to gain an important position in the region