WELS is also an acronym for the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.

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 .

Map
Key facts
State:	Upper Austria
District:	Statutarstadt (WE)
Area size :	45.92 km²
Population:	56,478 (as of 2001)
Elevation:	317 m above sea level
Postal code:	4600
Area code:	07242
Geographic location:
Official municpaility number :	40301
Subdivisions:	9 boroughs
Town hall:	Stadtplatz 1 4600 Wels
Official website	www.wels.at
E-Mail-Address:	[email protected]
Politics
Mayor:	Peter Koits (SPÖ)

Contents

1 Geography 2 History 2.1 Historical population 3 Economy 4 External links

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, Gaßl, Höllwiesen, Hölzl, Kirchham, Laahen, Lichtenegg, Mitterlaab, Nöham, 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

Emperor Maximilian I died in Wels on January 12, 1519, after having been denied access to Innsbruck by its citizens.

On January 18, 1964, Wels became a Statutarstadt of Austria.

Historical population

215: 18,000; 1991: 40,676; 2001: 56,478

Economy

Wels is known as an important city for shopping and the location of several gymnasiums and higher vocational schools and also of a vocational college . Furthermore, it is known for the Wels Fair , which takes place every two years in fall.

External links

• (in German): http://www.wels.at/
• (in German): http://www.weon.at/
• Some brief facts: http://www.greatestcities.com/Europe/Austria/Wels_city.html