The best MTB trails around Steinhaus

When I travel through Upper Austria, Wels is always an important stop on my route. This city, the second largest in Upper Austria after Linz, is ideally located in the heart of the region. As a passionate train traveler, I'm particularly fascinated by the role of the main train station. Here, the famous Westbahn railway splits, and travelers can choose between two breathtaking routes – one to Salzburg and the other to Passau in Bavaria. With over 60,000 inhabitants, Wels has a vibrant atmosphere that is also reflected in its train station. It's not just a regional hub, but also offers national and international connections, making it easy to explore the impressive cities and landscapes in the surrounding area. While waiting for my train, I can observe the bustling activity at the station, where people from different cultures and countries come together.

Old Traun Bridge (Wels–Thalheim) • Located directly in the city center, it connects Wels with Thalheim. [wels +1] • Built in 1901 as a steel structure with two large arches by the Ignaz Gridl bridge construction company (Vienna). [ubm-development +2] • It rests on abutments clad with granite blocks and a massive central pier. [oberoesterreich +2]

Wels Central Station is a major transportation hub in Upper Austria. It is the starting point for the Wels–Passau railway line to Passau Central Station and the Almtal Railway to Grünau im Almtal, which branches off from the Westbahn railway line here. As part of the "Station Modernization" program, Wels Central Station was completely rebuilt and reopened at the end of 2005.

Wels Hauptbahnhof (Wels Central Station) is a central railway hub in Upper Austria. It is located at Bahnhofstraße 10 and connects regional, national, and international routes. [bahnhof.oebb +1] Location and Connections The station is located northwest of Wels city center and is easily accessible by several bus lines, regional trains, and tram line 1. Public transport provides efficient access to the city and surrounding areas, including the Wels Trade Fair Center via the Almtalbahn railway. Taxis, bicycle parking, and car parking are available daily from early morning until late at night. [welslinien +2] Facilities and Services There are ticket counters open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., ticket machines, shops (café, bakery, kiosk, florist), restrooms, and elevators for accessibility across three levels and a pedestrian bridge. Services include Wi-Fi, lockers, ATMs, and a travel center for bookings. Eight tracks serve through and stub tracks. [wikipedia +2] History and Significance Opened in the 19th century on the Western Railway, it expanded with lines to Passau and Almtal and, after major renovations in 2005, became a key hub. Today, it is served by ÖBB Railjet, Nightjet, Westbahn, and international trains to Vienna, Salzburg, Munich, and beyond. It is considered one of the best non-capital city railway stations in Austria. [railway timetable +1]

We were here briefly on a business trip, and it's a nice way to enjoy the views in all directions around Wels. The mountains and the fantastic panorama are also beautiful. Open year-round, with many steps leading up to the top, and there's also a guest book. Everything's free, and there's no waiting time. Worth a quick stop.

As a cyclist touring the beautiful region of Upper Austria, I can't help but pay tribute to the province's second-largest city, Wels. With over 60,000 inhabitants, this city attracts attention not only because of its size but also because of its central location. Situated in the heart of Upper Austria, Wels is a true hub for all rail travelers and offers excellent connections to the Westbahn railway line. If you arrive by train from the east, the route splits here in two directions: towards Salzburg or into the neighboring Free State of Bavaria, specifically to Passau. This is particularly convenient for us cyclists, as it gives us the opportunity to try out different routes. The main train station is not only an architectural highlight but also a place for meeting people and quickly transferring between different modes of transport. The city itself has much to offer, from historical buildings to beautiful parks – Wels is definitely worth a stop before continuing on to the picturesque surrounding countryside! Wels main train station is a real insider tip for cyclists like myself. Since its last major renovation in 2005, the train station has established itself as an ideal starting point for our adventures. Historically, Wels boasts a long connection to the railway. Even the horse-drawn railway from Budweis to Gmunden stopped here, though not at its current location, but rather in the heart of the old town at Kaiser-Josef-Platz. What truly shaped the station was the 19th-century decision to have the Passau railway line begin in Wels instead of Linz. This pivotal decision transformed Wels into a crucial hub for regional and long-distance rail traffic. For us cyclists, this translates into excellent access to various cycling routes. Right at the station, we find secure bicycle parking and, if needed, rental facilities. The combination of train and bicycle opens up countless opportunities to explore the surrounding countryside. Wels is therefore not only historically interesting but also a convenient starting point for many exciting tours!

The new Roman bridge over the Traun was opened on 22 April 2025

The new Roman bridge over the Traun near Schleißheim