Everything about the PFERD Wels
The PFERD Wels is Austria's leading fair for equestrian sport, breeding and care. It takes place at the Wels Exhibition Centre. Hotel Ploberger is just a few minutes' walk away – with garage, breakfast and quiet rooms in the centre.
Hotel, tickets, parking and accommodation
What is the PFERD Wels?
The PFERD Wels is Austria's leading equestrian trade fair –
and for decades one of the most important industry meeting points in the German-speaking region.
It unites the entire world of the horse under one roof: equestrian sport, breeding, husbandry, care and health.
Exhibitors from many countries present their latest products, current trends and information for riders of all disciplines, breeders and horse lovers.
The range extends from
riding apparel and equestrian equipment through to stable construction, feeding and horse wellness, as well as training and equine health.
This makes the PFERD Wels appealing to professionals and industry experts as well as to leisure riders and families.
What can I expect at the PFERD Wels?
A remarkable feature is the combination of trade fair, top-level sport and show: high-calibre competitions across different disciplines, impressive demonstrations and an extensive trade exhibition make the PFERD Wels a unique overall experience.
Popular experience areas such as the Western Town, the Kids' World and the Shopping Plaza ensure there is something for every taste.
For many visitors the PFERD Wels is a reason to spend several days in Wels – equestrian sport and expert programme during the day, a relaxed evening in the old town and a short, convenient trip to the exhibition grounds. Visitors from Bavaria, Germany, Lower Austria and Styria in particular like to combine the fair with a stay in the centre of Wels.
What's on at the PFERD Wels?
A key part of the experience is the extensive supporting programme of sports competitions, demonstration rings, breeding and breed presentations as well as expert talks.
A particular highlight is the gala show "Night of the Horses" with stars of the equestrian show scene from across Europe – an experience that delights young and old alike.
Whether classical riding, liberty dressage or top-class show jumping: the diversity of equestrian sport can be experienced across disciplines in one place at the PFERD Wels.
Opening hours of the PFERD Wels
The PFERD Wels runs over several fair days at the Wels Exhibition Centre.
The exact dates and daily opening hours of the current edition are published by the organiser on the official website.
As the fair extends across many halls and spacious outdoor areas, allow plenty of time for a complete tour. Anyone wishing to experience sport, show and trade exhibition at a relaxed pace is best advised to plan a multi-day visit and to stay centrally, so the journeys to the fair remain short.
Tickets and admission
Tickets for the PFERD Wels are usually available in the online ticket shop and at the box office.
The current admission prices and reduced categories are published by the organiser on the official website.
For the popular "Night of the Horses" gala shows, early booking is recommended, as these are typically in high demand.
Getting to the PFERD Wels
By car
Wels lies directly on the A1 Western Motorway and is easy to reach from Vienna, Salzburg, Linz and Munich.
By train
Wels station is one of Austria's most important railway hubs.
From there, visitors reach the city centre and the event areas within a few minutes.
By plane
Linz Airport is around 20 minutes from Wels and offers good connections for international guests.
Parking at the Wels Exhibition Centre
Visitors benefit from numerous parking options in Wels.
Garage at Hotel Ploberger
Guests staying at Hotel Ploberger enjoy a particular advantage:
The public car park at Kaiser-Josef-Platz connects directly to the hotel.
The car can stay there while you travel to the fair comfortably on foot or by the public transport that runs from Kaiser-Josef-Platz towards the exhibition grounds.
Exhibition car parks
During the PFERD Wels, exhibition car parks are available around the grounds.
For an event of this scale, an early arrival or the use of public transport is recommended, as traffic volumes are high.
City-centre location
Thanks to the hotel's central location, many routes can be covered comfortably on foot.
The PFERD Wels with your dog
Many visitors would like to bring their dog to the fair.
At the PFERD Wels, dogs are permitted with a muzzle and lead.
As many horses are present at the fair, particular care is required when handling your dog. The organiser's current rules on lead requirements and access should be checked briefly on the official website before your visit.
If you arrive with a dog, Hotel Ploberger is a good choice: dogs are warmly welcome on request.
This makes it easy to combine the fair with a stay in the centre of Wels – with short distances and green spaces nearby for the daily walks.
The PFERD Wels with children
The PFERD Wels is a popular destination for the whole family.
With the Kids' World, show demonstrations and the close encounter with the animals, there is plenty for children to discover and experience.
The spacious grounds leave ample room for a relaxed tour with the whole family.
For the stay in Wels, the central location of Hotel Ploberger is an advantage: short distances, no long drives and a quiet retreat after an eventful day at the fair.
Where to stay during the PFERD Wels?
For a multi-day fair in particular, the choice of accommodation makes the difference.
A central location in the Wels old town brings several advantages:
- short distances between hotel,
- fair and city centre,
- restaurants and cafés within walking distance for the evening,
- no daily search for parking at the grounds and
- a relaxed wind-down after a long fair day.
Anyone who doesn't want to drive back from an industrial estate in the evening, but is right in the city instead, gains noticeably in rest –
and arrives refreshed on the next fair day. After an intensive day at the PFERD Wels, the breakfast at Hotel Ploberger is a relaxed start the next morning before heading back to the fair.
Hotel Ploberger – 8 minutes' walk to the PFERD Wels
Hotel Ploberger is only around 650 metres from the event areas.
Most areas of the Wels Exhibition Centre can be reached in about 8 minutes on foot.
If you prefer public transport, there is a connection running directly from Kaiser-Josef-Platz towards the fair.
As a family-run house in its fourth generation, the hotel is a place where riders, breeders and trade visitors recover after an intensive day at the fair. The quiet, air-conditioned rooms sit in the middle of the city yet sheltered from the bustle. The sauna and fitness area invites you to recharge after a long day, and the generous breakfast buffet with regional products can be enjoyed in the garden on request.
Your advantages at a glance:
- quiet, air-conditioned rooms in the heart of Wels
- generous breakfast buffet with regional products – in the garden on request
- sauna and fitness area for recovery
- public car park with direct lift access to the hotel
- 24-hour access to the hotel
- free Wi-Fi throughout the house
- restaurants, cafés and the Wels old town right outside the door
After a day among sport, shows and the trade exhibition, guests enjoy the calm of the house while still reaching everything important on foot.
For business travellers who visit Wels regularly, Hotel Ploberger – for example as a seminar hotel in Wels – is a familiar address too.
What are FAQs about the PFERD Wels?
What is the PFERD Wels?
The PFERD Wels is Austria's leading equestrian trade fair. It takes place at the Wels Exhibition Centre and combines equestrian sport, breeding, husbandry, care and health with show and experience worlds.
When does the PFERD Wels take place?
The fair is held annually over several days. The current dates are published by the organiser on the official website.
Where does the PFERD Wels take place?
At the Wels Exhibition Centre in Upper Austria.
How much is admission?
The current admission prices and reduced categories are published by the organiser on the official website. Tickets are available in the online ticket shop and at the box office.
What is the "Night of the Horses"?
The "Night of the Horses" is the popular gala show of the PFERD Wels with stars of the equestrian show scene from across Europe. Early booking is recommended for these shows.
How many halls does the PFERD Wels have?
The fair extends across many halls and spacious outdoor areas of the Wels Exhibition Centre.
How far is Hotel Ploberger from the exhibition centre?
Just a few minutes' walk. Alternatively, public transport runs from Kaiser-Josef-Platz towards the exhibition grounds.
Is parking available?
Yes. The public car park at Kaiser-Josef-Platz, with lift access to the hotel, is right by the hotel. The exhibition car parks are also available at the grounds.
Can I arrive by train?
Yes. Wels station is an important hub; during the fair there are direct public connections to the exhibition grounds.
Which hotels are near the Wels Exhibition Centre?
Hotel Ploberger is centrally located in the Wels old town, just a few minutes' walk from the exhibition grounds, which makes it particularly well placed for fair visitors.
Which restaurants are nearby?
Hotel Ploberger is in the middle of the Wels old town – restaurants, cafés and bars are within a few minutes' walk.
Can I bring my dog?
At the PFERD Wels, dogs are permitted with a muzzle and lead; given the horses present, particular care is required. At Hotel Ploberger, dogs are welcome on request.
Is the PFERD Wels suitable for children?
Yes. With the Kids' World, show demonstrations and the closeness to the animals, the PFERD Wels is a popular destination for the whole family.
Is the PFERD Wels accessible?
The grounds of the Wels Exhibition Centre are designed with accessibility in mind. Current information is published by the organiser on the official website.
Is it suitable for a multi-day visit?
Yes. Given the variety of sport, show and trade exhibition, several days leave enough time to experience all areas at a relaxed pace.
Are there charging points for electric cars?
Charging options are available at Hotel Ploberger. It is best to ask the hotel directly for details.