Ledererturm Wels, Medieval watchtower in Wels, Austria

The Ledererturm is a Gothic structure in Wels standing roughly 38 meters tall with four square floors topped by a pointed roof. An archway connects it to the adjacent city square and forms a defining element of the urban landscape.

The defensive structure was built in the 13th century as part of the city fortifications and was reconstructed between 1616 and 1619 following damage from attacks. This restoration ensured its survival through the following centuries.

The tower takes its name from the leather workers (Lederer) who settled in today's Fabrikstraße and Schwimmschulgasse in the Middle Ages. During Advent the second floor holds a museum of historic toys, and on the third floor children can have their photo taken in the Christkind's parlour and post a letter to the Christkind; with a return address they receive an answer.

The tower can only be visited inside on a night watchman's walk outside the Christmas season; during Advent the second floor holds a historic toy museum and the third a photo studio in the Christkind's parlour. There is no heating, no toilet and no barrier-free access, so it is not open for permanent use. The pedestrian passage on the north side was opened in 1928.

This is the sole remaining tower from the original four medieval watchtowers that once guarded the city. The others have disappeared, making this tower a rare testament to the city's defensive past.