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Stadt Wehlen is situated at an altitude of 110–210 m in the narrow valley of the river Elbe at the entrance to the Sächsische Schweiz ("Saxon Switzerland") region. The earliest mentions of a "castrum Wylin" date from 1269. However, this once mighty castle fell into dereliction during the Middle Ages and only some vaults have remained. In 1346/1379 Wehlen was already mentioned as a town ('Wehlstädtl').

The Protestant (Lutheran) Stadtkirche (town church) [left, barely visible] was rebuilt in 1882/83.