Discover Vilshofen, Germany

Sunny Vilshofen an der Donau, in southeastern Bavaria, is known as a picturesque, tranquil town that serves as a gateway to the Bavarian Forest. This major hub for Danube River cruises offers cultural indulgers a host of historic haunts.

Altstadt medieval streets, colorful Bavarian architecture, and the hilltop Benedictine Schweiklberg Abbey create a unique sense of place. Sample classic schnitzel, fresh-baked pretzels, and pork knuckle fare, or explore the famous Bier-Unterwelten underground beer cellars in the birthplace of Josef Groll, creator of the world’s first golden Pilsner beer.

Things To Do in Vilshofen an der Donau

Old city of Vilshofen, Bavaria, Germany

Nothing comes close to European river cruises on the Danube. Rivers connect us, bringing you even closer to unforgettable moments that can’t be staged—only discovered. Find what inspires your imagination while stepping into the story of Bavaria, one of the oldest states in Europe.

• Wander and shop the local boutiques of the charming Altstadt’s medieval streets.
• Photograph traditional Bavarian architecture, featuring colorful, ornate facades.
• Linger at Gasthof Wolferstetter’s Bräustüberl beer garden in the Stadtplatz.
• Indulge in Bavarian cuisine with schnitzel and a regional specialty, pork knuckle.
• Explore the Bier-Unterwelten (beer underworld), the underground beer cellar system.
• Admire Art Nouveau design and African carvings representing the Stations of the Cross inside Schweiklberg Abbey, a Benedictine sentry overlooking the town.
• Time your visit for seasonal events when Vilshofen becomes one of the best places to visit in Germany. Volksfest, a vibrant folk festival in August, and December’s Schwimmender Christkindlmarkt, a Floating Christmas Market, are joined by the July Donau in Flammen (Danube in Flames) musical fireworks display viewable from the Danube promenade.

Getting to and Around Vilshofen

Vilshofen an der Donau is the largest town in the southeast of Bavaria, perched at the entrance of the Lower Bavarian-Upper Austrian Danube Gorge. The closest major airport is Munich, which is several hours away, making a Danube River cruise the ideal way to visit.

• Munich Airport (MUC): 99 miles, ~1.5–2 hours by car, 3–3.5 hours by train.
• Linz Airport (LNZ): 78 miles,  ~1.5 hours by car, 3-3.5 hours by train.
• Salzburg Airport (SZG): 80 miles, ~1.5-2 hours by car, 3.5-4 hours by train.

Those visiting by rail will arrive at Vilshofen Niederbay station, less than 0.5 miles from both the Stadtplatz and the river cruise port. The station offers easy access to explore Passau (30 minutes by train) and other Bavarian towns in the region. Travelers arriving by river cruise are a mere 800 feet from the Stadplatz center square, making the compact and walkable town an ideal destination to delve deeper on foot.

Vilshofen, an Inspired River Cruise Connection

River cruises from Vilshofen flow through the heart of Europe with uninterrupted views of castle-topped ridges, vineyard-lined hills, and the terraced slopes and hilltop ruins of Austria’s Wachau Valley. This city of about 18,000 is known as a “floating island” due to the manner in which the Old Town is wedged between the Danube and Vils rivers.

Vilshofen is a popular starting or stopping point for Danube cruises. Ease of exploration locally in the compact and walkable city, as well as proximity to the regional rail system, extends the journey beyond the sailing to destination-driven day trips and accessible experiences with an authentic sense of place.

Many river cruise aficionados prefer quaint, charming Vilshofen to the larger, bustling Passau as an embarkation port. The flat walkways of Vilshofen and the river cruise dock in the center of the town can be more relaxing and convenient than Passau’s multiple docking points and busy transit options. The two towns are only 15-30 minutes apart, but feel worlds away.

Vilshofen Day Trips and Pre- or Post-Cruise Experiences

Old city of Regensburg, Germany

River cruises to Vilshofen, Germany, not only wind through the heart of Europe, connecting travelers with endless opportunities for indulgence and inspiration along the Danube River, but also offer a host of land-led discoveries a scenic train ride away.

• Passau, Germany: Three Rivers City (Danube, Inn, Ilz), historic center featuring a Baroque cathedral with one of the world’s biggest organs and a medieval hilltop fortress, Veste Oberhaus. (15-minute drive or train ride)
• Regensburg, Germany: A perfectly preserved medieval city, narrow alleys, Gothic cathedral, and 12th-century Stone Bridge. (55-minute drive or train ride)
• Český Krumlov, Czechia: A fairy-tale town and UNESCO site with a large castle. (90- to 120-minute drive or train ride)
• Salzburg, Austria: A baroque architecture-filled city and the birthplace of Mozart. (90- to 120-minute drive or train ride)

Vilshofen, Germany FAQs

Discover Vilshofen’s Charms on Danube River Cruises

Old city of Vilshofen, Danube, Bavaria, Germany

Vilshofen creates memorable riverside experiences with a blend of medieval and Bavarian charm, as well as access to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the convenience of stepping into the story of neighboring countries not easily accessible on the waterway. Vilshofen, Germany, is a highlight and anticipated destination of Danube River cruises with unique local-led inspiration, which serves as a reminder that the best in Europe is better than ever.

Let Vilshofen act as your gateway to Bavaria and beyond. Explore Danube River cruises to Germany and Danube River cruises from Vilshofen.