We fell in love with Vilshofen, Germany, when we were escorting one of our river cruise groups; this river cruise port is charming. Nestled along the picturesque Danube River, Vilshofen, Germany, is a hidden treasure that often goes unnoticed by travellers. This quaint town welcomes visitors with its captivating blend of history, culture and natural beauty. A quick couple-minute walk from the ship, you walk through the cobblestone walkways to enter the historical town's idyllic setting, with its colourful houses and cobblestone streets, creating a timeless ambiance that will transport you back in time.
Vilshofen's history stretches back centuries, and this is evident in its well-preserved landmarks and architecture. The heart of the town is the historic "Stadtplatz" or main square, a lively hub surrounded by picturesque buildings showcasing architectural styles. Here, you can take a leisurely stroll, savour local delicacies in charming cafes, or browse through boutique shops offering unique souvenirs.
The highlight of Vilshofen's historical attractions is the imposing Vilshofen Castle, which overlooks the town from a hilltop. This medieval fortress dates back to the 12th century and offers a captivating glimpse into the town's past. Exploring the castle's grounds and towers is a must-do activity for history enthusiasts, providing stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. Since this town of four blocks was steps away from our ship, we enjoyed going back in after our tour to do a little shopping in the pretty little shops to pick up local items; some of our group even enjoyed visiting a local wool store that had beautiful European yarns and patterns. Our walking tour through the town included visiting the historical church "St. John the Baptist" it is incredibly beautiful and worth a visit. We even enjoyed an organ concert here.
Regarding Germany, one cannot help but think of its rich beer culture with deep historical roots dating back centuries. Among the many towns contributing to this brewing legacy, Vilshofen is a significant player in Germany's beer history. Let us raise a glass and take a journey in time to explore the fascinating history of beer in Vilshofen. While we were here, we enjoyed a tour of a beer cave (Bier-Unterwelten), showcasing the history of beer in this area; quite a tasty experience! An interesting piece of beer trivia for this beautiful town, Vilshofen. The creator of the famous Pilsner and growler Josef, Groll was born in this town; he did return to his place of birth, where he died at his regular table in his favourite pub Wolferstetter Keller which is still in business today.
Prost!
