Vilshofen an der Donau, Germany
Vilshofen was where our March 2025 Danube river cruise began — a small, storybook Bavarian town on the river where we spent a night at an old-town apartment before embarking on AmaWaterways' AmaMora.
Our experience
We reached it by train from Munich through the Bavarian countryside, and we loved its quiet charm: a tidy market square, pastel townhouses, riverside paths and the unhurried feel of small-town Germany away from the big cities.
It's exactly the kind of place a river cruise reveals that you'd never otherwise find — a peaceful prologue before the boat slipped downstream toward Austria and Hungary.
Vilshofen is known as the "Little Three-River City," sitting where the Vils and Wolfach flow into the Danube. Its historic Stadtturm was once part of the city's defenses, and the tower keeper's duties included watching for fires and signaling arriving and departing ships on the Danube.
Must-sees and must-dos
- Vilshofen Altstadt & Stadtplatz — the historic heart of town, framed by restored buildings, narrow lanes and the landmark Stadtturm.
- Historic Stadtturm — Vilshofen's landmark tower, with a history stretching back to the medieval city gate.
- Danube riverfront — an easy place for a quiet walk along the river before or after exploring the old town.
- Vilshofen sights — explore the churches, historic buildings and small lanes of this compact Bavarian town.
- Danube cycling & walking routes — riverside routes and trails offer an easy way to enjoy the landscape around town.
- AmaWaterways Danube cruises — Vilshofen serves as an embarkation point on select Danube itineraries heading toward Austria and Hungary.
Our pro tip
Most travelers only pass through Vilshofen as a cruise embarkation point, but we'd say arrive a little early — a night in the old town before boarding lets you actually see the place.
It's tiny and walkable, so bring comfortable shoes and leave some time for the historic Stadtplatz and a quiet walk along the Danube before the river journey begins.