Christmas Markets in Vilshofen

Vilshofen's history stretches back over a thousand years, receiving town rights in 1206 from the Prince-Bishops of Passau. Positioned at the confluence of the Vils and Danube rivers, the town developed as an important trading post and river port during the Middle Ages, benefiting from its strategic location along major water routes. The town's Baroque character emerged largely after a devastating fire in 1794, which prompted extensive rebuilding in the architectural style of the period. Vilshofen's connection to the Danube has shaped its identity for centuries, and the town maintains its role as a gateway to the river for modern tourism and river cruising. The community has preserved its small-town Bavarian character while embracing its heritage as a historic river settlement.