Port information & tips for Vilshofen
Vilshofen an der Donau is the picturesque gateway to the Bavarian Forest and a charming starting point for unforgettable river cruises in Lower Bavaria. The idyllic town impresses with its location at the confluence of the Danube, Vils, and Wolfach, welcoming visitors with Bavarian warmth and a magnificent old town backdrop. Cultural highlights include the splendid parish church of St. Johannes der Täufer, the prominent historic town tower, and the extensive Danube promenade, which invites visitors to take relaxing strolls. The cruise ships dock directly at the central Danube promenade, from where the historic town center, cozy beer gardens, and local sights are within easy walking distance in just a few minutes thanks to the excellent location.
Vilshofen an der Donau is a popular starting point for river cruises and, thanks to its manageable size and good connections, can be easily reached from the DACH region. A central terminal facilitates embarkation.
Car
The port of Vilshofen is directly connected to the supra-regional road network via the B388 federal highway and is therefore easily accessible by car. The nearest motorway is the A3 (Frankfurt-Passau), from which you can reach Vilshofen via the Garham or Passau-Nord exit. On site, guarded parking spaces provided by cruise lines or external providers are usually available, which often also offer Park & Cruise packages with a shuttle service to the ship. Early booking of parking facilities is recommended.
Train
Vilshofen (Donau) railway station is well integrated into the German rail network and is served by regional trains. Travelers from larger cities often reach Vilshofen by changing trains in Plattling or Passau. From the railway station, the cruise terminal, which is usually located in the immediate vicinity of the town center on the banks of the Danube, can be easily reached on foot in a few minutes or by taxi.
Airplane
The nearest international airport is Munich Airport (MUC), located approximately 150 kilometers away. From there, there are good train connections to Vilshofen (with a transfer), or you can use one of the numerous transfer services offered by the cruise lines or private shuttle providers that offer direct trips to the port. The travel time by car or transfer is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Arriving the day before is advisable for flights from greater distances or for early embarkation times.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Please plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
Vilshofen an der Donau is a popular starting point for river cruises and, thanks to its manageable size and good connections, can be easily reached from the DACH region. A central terminal facilitates embarkation.
Car
The port of Vilshofen is directly connected to the supra-regional road network via the B388 federal highway and is therefore easily accessible by car. The nearest motorway is the A3 (Frankfurt-Passau), from which you can reach Vilshofen via the Garham or Passau-Nord exit. On site, guarded parking spaces provided by cruise lines or external providers are usually available, which often also offer Park & Cruise packages with a shuttle service to the ship. Early booking of parking facilities is recommended.
Train
Vilshofen (Donau) railway station is well integrated into the German rail network and is served by regional trains. Travelers from larger cities often reach Vilshofen by changing trains in Plattling or Passau. From the railway station, the cruise terminal, which is usually located in the immediate vicinity of the town center on the banks of the Danube, can be easily reached on foot in a few minutes or by taxi.
Airplane
The nearest international airport is Munich Airport (MUC), located approximately 150 kilometers away. From there, there are good train connections to Vilshofen (with a transfer), or you can use one of the numerous transfer services offered by the cruise lines or private shuttle providers that offer direct trips to the port. The travel time by car or transfer is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Arriving the day before is advisable for flights from greater distances or for early embarkation times.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Please plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The docking berths in Vilshofen are located directly on the Danube Promenade and offer an excellent starting point for exploring the town and the region.
On Foot
The picturesque town square and the historic old town can be easily reached in about 5 to 10 minutes. The path leads directly from the riverbank into the center and is very pleasant to walk thanks to the flat terrain.
Taxi
Taxis are available for you in the promenade area and at the nearby train station. These enable a quick journey to individual destinations and complement the mobility options directly at the port.
Regional Train
Vilshofen train station can be reached in just a few minutes on foot and connects you directly with the cities of Passau and Regensburg. Thanks to the frequent service, you can travel relaxed while enjoying the beautiful view of the Lower Bavarian landscape.
To make the most of your stay in the charming Danube town of Vilshofen, we recommend a combination of a stroll through the historic old town and a visit to significant cultural sights in the immediate vicinity.
Historischer Stadtplatz & Donaupromenade
The central town square impresses with its magnificent façades in the Inn-Salzach style and, thanks to its immediate proximity to the port, offers the perfect starting point for a relaxed stroll along the well-maintained riverside paths.
Benediktinerabtei Schweiklberg
The impressive abbey church towers strikingly over the town and fascinates guests with its grand architecture and an interesting museum; at the same time, visitors enjoy a wonderful panoramic view over the Danube valley from up here.
Kloster Aldersbach
Only a few kilometers away, this Baroque masterpiece awaits you with the famous Asam Church and a historic brewery; furthermore, the estate is an ideal destination for an authentic insight into Bavarian traditions thanks to the short travel time.
Abtei Schweiklberg
The history-steeped Abtei Schweiklberg towers majestically over Vilshofen and can be reached from the ship pier in about a twenty-minute walk or comfortably via a short taxi ride. This cultural highlight impresses with its striking twin-towered abbey church featuring fascinating elements of Art Nouveau and also offers a wide panoramic view over the glittering Danube Valley. Within the well-maintained grounds, the well-stocked monastery shop and the integrated Africa Museum invite you to an engaging exploration, while the spiritual tranquility of the place perfectly invites you to relax. It is best to visit the abbey directly in the morning to make the most of the clear morning air and the far-reaching views, and then return relaxed to the nearby river promenade.
The way back to the Danube pier in Vilshofen is particularly straightforward thanks to the central location of the ship berths and can be arranged in a relaxed manner.
On Foot
Since the berths are located directly on the Danube promenade and close to the historic town center, you can easily stroll back on board in a few minutes from the town square or the prominent town tower. The path runs flat along the river and, thanks to the good visibility of the ships, offers excellent orientation for the way back.
Taxi
For a comfortable return journey from more distant points, you can find taxis at Vilshofen station, and vehicles can also be easily called via the local cafés on the town square. The short distances within the town guarantee a punctual arrival at the quay and ensure a relaxed conclusion to your stay.
Train and Bus
Vilshofen station is located in the immediate vicinity of the Danube promenade, so that after regional excursions you can simply arrive by train or bus at the central bus station and reach the ship berths directly via a short walk. This optimal connection enables a stress-free return to the ship and also offers time for a final look at the Danube.
