Dingolfing-Landau: Cultural History and the Vils Valley

Dingolfing-Landau can be explored through a wide range of experiences: archaeological finds and urban history, a pilgrimage church built against a rock face, and opportunities for excursions by the water. Museums in Landau and Dingolfing each focus on different aspects of history; at Vilstalsee lake, nature and outdoor activities take centre stage.

Museums in Landau: from the Neolithic period to urban history

At Kastenhof Landau, original archaeological finds from the region tell the story of the time of the first farmers. Hands-on replicas, striking images and Lisar, a lifelike figure of a Neolithic woman, bring the past to life. The combination of artefacts, images and replicas offers visitors different ways to explore this early period.

The Landau Local History Museum, housed in the 250-year-old Weißgerberhaus, offers a different perspective on the past. The exhibition covers rural domestic culture, faith and religious devotion, the history of the town of Landau, bourgeois domestic life and self-representation, as well as urban crafts. Its main focus is the 19th century. Together, the two museums offer different perspectives: Kastenhof explores the time of the first farmers, while the local history museum focuses on domestic life, faith, crafts and the town’s history.

Church, procession and culture in Landau

The Maria im Steinfels pilgrimage church was consecrated in 1726. Its altar stands in front of a Nagelfluh rock face, which gives the church interior a distinctive character. The site is also associated with a long religious tradition: Landau’s Sebastiani procession has been held since 1713 and ends at the church. If you would like to plan your visit around the procession, check the latest dates.

In Landau, the Glass Hall and the Duke’s Hall can be booked for events through the city’s cultural office. These include concerts, talks, exhibitions and seminars, as well as receptions, weddings and celebrations. The range of uses therefore extends from cultural events to private occasions.

Dingolfing and its architectural history

The Dingolfing Museum is spread across three historic buildings in the Upper Town: the Herzogsburg, the Pfleghof and the Getreidekasten. It presents the urban and industrial history of Dingolfing from the Neolithic period to the present day. The Herzogsburg also has a history of its own: it was built around 1410 as the official residence of the Kastner and as lodgings for the Bavarian dukes. The buildings and exhibition thus offer two perspectives on Dingolfing—through its historic architecture and through the long development of the town and its industry.

At Vilstalsee lake: nature and outdoor activities

The Vilstal nature reserve near Marklkofen covers almost 175 hectares and provides a habitat for numerous animal and plant species. The reserve includes Vilstalsee lake, which covers around 100 hectares. It is ideal for walks and cycling tours; there are also opportunities for boating, sailing and surfing. The same lake therefore offers both land-based excursions and a range of water sports.

Another leisure highlight is the sauna and wellness area at Caprima leisure pool. It has recently been renovated and certified as a “Premium Facility” by the German Sauna Association. When planning your stay, you can weigh up cultural visits, activities at Vilstalsee lake and wellness as different ways to spend your time.

Plan your stay and find a hotel

Before choosing a hotel, decide whether museums and churches, the Vils Valley or a combination of the two will shape your stay. Check specific places to visit and dates, especially if you would like your trip to include the Sebastiani procession.

Discover more destinations: Landau an der Isar, Mengkofen, Reisbach, Dingolfing, Loiching, Eichendorf, Mamming, Pilsting.

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