Dingolfing-Landau: Vilstalsee, Museums and History

Dingolfing-Landau can be explored through a variety of interests: nature and activities at Vilstalsee, archaeological insights in Landau, and the urban and industrial history of Dingolfing. When planning your stay, you can decide which of these experiences you would like to focus on.

Nature and Water Sports at Vilstalsee

The “Vilstal bei Marklkofen” nature reserve covers almost 175 hectares and provides a habitat for numerous animal and plant species. The roughly 100-hectare Vilstalsee is located within the protected area. These figures refer to different areas: the lake is part of the larger nature reserve. Hiking and cycling routes around the lake invite you to spend time outdoors. Boating, sailing and surfing are possible on the water.

This offers a choice of excursions on foot or by bike, as well as activities on the water. You can decide what to focus on based on whether you would rather explore the landscape or spend time enjoying water sports.

Landau: Archaeological Finds and Local History

Original archaeological finds from the region at the Kastenhof Landau 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 Kastenhof is in Landau’s old town. This connects a museum visit with a specific historic location; the replicas and Lisar offer a vivid context for the displayed finds.

The Landau Local History Museum also explores various aspects of the town and its life. Housed in the 250-year-old Weißgerberhaus, it showcases rural domestic culture, faith and religious devotion, local history, bourgeois living and self-representation, as well as urban crafts. Its main focus is the 19th century. If you are interested in this period, you will find several perspectives side by side here, from daily life and faith to urban crafts.

Another historic stop is the Maria im Steinfels pilgrimage church. It was consecrated in 1726, and its altar stands in front of a Nagelfluh rock face. The town of Landau’s Sebastiani procession is also associated with the church: it has been held since 1713 and ends there. If you would like to include the procession in your travel plans, check the event dates in advance.

Dingolfing: Urban and Industrial History

The Dingolfing Museum spans three historic buildings in the Upper Town: the Herzogsburg, the Pfleghof and the Getreidekasten. It presents Dingolfing’s urban and industrial history from the Neolithic Age to the present day. The Herzogsburg is not only one of the museum buildings but also a historic landmark in its own right: it was built around 1410 as the official residence of the Kastner and as quarters for the Bavarian dukes. These two details illustrate the breadth of history covered by the museum complex, from early settlement to the functions of a single historic building.

Wellness and Event Venues

The sauna and wellness area at the Caprima leisure pool has recently been renovated and certified as a “Premium Facility” by the German Sauna Association (Deutscher Sauna-Bund e.V.). It adds a different focus to your travel plans alongside the region’s historical attractions. In Landau, the Glassaal and Herzogssaal can also be booked through the town’s cultural affairs office for concerts, lectures, exhibitions and seminars, as well as receptions, weddings and celebrations. If you are planning an event, contact the cultural affairs office.

Discover More Destinations

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

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