Traditional Vilshofen Volksfest

Danube Folk Festival Since 1861

The Traditional Vilshofen Volksfest is the largest summer folk festival in the Lower Bavarian Danube Valley and one of the region's most traditional events. It takes place on the expansive Rennbahngelände (racecourse grounds) in Vilshofen an der Donau (Passau district, Lower Bavaria, Bavaria). The City of Vilshofen is the organizer.

From Schiffersturm to Folk Festival

According to the city archives, the festival's roots date back to 1861. The event commemorates the Schiffersturmtag, a historical Danube custom where Vilshofen's boatmen prayed for protection from stormy Danube passages at the end of August. This religious and craft-based custom evolved into a district agricultural festival and eventually into the civic folk festival celebrated today.

Main Beer Tent, Wheat Beer Tent, Fuchsbau

The grounds feature three main tent structures:

• Main Festival Tent – Serving beer from the Wolferstetter Brewery, Vilshofen's traditional brewery. Live music from brass bands, party bands, and cover bands throughout the festival days.
• Wheat Beer Tent – A younger, livelier tent with its own music program.
• Fuchsbau – A traditional area for food and festivities.

Surrounding these are a large amusement park with modern roller coasters, carousels, a Ferris wheel, as well as food stalls and games of skill. A historic barrel organ (Drehorgel) evokes the festival traditions of past generations.

Grand Parade on Sunday

The highlight of each edition is the Grand Parade on Sunday: A colorful procession of music bands, traditional costume groups, shooting guilds, and floats moves from the town square (Stadtplatz) to the racecourse. The parade is considered one of the most beautiful folk festival parades in Lower Bavaria.

Firework Finale on Wednesday

The festival concludes with a grand firework display on the last day (Wednesday). With the reflection on the Danube and the town's silhouette as a backdrop, the finale fireworks are among the most anticipated moments.

Accessibility and Modern Infrastructure

Since 2019, the racecourse grounds have been modernized: enlarged beer gardens, wider paths, improved sanitary facilities, and better lighting. Reserved wheelchair spaces and accessible restrooms are available in the main festival tent, Fuchsbau, and wheat beer tent.

Vilshofen an der Donau

Vilshofen, with approximately 17,000 inhabitants, is a 'Große Kreisstadt' (major district town) in the Passau district (Lower Bavaria, Bavaria), located at the confluence of the Vils, Wolfach, and Danube rivers. The Volksfest is the largest city festival of the year, attracting visitors from Lower Bavaria, Upper Austria, and the Czech Republic.