OK, let’s get one thing straight; just because the town of Vilsbiburg doesn’t have a traditional “Market Square” doesn’t mean it’s not an old traditional Bavarian town.
Most noticeable about the Vilsbiburg’s Market Place is that it’s not square like so many other towns in Germany. It’s a long street flanked by some ornately decorated buildings wedged right next door to plain, modern ones with a cobblestoned street and tents with locals hocking their wares.
At the far end of the Market Place is the “avocado” green 16th century Tower Gate. Right next door is the historic (it’s red) Hospital Church. At least Vilsbiburg’s City Hall isn’t painted some unique color, it’s a tastefully decorated 18th century white building with lots of flowerboxes.
Both the Pilgrimage Church Maria Hilf and the City Parish Church Maria Ascension are, as well, equally tasteful. Many old churches are often filled with beautiful works of art, done by the talented faithful.
Vilsbiburg does have a local history museum, but a great way to experience it would be to stay overnight at the Gasthaus Breitenacher. This historic pub/beer garden/inn was once part of a schloss complex and besides economical room rates (with breakfast), they serve local Bavarian specialties. Yes, that means beer, too. You didn’t really think you’d come to Bavaria and NOT visit a beer garden? ;-)
To be honest, Vilsbiburg isn’t just garish colored buildings and beer gardens. The Naturefahrungsraum am Rettenbach (try saying that fast five times!) is great for just walking or cycling around the foothills of the Alps.
There’s also an indoor swimming pool, an outdoor one (with waterslide and waterfall), a 9-hole golf course, and Go-carts.
And the town does have it’s cultural activities. The Dorffest or Village Festival is held in mid-July, there’s an annual town Flea Market, and quite a few theater performances and musical concerts.
From the sounds of it, Vilsbiburg is a true traditional Bavaria town — no matter the shape of its Marktplatz.
