Vilseck Travel Guide
A detailed destination guide for your next Germany vacation
Vilseck Overview
Vilseck is a town in the Oberpfalz region of northeastern Bavaria, Germany situated on the river Vils, a tributary of the Naab river. The town is geographically separate from a nearby large American military base known as the Rose Barracks but more commonly referred to as Vilseck. The base, built in 1937-1938, was captured during World War II from the Germans; it was previously known as Südlager.
The town of Vilseck's population was 6,484 citizens living within its area of 64.71km² (25.2 square miles) in 35 hamlets and villages as of December 31, 2005. The town is 402 meters (1,300 feet) above sea level. Its name comes from the location of a castle built in the year 920. "Eck" is the German word for corner. The Vils river has a tight bend where the Burg is located. Thus, the name Vilseck. Vilseck is home to Rose Barracks, a U.S. Army base located just outside the town.
Where to stay in Vilseck?
Check out our selection of hand-selected and quality Vilseck vacation rentals and holiday apartments.
Things to See in Vilseck
Worth seeing is the cityscape and the first German tower museum in the so-called bird tower and the Hafnertor.
The castle Dagestein is a weir, which was used until the 10th Century.
Castle Dagestein hosts a classical castle concert annually in July and a festival in October.
[ source: wikipedia ]
Maps and Driving Directions to Vilseck
Travel Insider Tips for Vilseck
Now this is a great place to visit, always try the local food!
Shared by Phillip CatDaddy Johnson, Nov 2009
Just moved from there last September. Loved it. Wish I could go back. My kids had a blast. "Zur Post" had the best Yager Schnitzel ever.
Shared by Candace Jackson, Sep 2009
I lived here for four years of my life. It was quiet but great folks.
Shared by Kim Fisher, Nov 2009
Wir waren in Vilseck stationiert...eine wunderschoene Gegend...uns hat es sehr gefallen.
Shared by Christine Seefeldt, Jul 2009
we were/are going to be stationed in again in Bamberg, Hubby always went to Vilseck/Graf for Field & stuff. I'm half german, so I LOVE it anywhere in the South. I recommend to see the Towns all around it. The little towns make such a big difference ...
Shared by Jeanie Robinson, Sep 2009
Whatever u do when u get to Vilseck, or anywhere in Germany try a DONER sandwich! so delicious... Best one in Vilseck is at Aladdins... I can post a pic!
Shared by Jennifer Higby Botchway, Sep 2009
... been there a couple of times. nice country side, very quiet but still nice..not too far from Nuremberg, Castle New Schwanstein and Praque
Shared by Anita Bode, Sep 2009
Wir waren in Ansbach und Schweinfurt stationiert. Ein Besuch in Vilseck stand mindestens 4 mal im Jahr auf dem Kalender. Eine wunderschoene Landschaft und auf jeden Fall ein Besuch wert. Porzellanstrasse und ueberhaupt.
Shared by Brigitte Schumacher, Sep 2009
Vilseck city
[ source: Flickr]
Popular Points of Interest in and near Vilseck
Castle Dagestein
The earliest documentation of the castle was in 1190; however it dates back to the year 930 when it was built to protect the trade route from Nürnberg to Eger (the so-called Golden Street
)against enemies. During the centuries parts of the castle were destroyed through war and pillage, but afterwards rebuilt with new buildings added. Between 1269 and 1745 Burg Dagestein was the residence of the local representative of the Bishop of Bamberg, who was the ruler of Vilseck during that time. Afterwards the buildings were used as a storehouse for corn.The basement of the castle tower is the oldest preserved section of the castle and dates back to the 12th century. During the restoration of the castle tower in 2000-2001, a Romanesque portal was uncovered which is a rarity throughout Germany . Wall paintings from the 14th century were also discovered.
The Bergfried
Tower is approximately 75 feet high and offers an excellent view of the old town and the surrounding area. During summer time the tower is opened on Sundays and public Holidays from 2pm - 5pm, April - September. The castle’s outer premises can be visited at all times.
Vogelturm Tower and First German Watchman's Museum
The Vogelturm is the town’s landmark and part of the old city wall. It was built in 1466, extended in 1568 and restored in 1994-1996. A small museum is contained within and various programs are offered throughout the year.
Hours: Open Friday - Sunday and holidays from 2pm - 5pm.
Admission: Adults 2 €, Concessions 1.50 €, Children up to 16 years .50 €.
Related Sites
We collected some useful links related to Vilseck. If you know a few more sites not listed here, or also know some insider tips or point of interests for this destination? Please share and submit your Germany travel tip. If approved it will be shown on this page!
- Homepage of Vilseck: Vilseck (official home page)
- Wikipedia: Vilseck
More about the History of Vilseck
Construction of the castle at around 925. Primary wooden watchtower with piling and moat, stone watchtower built in the 12th century. At this time a "Burg" (castle) was called an "Eck"; thus the name Vilseck derived from: City next to the Vilsburg. (Vilseck). It is also possible that the name comes from the fact that the city is situated on the Vils on a west to east stretch between two distinct 90 degree bends in the river. The German word for "Corner" is "Eck". From 1981 to 1993, the US Army extended and enlarged the Rose Barracks for about DM1,000 million marks. In 2000 the Erstes Deutsches Türmermuseum
(1st German museum of tower watchman or tower keeper) had its grand opening.
[ source: wikipedia ]
What makes this Live Like a German Vilseck Travel Guide special...
This Vilseck travel guide provides you with an overview of Vilseck, Vilseck pictures, and a local travel guide that suggests many special trips, unique activities, and vacation ideas, that you can't find in a typical Germany travel guide.
Some of this information is compiled from popular and well-known sources (e.g., such as Wikipedia, Wikitravel, and great pictures from Flickr). However, what makes this Germany travel guide special is that most of the travel suggestions and insider tips are provided by local residents, property owners, and our readers, who share and submit their travel tips with us. All submissions are then editorially reviewed to ensure high quality. All this information is logically organized within this destination guide to make it easy for you to find things quickly.
In addition, the Vilseck destination guide features restaurant recommendations, restaurant reviews, where to go for grocery shopping, sports activities, getting around, cultural events and highlights, entertainment, and health related information - so you are informed for your travel to Germany, and you can learn about all the cool things you can do during your Germany vacation!
