by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 2:30 PM ET, Tue November 10, 2026
AmaWaterways joined officials and residents of Vilshofen an der Donau, Germany, to celebrate the town's 1,250th anniversary and mark the river cruise line's longstanding relationship with the community.
The celebration took place aboard AmaWaterways' AmaMagna on November 8 and included guided ship tours for as many as 200 local residents, followed by a ceremony and luncheon attended by local officials and business partners. Representatives from the cruise line and the town exchanged flags and presented commemorative gifts, including a ship's bell.
AmaWaterways' relationship with Vilshofen dates to 2008, when the company's ships first began calling at the town. Since then, Vilshofen has hosted several of the company's ship christening ceremonies. In 2019, the two partners also worked together to renovate and modernize the town's cruise ship landing facility through the Donauwelle project.
River cruising has also become an important part of Vilshofen's local tourism economy. The town is known for its traditional Bavarian beer festivals, which feature regional food, music and local hospitality for visiting cruise passengers. According to Florian Gams, first mayor of Vilshofen, the town organized 214 beer festivals for river cruise passengers during the 2026 season.
“We want to offer guests more than just a place to dock,” says Gams. We want them to experience authentic Bavarian hospitality through local music, regional specialties, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.”
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
