Vils combines medieval townscapes with a specific selection of cultural and nature-related attractions: the Historic Hammer Mill and the ruins of Vilsegg Castle offer insights into the history of the Lords of Hohenegg, while trails to Vilser Alm and several nature attractions provide other points of interest. When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between the historic townscape, individual buildings and outdoor activities.
Cultural history in the town
In the Middle Ages, the Historic Hammer Mill in Vils served the Lords of Hohenegg as a forge for weapons. The exhibition covers medieval iron production and the craft of weapon forging. Other topics include Engelbert Hartmann, one of the last blacksmiths, and visits by the Bavarian royal family under Ludwig II.
The town's character is also shaped by the rows of medieval-style houses along Stadtgasse and Hintergasse. Five bells hang in the tower of the parish church of the Assumption of Mary. Two can be distinguished by their names, dates and weights: Susanna, cast in 1524, weighs 1,200 kilograms; the death bell, cast in 1769, weighs about 60 kilograms. St. Anna's Church is now often used as a wedding church.
Vils is also the hometown of organ builder Johann Konrad Wörle, also known as Giovanni Corrado Verlè. He lived from 1701 to 1777 and achieved great renown in Rome. Lute and violin making are also part of the town's history: Vils was once widely known for them.
Vilsegg: history and trail conditions
The small, circular-walled Vilsegg Castle, with its residential tower and palas, was built around 1220/30 by the noble Lords of Hohenegg above one of the most important north–south trade routes. The ruins served as the residence of the Lords of Hohenegg until around 1540.
From the free car park by the sports ground in Vils, a forest track suitable for pushchairs leads uphill from the settlement to the ruins of Vilsegg Castle in about 15 minutes. The final 80 metres are accessible only via a narrow footpath. Take this change in trail conditions into account when planning your visit, and check local conditions beforehand.
Trails and nature attractions
The Celtic Tree Circle in Vils is an educational tree trail designed to deepen visitors' knowledge of native trees in a fun way. The GEO Trail offers nature lovers four half-day tours, where they can experience the mountain landscape from different perspectives.
A variety of hiking and mountain biking trails lead from Vils up to Vilser Alm. There are also more than 180 kilometres of cycling and mountain biking routes around Vils.
A Christmas tradition
If Krippele-Luagar is of interest to you, plan your trip for the Christmas season: many families in Vils then open their doors to this traditional custom and offer a glimpse into an art form that is centuries old.
Discover more destinations: Hinterbichl, Stockach/Bach, Bach, Steeg, Ehenbichl, Breitenwang, Gramais, Boden
For the main travel overview: Reutte.
