The short answer: In Passau, see St. Stephen's Cathedral with its famous organ, the Baroque old town, the Three Rivers Point at the tip of the peninsula and the Veste Oberhaus fortress with views over the Danube, Inn and Ilz. Two to three hours cover the old town, half a day adds the fortress and the Inn promenade. Passau is lovely from April to October and during Advent.
Top Sights in Passau
Passau lies in Lower Bavaria, right on the Austrian border. The Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers meet here, which is why it is called the City of Three Rivers. For centuries prince bishops ruled a vast diocese that once reached all the way to Vienna.
St. Stephen's Cathedral
After devastating fires in the 17th century, Italian architects and artists rebuilt the cathedral and much of the old town in Baroque style. The cathedral houses one of the largest church organs in the world, whose sound fills the entire space.
Old Town and the Three Rivers Point
The old town sits on a narrow peninsula between the Danube and the Inn. At its tip you can watch the green water of the Inn, the dark water of the Ilz and the Danube flow together. Along the way, don't miss the Old Town Hall with its flood marks, the Residenz squares and the artists' lane known as Höllgasse.
Veste Oberhaus
The mighty fortress on the hill across from the old town was long the seat of the prince bishops. Today it houses a museum, and its viewpoints offer the best panorama of the city between the rivers.
Inn Promenade and Mariahilf
The promenade along the Inn, with its colorful facades, is a lovely walk. Across the river, a covered stairway of 321 steps climbs to the Mariahilf pilgrimage church.
How Much Time Do You Need?
- 2 to 3 hours: cathedral, old town, town hall and Three Rivers Point, ideal for a shore excursion.
- Half a day: add Veste Oberhaus or a food tour.
- Full day: a bike ride along the Inn, a hike or a trip into the Bavarian Forest.
Best Time to Visit
From April to October most cruise ships call at Passau, and beer gardens and promenades are lively. Summer brings concerts and festivals, and during Advent the Christmas market in front of the cathedral is a highlight. Since Passau is often a start or end port, consider adding a day before or after your cruise.
Practical Tips
- Hear the organ: Look out for organ concerts in the cathedral, one of the most moving experiences in Passau.
- Wear good shoes: Cobblestones and the climb to the fortress call for sturdy footwear.
- Find the flood marks: At the Old Town Hall you can see how high the water rose during major floods.
- Discover glass: Passau is close to the Bavarian Forest with its long glassmaking tradition, and the city displays a remarkable collection.
Explore with a Guide
Our local guides meet you at the ship, know every lane of the old town and share stories of prince bishops, the salt trade and floods:
- Highlight-Tour Passau
- Salz, Glas und Fürstbischöfe Passau
- Wanderung zur Veste Oberhaus Passau
- Kulinarische Führung Passau
- Familientour Passau
Passau FAQ
Why is Passau called the City of Three Rivers?
Because the Danube, Inn and Ilz meet here. At the Three Rivers Point at the tip of the old town you can see their different colors.
Are two hours enough for Passau?
For the cathedral, old town and Three Rivers Point, yes. With a guide you see the key spots without detours.
How do I get to Veste Oberhaus?
On foot across the Luitpold Bridge and up a wooded path, or by bus. The walk is steep but rewarding.
Where do cruise ships dock in Passau?
At several docks along the Danube, usually just a few minutes' walk from the old town.
Plan Your Passau Excursion
Discover Passau with a local guide: book your tour or contact us with your port times. More about the city at the City of Passau website.