Passau, best known as the “City of Three Rivers” lies in the Southeast of Germany on the Austrian border. The city is about 2000 years old and is one of the oldest cities in Bavaria.
Passau will take you back in time with its picturesque landscapes, beautiful historical buildings, and museums.
The city is often referred to as the “Venice of Bavaria” and is one of the favorite tourist destinations in Germany.
Furthermore, Passau is strategically located at the convergence of three rivers, the Inn, Ilz, and the Danube making it an important trading center.
Here are some of the top things to do in Passau Germany.
#1. Ortspitze, the meeting point of the three rivers
Passau is popularly known as Dreiflüssestadt or “City of Three Rivers”. From Ortspitze, you can view the confluence of the three rivers, the Ilz from the North, the Inn from the South, and the Danube from the West.
Interestingly, the place where they meet, you can see the different colors of the rivers in white, black and teal.
Enjoy the river view from the hilltop or you can just go for a walk along the edges of the river on the Innpromenade. The place is quite popular among locals and is a favorite picnic spot as well.
#2. Get amazed by one of the world’s largest pipe organs at St. Stephen’s Cathedral
Established in 1668, the St. Stephen’s Cathedral is located in the old town of Altstadt, Passau.
This old Gothic church was designed by architect Carlo Lurago and the interiors have been done by Giovanni Battista Carlone and Carpoforo Tencalla.
Built in Baroque style, this church is an architectural gem and one of its prime attractions is that it is the home for one of the largest pipe organs in the world.
The organ has 17,774 pipes, 233 registers, and 4 chimes. Visitors can enjoy a half-hour acoustic recital that is held every day from Monday to Saturday at noon.
#3. Marvel at The Passau Glass Museum
The Passau Glass Museum or Glasmuseum Passau as the locals call it abodes the world’s largest collection of European glass.
The museum was inaugurated in 1985 in the Hotel Wilder-Mann. It gracefully flaunts the science of glassmaking that has evolved throughout generations and exhibits over 30,000 pieces of glass art.
The museum showcases techniques and designs from different eras of time like the baroque, Rococo, Biedermeier, art nouveau, art deco and also the modern art styles.
Admission fees to the museum are 8 USD per person.
#4. Walking Tour of Passau Germany
Walk along the cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways and get a feel of the true spirit of the old city of Passau.
Every nook and cranny of the streets of Passau looks magical enthralled by the rich history of the past.
The buildings mostly built in the Italian style of architecture are colored in bright pastel shades of yellow, orange, and blue.
Walk your way to the Oberhaus Fortress or visit some of the best cafeterias or charming shops in the town.
You can also find your way to the Artists Alley near the promenade of river Danube.
#5. The Artists Alley at Höllgasse
The Artists Alley at Höllgasse is a must-visit if you are in Passau. The street is hard to miss with its beautifully painted cobblestones in a medley of colors and is a favorite place to hang out.
Often referred to as the “Streets of Hell”, the Artists Alley is very close to the river Danube and is flooded almost every year.
During summer if the weather is fine you can meet the local artists as they display their paintings on the streets. You can buy some local art from the stalls and art galleries.
Join the local tours operated by the tourism office of the city and take ample pictures of the local shops and the rainbow-colored streets. It is worth a visit.
#6. Take a walk to the Oberhaus Fortress
The Oberhaus Fortress was built in 1291, by Ulrich II, the first prince-bishop of the town.
The fortress is a living example of Gothic and Renaissance architecture and demonstrates the power and influence of the Holy Roman Empire that has once ruled this city.
Inside the fortress, there is a gallery section and a museum that consists of a huge art collection from Eastern Bavaria, Bohemia, and Austria.
The fortress also is the home of a youth hostel. There is an open-air theatre which showcases regular performances. If you are tired from the walk, relax and have a quick bite at the fortress restaurant.
If you are adventurous, climb up the stairs to the top of the fortress and get the best roof-top view of the old city of Passau.
