Known as the city of three rivers, Passau sits at the confluence of the Ilz, Inn and Danube. Whilst it’s also possible to explore the Ilz and Inn, you are most likely to visit this charming destination as part of a Danube River cruise. Sometimes, Passau will be your point of departure, giving you even more time to discover its sights.

So, if you fancy going off on a solo adventure whilst you’re there, here are some great things to do.

Veste Oberhaus

This former 13th-century fortress was originally built to not only keep foreign enemies at bay but to also protect the bishops from an uprising in favour of Passau becoming a free city. It is now a museum and a restaurant.

The Veste Oberhaus museum houses various temporary and permanent exhibitions that show you the story of the city and its castle. There are also regular special exhibitions that showcase anything from contemporary art to armoury from the middle ages.

When you’re finished wondering the impressive halls, you can climb to the top of the observation tower and look out over the city. Alongside the fantastic views of the Old Town, you’ll also be able to see where the waters of the three rivers converge.

Wonderful Walks

Passau is home to some great walks that take you to beautiful parts of the city and allow you to explore at ground level. One perfect example is the Innpromenade, a riverside route through parks and tunnels and past a number of delicious dining options.

Another option for a romantic stroll is Artist’s Alley, this time situated on the banks of the Danube. The walkway is littered with quaint little art shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs, whilst the stones beneath your feet have been turned into part of the experience by artists.

Lastly, you can choose to walk the short pilgrimage from the Innstadt district to the Paulinerkloster Mariahilf at the top of a hill. The journey is known as ‘climbing the Heavenly Ladder’ and involves navigating 321 steps inside a long corridor. Along the way, you’ll see pictures, crucifixes and depictions of Christ lining the wall and many pilgrims will stop and pray to these as they go.

The monastery at the top is the perfect icing on the cake, too. Its highlights include the decorative High Altar and the Emperor’s Lamp, donated by Emperor Leopold I.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral

This resplendent place of worship was built to reflect Passau’s wealth and status. It is the seat of the Catholic Bishop and is ornately decorated throughout with ceiling frescos and statues.

You can visit the cathedral at any time but many people come to see one of the famous organ concerts. St Stephen’s boasts the largest cathedral organ in Europe and so visitors arrive from far and wide to listen to its 17,974 pipes in all their glory.

Concerts take place at midday for around half an hour and there are also longer evening concerts at 7.30pm. Performances happen every day except Sunday and holy days.

If you would like to visit the alluring city of Passau on one of our Danube River cruises, we can help you find the ideal itinerary. Call us on 0800 954 0064 or click here to send us an enquiry via the website.