3 Days in Passau & Surroundings

St Stephen's Cathedral

Start at St Stephen's Cathedral with the largest cathedral organ in the world. The baroque nave with its stucco and ceiling frescoes ranks among the most magnificent north of the Alps.

Tip: The half-hour organ concert (May to October) is worthwhile — buy your ticket at the cathedral.

New Residence and Old Town Hall

From the Residenzplatz with the prince-bishops' New Residence through the old town lanes to the Old Town Hall on the Danube, whose tower and ceremonial hall represent civic Passau.

Lunch in the old town

In the taverns and cafes around the town hall square there is Bavarian and international cuisine — cosy among the baroque facades.

Three Rivers Corner

At the tip of the old town peninsula the Danube, Inn and Ilz come together — green, blue-green and dark side by side. A short walk to the headland is well worth it.

Veste Oberhaus and the Oberhaus Museum

A climb to the mighty Veste Oberhaus on the Georgsberg. The 13th-century fortress houses the Oberhaus Museum, and the viewpoint offers the classic postcard panorama of the three-rivers city.

An evening by the Danube

Along the Fritz-Schaeffer promenade and in the lanes of the old town, restaurants with river views line up. The ideal end to the first day.

Staying in the old town

A central location on the old town peninsula means short distances to all the highlights — the cathedral, the Danube and the Inn are all within walking distance.

Mariahilf pilgrimage church

Over the historic Mary's bridge into the Innstadt and up to the Mariahilf pilgrimage church. The covered pilgrims' staircase leads up to the baroque church with wide views over the old town and the rivers.

Tip: The 321 steps of the pilgrims' staircase reward you with the view — the road route is a comfortable alternative.

St Severin in the Innstadt

The church of St Severin in the Innstadt stands on the site of the late-antique work of Saint Severinus. It is one of the oldest churches in Passau and recalls the Roman and early-Christian roots of the city.

Lunch in the Innstadt

The Innstadt on the southern bank has cosy spots with views back to the old town — a quieter, almost village-like contrast to the baroque peninsula.

Inn promenade

Back on the old town bank, the Inn promenade runs beneath the row of houses. From here you see the alpine blue-green Inn and Mariahilf opposite — a relaxed stretch by the river.

Museum of Modern Art

The Museum of Modern Art in the old town shows changing exhibitions of classical modernism and contemporary art in historic townhouses — a contrast to the baroque surroundings.

An evening in the old town

To round off the second day, one of the taverns or wine bars in the lanes around the cathedral — Bavarian cosiness with Italian flair.

A second night in Passau

Staying in the old town keeps the Danube and the Inn close — ideal for a final morning stroll by the water before day three.

Niedernburg Abbey

Niedernburg Abbey in the old town dates back to the 8th century. Here lies the tomb of the Blessed Gisela, Queen of Hungary and sister of Emperor Henry II — a quiet, history-laden place.

Ilzstadt and the Veste Niederhaus

Across the Ilz to the Ilzstadt at the foot of the Georgsberg. Where the Ilz flows into the Danube stands the Veste Niederhaus, the lower part of the fortifications — picturesquely set between water and rock.

Lunch with a river view

Stop in the old town or by the Danube — many places offer a view of the water and regional cuisine to fuel up before the excursion.

Excursion into the Danube valley to Obernzell

The Danube valley downstream towards Austria is gloriously green. A boat trip or bike ride leads through tight valley bends past castles and villages — Obernzell with its palace is a rewarding destination.

Tip: Scheduled boats into the Danube valley depart regularly from the landing stage on the Danube promenade.

Farewell dinner in the old town

A last evening in Passau: a traditional tavern or a restaurant with a Danube view. In good weather you sit outside and watch the rivers go by.