5 Things to Do in Passau, Germany

Known as the “City of Three Rivers,” Passau, Germany, lies at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers — a privileged position that once made it an important medieval center for the salt trade, and today offers a picturesque and fascinating stop on many a river cruise. From Passau’s fascinating past as a seat of religious and political power to its collection of contemporary art galleries, the charming Bavarian city is worth exploring for both its classical and modern offerings.

Here are five ways for clients to enjoy the best of Passau.

Explore the Old Town

Passau is a delightfully walkable city, especially in its Old Town. Here, visitors can stroll along the riverbank to the point where the rivers meet, as well as take in some of the city’s top sites. Points of interest include the towering Town Hall, the splendid mansions of Residence Square, the pretty pink St. Paul church and plenty of other charming streets and structures ideal for wandering and photo ops.

For clients who want to learn the city’s history along the way, travel advisors can arrange a guided walking tour; Passau Tourism’s website features suggested operators, including TOPassau Tours, which hosted my group on an excellent walk with fascinating commentary from a Passau-native guide.

See the World’s Largest Cathedral Organ

Dating back to the 1600s, St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a Baroque masterpiece befitting a much larger city than Passau. Topped by blue-green domes, the relatively plain facade leads to a highly ornate interior sure to leave visitors in awe. But the church’s true claim to fame is that it houses a cathedral organ that’s said to be the largest in the world, featuring 17,974 pipes and 233 registers. Clients visiting between May and October can even enjoy an organ concert, held at noon on weekdays and one evening per month. (While some parts of the organ are currently being restored, the majesty of the instrument is nonetheless on impressive display.)

Visit the Veste Oberhaus

A striking structure that sits high on a hill overlooking the city center, the 800-year-old Veste Oberhaus is a former fortress and residence of Passau’s prince-bishops (high-ranking Catholic clergy members who also served as civil rulers). The grounds provide a stunning panorama of the Old Town below, including the point where Passau’s rivers converge — from here, it’s even possible to discern the different colors of their waters. Inside, clients can explore the castle’s museum, with exhibits covering local history, culture, mythology and religion all the way back to the Middle Ages.

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Discover “Art Alley”

Travelers may feel a bit like Dorothy in Oz as they explore Hollgasse, or “Art Alley,” thanks to its colorful pathway of painted cobblestones. The rainbow road leads the way between a collection of art galleries, studios and workshops (these ground-floor spaces are offered to artists at a discount, due to the area’s tendency to flood when river levels rise) spanning painting, graphic arts, photography, sculpture, jewelry, fashion and more. Each year, the resident artists also choose a theme upon which to decorate the alley itself — on my visit, a variety of paper mache animals and objects were suspended between buildings to float above the heads of passersby.

Cruise the Danube

While the Danube is one of the most popular choices for multiday river cruises, it’s also possible to enjoy the waterway for just a few hours. There are multiple options for sightseeing cruises, including onboard the Crystal Ship (operated by Donauschifffahrt Wurm & Noe), whose interiors are extensively decorated with Swarovski crystals. During the two-hour sailing to Obernzell and back, cruisers enjoy lovely scenery — often with Germany on one side of the river and Austria on the other — via panoramic windows and, in good weather, an open-air top deck. Servers are also on hand to provide guests with a variety of food and beverages.