Hotel Am Jesuitenschll

Night time lights

by solituda

One of the loveliest, romatic, peaceful things we did in Passau, was after supper one night we just walked and wandered through the old town.
Everything looks so different at night and there is an completely different atmosphere and look about the town.
It is a definate must for everyone to do and you dont have to worry about not feeling safe since everyone else seems to be out as well.

Veste Oberhaus - the best view-point

by globetrott

Inside the castle Oberhaus you may walk around on your own to many places without paying anything. Only for the exhibitions and museums you have to pay a seperate fee.
On the very top of this tower you may find the best view-point for a picture of the castle .
You may walk up there against a seperate entrance-fee of 1 Euro.
The next 2 pictures were taken from that viewpoint on top of the small tower !

The platform on the tower is open daily:
Monday till Friday : 09.00a.m. - 05.00p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and Holidays : 09.00a.m. till 06.00p.m.

The Stephansdom

by solituda

The cathedral of St. Stephan is a must visit while in Passau.
The frescos, the stucco figurines, even the gilt pulpit would not look out of place in an Italian church. Just remember to always look up to see the frescos.
Although there were no organ concerts on while we were there - it would be worth a visit to hear the great organ played.
Be forewarned though, the cathedral is really very chilly inside - which although a bonus in summer - is not great the rest of the year!

Veste Oberhaus - Oberhaus castle

by globetrott

"Veste" Oberhaus is the old expression that is still officially used for the german word Festung (castle) in Passau. The castle dates back to the year 1219 and was the fortified residence of the prince-bishops of Passau.
Today it is a great place to have a perfect panorama-view on the city and inside you may find several museums and exhibitions about the history of Passau.
For more details, please see my tips under "off the beaten path" or click on my link below ! (unfortunately only a german-webpage )

Passau the city of three rivers

by Henk.Irene

"Passau the city with a great history."

The three river city of Passau is described as one of the most beautiful cities in Germany. The unique location at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz, created an appropriate framework. The city has a glorious history as a city and a Catholic center of power. The influence of the Passau diocese reached via the Danube area to in Hungary. Even the Viennese Stephen's cathedral is a foundation of the diocese of Passau.
There are several internet pages of information but it is good to know that during the great fire of 1622 many buildings were lost. On the remains of the burnt ruins, was a new town built in Italian Baroque style. Until today reflects Passau the importance of the diocese.

After a rainy period and then when the weather is sunny you can see how the Danube, Inn and Ilz side by side flows. The green of the Danube, gray of the Inn and black of the Ilz.

For a visuel impression see my home made video Passau city of three rivers.

See for tourist information Passau Attractions.

"The Cathedral and the church"

The cathedral St. Stephan is also called the mother church to the east of the Danube river. The beautiful cathedral in the old town state at the highest point of Passau. The current basilica - with long ship to renaisance example from the cathedral of Salzburg - was completed in 1677. It is the largest sakrale Baroque bulding north of the Alps. Especially worth seeing are the stucco, the frescoes, the organ and the mighty marble altars.
This organ with 17,974 pipes and 233 tone registers is the largest cathedral organ in the world. From May to October every workday at 12.00 an organ concert. A visit is certainly worthwhile.
See also St. Stephen’s cathedral Passau.

The St. Paul is the oldest parish church in the city and will be mentioned the mother church of Passau. The with a single spire church state on the northern outskirt to an old Roman wall, and dominates the entrance to the Old Town. The present-day church is from 1678, however, the spire from the 20th century. A steep stairs leads to the inside pink and cream-colored church. Inside are the black and gold altars and pulpit a attract attention. Some tourists confuse St. Paul with St. Stephen's cathedral. This parish church is worth visiting.

See for more information Passau Attractions.

"The historical center"

In the past we have visited several times Passau. This time as the basis for our bicycle ride along the Danube from Passau to Vienna. For our departure, we first visited this beautiful city. From experience, we have taken a car park on the outskirts of the city. From this point (Kapzinerplatz) then we are go over the Marienbrucke to the old city. By way of narrow alleys (Gasses) to the Domplatz for visit the St. Stephan's cathedral. Later on a terrace, we enjoyed a cappuccino. Then we are go to the St. Pauls church for a visit. After this visit we walked around in the car-free center (pedestrian zone) and enjoyed a lunch. Then through cozy alleys to the Danube promonade and follow this to the Three River point. From this point over the Inn promonade back along the Inn and Schaiblingsturm (Powder Tower) under and till the Innstegbrucke. Go acros (only pedestrian) the Inn, past the Römer Museum and via the Lederergasse back to the car park in Kapzinerplatz. A nice one-day walk through a city full of culture and historic buildings. Why via the Marienbrucke and Innsteg? From these two bridges have you a beautiful view over the skyline of Passau.

For a visuel impression see my home made video Passau city of three rivers.

See for tourist information Passau Attractions.

Passau was for us to start a six-day bicycle ride along the Danube to Vienna.
Link to our description of the first cycling day from Passau to Schlögen.