Passau Things to Do

I was pleasantly surprised to find an Organ recital about to start, so I sat in an upper gallery and enjoyed a concert around the noon hour.

The information I recall is that the Organ is one of the largest, if not the the largest in the world. I cannot quote the number of pipes, I can say that the pieces played resounded through the church and could literally be felt as well as heard.

I travelled to Passau from Wels in Austria by train, which arrives at the station located between Bahnhof Srasse and Grunau Strasse. It was an easy 700 m walk to the east to reach the Cathedral at Dom Plaza.

The interior of the Cathedral is outstanding in the colour of the paintings and other murals.

The cruise ships are generally headed for Linz, Vienna, Budapest and points east towards the Black Sea.

The photo shows a ship heading further west, maybe to turn around, as well as the tall cliff on the north of the Danube showing the commanding position that the heights allow.

The prime activity is the pleasure associated with walking around the old city centre looking for interesting buildings to photograph or to amble along the waterside enjoying the views, stopping off at sidewalk cafes and watching the world go by.

The dock side is busy as the river cruise boats stop and unload the passengers who then go visiting the places of interest,using up some calories prior to adding more gastronomical delights later in the evening.

Rising above the opposite bank of the Danube, that is the north side of the river is Veste Oberhaus, a former episcopal stron hold. Just east of this comples another river flows into the Danube form the North, this river is the Ilz.

There was mention of a church around 450 AD which was located at the position today’s Cathedral is. The first documentation of an existence of a Cathedral dates back to the year 730 AD. The city fire of 1662 destroyed all evidence of former Cathedrals. Today’s façade is built mainly in Baroque style, built between 1668 and 1693. Only a few parts dates back to the year 1325, the Gothic period.

St Stephans Cathedral houses the worlds largest church organ which should be heard as well as seen! Recitals are given at lunchtime on weekdays and evenings. I went to a lunchtime concert which is given between 12 and 12:30 Monday to Friday. Doors open at around 11:20. The recitals are popular with tourists and fill up quickly. The entrance fee is 3 Euros.

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We spent an afternoon just wandering around town, an enjoyable thing to do on a warm afternoon, just a few photos we took.

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The town hall not only looks good it is the home of the Tourist Information office. Helpful and friendly, with lots of information on offer. Visit online also.