Passau between Three Rivers and Baroque Culture

The Danube, Inn and Ilz meet at the confluence of three rivers in Passau. The city combines this distinctive river landscape with impressive buildings and places to visit, making for a wide range of holiday experiences: from views of the old town to art and history, as well as hikes in the Ilz valley. When choosing a holiday apartment in Passau, it can therefore be important to decide whether you would rather focus on culture and the city’s history or on outdoor activities.

Rivers and Views

The Danube, Inn and Ilz meet at the confluence of three rivers. The Batterie Linde viewpoint offers views of the historic old town and all three rivers. The river landscape is also reflected in the city’s design: the Wittelsbacher Fountain, built in 1903, depicts Mary on its central column. Three angels represent the Danube, Ilz and Inn. As you explore Passau, you encounter not only the confluence itself but also its significance as a recurring motif in the cityscape.

Nature lovers can discover part of the Donauleiten nature reserve at Oberhauser Leite, which stretches from Passau to Jochenstein. Passau therefore offers access to a protected landscape as well as urban and historical experiences. Choosing between a cultural itinerary and time on hiking trails can shape the character of your stay, but you do not have to choose one at the expense of the other.

Castle, Museums and Churches

More than 800 years old, Veste Oberhaus is one of Europe’s largest surviving castle complexes. Within its historic walls, the Oberhaus Museum presents exhibitions on Passau’s history and medieval life at the castle. St George’s Chapel lies at the heart of the fortress and features a unique cycle of 14th-century frescoes. The castle, museum and chapel offer different points of interest for anyone drawn to the city’s history, medieval life or sacred art.

Another special destination for culture lovers is St Stephen’s Cathedral, an important Baroque church north of the Alps. After the fire of 1662, Carlo Lurago and Giovanni Battista Carlone gave the cathedral its distinctive Italian architectural character. The organ is also remarkable: it consists of five separate installations, 17,974 pipes and 233 stops, and can be heard at St Stephen’s Cathedral.

On the Inn, the Baroque Jesuit Church of St Michael and the former Jesuit college define Passau’s southern front, together giving it the appearance of an Italian city. High above the Innstadt district stands the Baroque pilgrimage church of Mariahilf. Beside it is St Paul’s Monastery, dating from the 17th century. The route to the pilgrimage chapel follows a covered staircase with 321 steps; its entrance is on Neutorgraben street. The monastery buildings at Niedernburg Abbey house a fresco museum featuring secco paintings more than 800 years old. The tomb and shrine of “Mary’s Protection” there have been destinations for many pilgrims, mostly Hungarian, since the 15th century.

Hiking and Cycling from Passau

For a relatively short hike, the Ilztal hiking loop runs from Passau to the Triftsperre and back. It is 8.5 kilometres long, takes 2 hours and 15 minutes, and is rated easy. For a longer route, the Ilz hiking trail runs from Passau-Hals via the Triftsperre and Fürsteneck to the Dreiburgenland region. The trail is approximately 70 kilometres long. These details can help you plan a hike to suit your preferred distance; the stated duration applies to the hiking loop.

Cyclists can also consider Passau as the starting point for a longer tour: the Austrian Danube Cycle Path runs from Passau via Vienna in Austria to Bratislava in Slovakia and is approximately 380 kilometres long. The routes differ considerably in length: the hiking loop stays in the Passau area, while the Danube Cycle Path continues through Austria to Slovakia.

Passau as a Starting Point for Your Stay

For arrivals by Danube cruise ship, moorings are located in the old town or close by. They are directly connected to the city centre, making it possible to visit many sights on foot. If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Passau, let your travel plans guide your choice: a focus on Veste Oberhaus, the cathedral and other cultural sites offers a different experience from days spent exploring the Ilz hiking trails or taking a longer cycle tour.

If you would like to include other places in your travel plans beyond Passau, you can also discover Fürstenstein, Untergriesbach, Obernzell, Büchlberg, Eging Am See, Wegscheid, Vilshofen An Der Donau and Aidenbach.

For the broader travel overview: Passau.