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Passau town, Bavaria

19 Ort, Passau, Bayern

Description

Passau is a town located in eastern Bavaria, at the border with Austria. It is nicknamed the "City of Three Rivers" (Dreiflüssestadt) because it is set where the Danube River is joined by the Ilz from the north and the Inn from the south. This makes river cruises a popular tourist activity. The town's history dates back to the 2nd century BC when the Romans founded a colony called Batavis and the powerful diocese of Passau was established in the 8th century. During the Middle Ages it became famous for its manufacturing of sword and bladed weapons. The main sights include St. Stephen's Cathedral, the old city (Die Altstadt) and Höllgasse (the artists neighbourhood), the Veste Oberhaus fortress, and the Mariahilf pilgrimage church.

Access & Transport

Passau is 170km northeast of Munich (A94 / B12 / A3), 230km southeast of Nuremberg (A3) and 80km northwest of Link in Austria (B130). By train, Linz is 1h away on the ICE, Nuremberg 2h, Regensburg 1h whilst Munich is 2h15 away on the regional service RE3.

Instructions & Recommendations

The river cruises offer good vantage points over town and, if you are curious, St. Stephen's Cathedral has the 2nd largest church pipe organ in the world.

Meta review

Visitors qualify the town of charming and easily walkable although without anything spectacular besides its three-river setting that is sufficient to justify the trip. The best views of town are from Veste Oberhaus, which can be access by an easy 20-30mins walk or taking a shuttle bus, and the square in front of the townhall is pleasant for a break.

Environmental & Social

The main activities in the city have a low carbon footprint. Tourism helps preserve some of the city's architectural and cultural heritage

Conclusion

Passau is worth visiting for its 3 rivers setting but also its pedestrian-friendly old town, St Stephen Cathedral and the Veste Oberhaus. It is a long drive from the major regional attractions though so we would recommend spending some time there as part of a regional road trip rather than a long dedicated journey.

Key positive

Not overly touristy and good train connections

Several highlights and a pleasant old town

Key negative

Out of the way from other Bavaria highlights

Suitability

No restrictions

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:2h 30m

est. visit time:3h 30m

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningNo

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightNo

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
Free

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