Passau town, Bavaria
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Passau - by Kiathan_Leviasa from Pixabay
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.
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
av. transport time:2h 30m
est. visit time:3h 30m
Sunrise / early morningNo
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightNo
Night – aft. midnightNo