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CITY GUIDE
Passau
A small town in the south-eastern corner of
Germany, Paussau is oft-overlooked, but the
‘City of Three Rivers’ has grand historic origins
W
ith a history
dating back
to the 2nd
century BC that
encompasses
an ancient Celtic tribe, then the
Batavi people, a Roman colony, the
diocese of Passau founded in 739,
and more, the city is one of the
oldest in Bavaria.
Wealthy since Roman times,
Passau prospered from the salt
trade between nearby Bohemia (the
modern-day Czech Republic), and
Bad Reichenhall near Salzburg.
During the Renaissance, the city
was renowned as a centre of sword
manufacture, and its picturesque
location and Italianesque
streets make it an ever-popular
destination, renowned for its
Gothic and Baroque architecture.
Today’s visitors can enjoy
colourful markets, cobbled
streets populated with artisan
boutiques, spectacular views of
the Dreiflüssestadt (City of Three
Rivers) confluence where the
Danube meets the Inn from the
south and the Ilz from the north,
and some impressive historic
buildings and museums.
With its centuries’ long
association with religion, Passau
is also a favoured pilgrimage site.
From ancient fortresses to episcopal
palaces, modern art to ancient
glassware, there’s something for
everyone in Passau.
Don’t miss
• Step inside Dom St. Stephan,
a huge sparkling white baroque
cathedral with an impressive tiled
roof and stunning ceiling. Its
organ is the largest in Europe
and has almost 18,000 pipes.
• Stroll or cycle along the
Innpromenade or take a picnic to
the point where the three rivers
meet. Each river is a different
colour and their swirling confluence
is an intriguing sight.
• Climb the heavenly ladder of
321 pilgrimage steps to the
Mariahilf Monastery and visit the
chapel with its own interesting
artefacts and impressive views.
• Follow the painted cobbles
to Artists’ Alley and check out
work by local artists. Stop at the
nearby Glasmuseum Passau with
the world’s largest collection of
European glass and visit the Alte
Rathaus (Old Town Hall) which
dates to the 14th century.
• Visit the baroque St. Paul’s
Church. Founded in 1050 it’s the
oldest in Passau. Whilst it can’t
boast the grandeur of St. Stephan’s,
it holds a charm of its own.
Left to right:
The riverside
Sanctuary
Mariahilf in
Passau; a Viking
Longship sails
into the historic
city of Passau
Fast facts
• The population of Passau is only
around 50,000 people, of whom
about 10,000 are students who
attend the renowned University.
• Renaissance metal smiths
stamped their blades with the image
of the Passau wolf. The popular
practice of placing magical charms
on swords to protect the wearers
became known as ‘Passau art’.
• In 1662, a devastating fire
consumed most of the city's
architecture. It was subsequently
rebuilt in the Baroque style.
• Passau is on the Danube bike
trail which begins upstream and
follows the river until it meets
the Black Sea.
• In early May residents attend
the popular the Maypole festival
(Maibaumkraxeln) in nearby
Austria. Local men tar their hands
and feet and attempt to race to
the top of a very tall pole.
PHOTOS: © ISTOCK
Insider Tips
TRADITIONAL WEAR
Popular local souvenirs
include original Bavarian
Lederhose or Dirndl
(traditional 19th-century
dress) or a Bavarian hat.
Or you could buy a selection
of pretzels and dampfnudel
(sweet roll).
A LIVING MUSEUM
The Scharfrichterhaus
hosts a political cabaret
for German comedians.
Translating as ‘executioner’s
house’, the building dates
from 1200 and includes a
Viennese coffeehouse as
well as a formal restaurant.
FOR DOG-LOVERS
The quirky Dackelmuseum
is home to a fine collection
of dachshund memorabilia
and a fun way to spend an
afternoon. Expect to find
an array of figurines, toys,
pictures and books from
around the world.
RISING TIDE
Because of its location on
the three rivers, the town
floods fairly regularly, most
recently in 2013 when water
levels reached 12.85 metres
(42.2 ft). Historic high-water
marks can be found on
the Town Hall.
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