When the green water of the Inn emerges from the Alps and flows into the blue Danube and the black waters of the marshy Ilz beneath the Veste Oberhaus, one of Europe‘s largest fortresses, this provides observers with a very special natural spectacle. This is undoubtedly one of the reasons why every year numerous river cruise liners anchor in Passau before embarking on or continuing their journey towards Austria, Hungary or even the Black Sea.

However, the town on three rivers does not just offer the fascinating sight of the Danube carrying three colours for a short stretch. The romantic old town is situated on a narrow peninsula with St. Stephan’s Cathedral crowning its hill.

This is not only the largest baroque cathedral north of the Alps but also home to the world‘s largest cathedral organ with over 17,000 pipes. The alleyways drop down on both sides of the cathedral with some steep steps and offer a southern flair that no doubt influenced the various Italian architects who have left their traces here.

At the heart of the old town, just a stone’s throw from the cathedral, lies the Residenzplatz, where the New Bishop’s Residence is situated and which is decorated by a large number of historic town houses. A stroll along the sunny and picturesque Inn promenade is also particularly to be recommended. Museum fans will certainly get their money‘s worth in Passau, with the Passauer Glasmuseum (Passau Glass Museum) containing the world‘s largest collection of glass and the Römermuseum Kastell Boiotro (Roman Museum) among the highlights.

The streets and alleyways surrounding the bustling Ludwigsstrasse are very pleasant to stroll through. Here there are shops and cafés with terraces that on sunny days are occupied by both tourists and residents alike. The Stadt-Galerie shopping center opened just last September is situated at the heart of the pedestrian zone and comprises around 90 shops spanning a broad range of products from electronic equipment through to fashion to suit every taste. One can relax and fortify oneself in the evening with a local beer in one of the traditional beer gardens. Thanks also to the many students there is always a lively atmosphere in the bars and pubs of this university town until late at night.

There is also a lot to see in the vicinity, with beautiful towns, ancient culture and outstanding cuisine to be discovered on excursions to the two nearby neighbouring countries of the Czech Republic and Austria. Furthermore, a detour to the Glasstrasse is also very rewarding and can be combined perfectly with a tour of the Bavarian Forest.