It was many years ago when I had visited this town on the three rivers for the first time. I came back a few time and I always loved it here. So I was sure Elizabeth would enjoy a visit. One of her best German friends was born here and she is now eager to see it.
At first we checked out accommodations.
We were looking for something in downtown with a restaurant and reasonable priced but quiet. I had stayed in such a place before but I forgot the name and we spent some time finding it - but without success. Things are changing even in an old town.
The search by car was for Elizabeth a nice sightseeing tour until we finally found a place which we liked.
Visit the "Stephansdom" (Cathedral of St. Stephen)
One of the organs in the cathedral of Passau
Downtown Passau - many thanks to "Christine Kühnel" and Wikipedia
We had lunch there and then we started our first walking tour following the advise we got in the "Gasthaus" (guest house).
Passau is also called the "Dreiflüssestadt" because the three rivers Inn and Ilz are feeding here into the Donau (Danube).
As expected Elizabeth did not disappoint me she loved the medieval town with a population of a little bit more than 51 000.
Our sightseeing tours through the town were always slowed down by window shopping.
Below I installed a link to a musical video which shows you scenes of Passau - enjoy it. You must not understand German.
The cathedral is an active church. Just enter, find peace and look around. The organ of this cathedral is claimed to be the largest church organ in the world. It consists of five organs which can be played from one spot. Please check for a schedule if you do not want to miss an unforgettable event.
I installed two links to videos which show concerts.
Consider a cruise to Austria or even further? - many thanks to "Aconcagua" and Wikipedia
Veste (Citadel) Niederhaus located at the mouth of the river Ilz
Veste (Citadel) Oberhaus on top of the mountain, contains the city museum
We used a long weekend for our visit of Passau and thought that we did not have enough time to participate on a cruise. That was a mistake - we just should have done it.
I know we have to change this habit. In Ontario we also missed a few boat tours - in the Georgian Bay and on the St. Lawrence River.
Passau is a gem for everybody interested in culture and art and wants to experience the lifestyle of a town blessed with beautiful surroundings and many other things to see and to do.
What about a cruise on the Danube? Don't miss mit as we did.
Time was running fast. We were even busy with relaxing.
The fortification on the little mountains called "St.-Georgs-Berg" was traced back to the year 1219. Over the centuries many improvements took place in order to withstand any attacks including those expected by the Turks. Luckily they were defeated before they reached Passau. Just use the Internet to dig into the past history.
We had to walk to this castle. Today it is the home of the town museum, a gallery, a youth hostel and - very important - a restaurant with a beer garden and coffee shop.
We used both.
Veste Oberhaus, Passau - many thanks to "Aconcagua" and Wikipedia
At the Veste (Citadel) Oberhaus - many thanks to "Aconcagua" and Wikipedia
- many thanks to "Hedwig Storch" and Wikipedia
We recommend to stay for a few days in Passau to explore the old city with its pedestrian zone, nice restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, lots of cultures and history..
Don't forget collecting all receipts when you purchase gifts in order to claim the paid VAT back when you leave. That can be lots of savings.
Some visitors told us that they did not carry their purchases back - they send them to their home address. But please check this out before you try to do it. Regulations always change.
Passau has also an university which brings young people and their life style to the town.
If you want information about the nightlife ask in a tourist office or check the Internet.
Fun in downtown
Watch the video "Das Passau Lied Dreiflüssewalzer "Chrissi della Rosa" ":
Watch the video "Orgelkonzert im Passauer Dom am 9.6.2010 ":
Watch the video "Thou Art the Rock at Passau Cathedral, Germany":
Many thanks for some of the pictures to the Tourist Board of Bavaria and involved communities
