Things To Do
in Passau
Passau is a picturesque town located at the confluence of three rivers - the Danube, Inn, and Ilz. Its historic old town is charming, with colorful buildings, narrow streets, and Baroque architecture. Passau is also known for its impressive St. Stephen's Cathedral, which houses the largest cathedral organ in the world.
The town's location makes it a popular destination for river cruises and outdoor activities such as hiking and biking.
- "Hallo" - Hello
- "Danke" - Thank you
- "Bitte" - Please/You're welcome
- "Guten Morgen" - Good morning
- "Auf Wiedersehen" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $50 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a walk around the picturesque streets of Passau, exploring historic buildings and quaint shops. Don't miss the impressive St. Stephen's Cathedral with its stunning bell tower.
Head to the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers for breathtaking views. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a riverside café and sample local Bavarian dishes.
Take an evening stroll along the river promenade, experiencing the beautiful sunset over the water. Consider dining at a local tavern to enjoy traditional German beer and hearty cuisine.
Visit the Veste Oberhaus, a fortress offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding rivers. Explore its fascinating museum that highlights Passau's rich history.
Make your way back to the old town and visit the Roman Museum. Spend some time shopping for unique souvenirs in local artisan shops.
Enjoy a scenic boat cruise on the Danube as the city lights begin to twinkle. End your day with live music at a local bar.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful scenery with the convergence of three rivers: Danube, Inn, and Ilz.
- Rich historical architecture, including the famous Passau Cathedral and Veste Oberhaus.
- Vibrant cultural scene with numerous festivals, museums, and galleries.
- Excellent location for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and river cruises.
- Charming old town with a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants.
- Limited public transport options compared to larger cities.
- Weather can be unpredictable, with cold winters and occasional flooding.
- Smaller job market, which may require commuting to nearby cities for employment.
- Tourist crowds during peak seasons can be overwhelming.
- Higher living costs in the tourist areas compared to other regions in Germany.
Best Activities in Passau
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the scenic routes along the Danube River, passing through picturesque towns and beautiful landscapes.
Discover the natural beauty of the Bavarian Forest with its well-marked hiking trails offering stunning views and peaceful surroundings.
Enjoy paddling along the pristine waters of the Ilz River, surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil scenery.
Tours
Uncover the best of Passau with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Passau
Visit one of these nice places.
This fortress offers panoramic views of Passau and the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers.
A viewpoint offering stunning aerial vistas of Passau's colorful rooftops and the rivers below.
The cathedral towers offer an excellent vantage point for capturing memorable photos of Passau's picturesque cityscape.
Food in Passau
Passau Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A Bavarian specialty featuring roasted ham hock, often served with sauerkraut and dumplings. Try it at Restaurant Goldenes Schiff.
Must-Try!
Soft and fluffy steamed dumplings often served as a dessert with vanilla sauce. Enjoy them at Wirtshaus Passau.
A local version of mac and cheese, this dish is made of egg noodles and melty cheese, served with crispy onions. Visit Brauereigaststätte Peschl to savor this delicacy.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Passau better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Experience a variety of fresh local produce, bread, cheese, and meats at this bustling market held in the city center every week. Look out for the diverse street food stalls offering regional snacks and treats.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Passau, it is customary to greet people with a handshake and use formal titles like 'Herr' (Mr.) or 'Frau' (Mrs.) with their last name when addressing them.
Germans are generally very punctual, so it is important to be on time for any scheduled appointments or meetings in Passau.
Germans value their personal space, so it's important to respect people's personal boundaries and avoid standing too close during conversations or interactions.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Passau with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Passau
Ensure a smooth experience
In Passau, Germany, tipping at restaurants, cafes, and for other services is generally practiced. It is customary to leave around 5-10% of the total bill as a tip.
Payment in Passau, Germany is mainly done using cash or debit/credit cards. Most places accept card payments, but it's advisable to carry some cash, especially in smaller establishments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Passau.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
In spring, Passau experiences mild weather with blossoming flowers and pleasant temperatures, making it a great time to explore the city and its surroundings. The surroundings are lush and vibrant, and it's an ideal time for outdoor activities.
Summer in Passau brings warm and sunny weather, perfect for outdoor activities along the Danube River. The city comes alive with festivals, events, and outdoor dining. It's an excellent time to visit historical sites and take part in water-based activities.
Autumn in Passau is characterized by beautiful foliage as the leaves change color. The weather is still pleasant, and it's a great time for hiking, biking, and exploring the surrounding nature. The city is also less crowded compared to the summer months.
Winter in Passau is cold, but the city takes on a charming and festive atmosphere. The Christmas markets are a major highlight, offering seasonal treats and handcrafted gifts. It's a wonderful time to experience the city's cozy atmosphere and enjoy winter activities.
Passau at Night
Hiking in Passau
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A large national park featuring dense forests, scenic trails, and diverse wildlife. It offers various hiking routes suitable for all levels.
A historical point where Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic meet, with hiking trails offering stunning panoramic views of the Danube and surrounding landscapes.
A picturesque natural park along the Ilz river, showcasing a variety of paths through lush greenery, riverside views, and opportunities for river activities.
A popular hiking trail that weaves through the scenic Kahlert forest region, providing a peaceful environment with opportunities to spot local wildlife.
Offers well-marked trails and beautiful views, particularly popular among both hikers and mountain bikers. Suitable for a variety of fitness levels.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Passau through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Passau by plane.
Located approximately 120 km from Passau, Munich Airport is one of the largest and busiest airports in Europe, serving as a major hub for international and domestic flights.
Located around 190 km from Passau, Nuremberg Airport offers international and regional flights, serving as a gateway to southern Germany and beyond.
Located approximately 200 km from Passau, Vienna International Airport is the largest airport in Austria, providing numerous international connections.
About 200 km from Passau, Salzburg Airport serves both international and domestic flights and is known for its picturesque location near the Austrian Alps.
Innsbruck Airport is located approximately 220 km from Passau and primarily serves as a hub for tourism-related flights, especially in the winter season.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population in Passau, representing a significant portion of the demographic.
A notable group due to the presence of the University of Passau, attracting students from various countries.
An increasing demographic due to the aging population, common in many parts of Germany.
People from various countries, including Turkey, Poland, and the former Yugoslavia, contributing to the cultural diversity.
Includes children and teenagers, representing a youthful segment of the population.
This group encompasses the labor force in Passau, critical for the local economy.
The Soul of Passau
Discover the essence of Passau through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Passau, with numerous local clubs and teams engaging in both amateur and semi-professional leagues.
Handball has a strong following in Passau, with clubs competing at various levels, including youth leagues and regional competitions.
Basketball is actively played in Passau, with local clubs and schools promoting the sport among young athletes.
Volleyball is popular in Passau, particularly among youth and recreational players, with several clubs and community teams.
Athletics is fostered in schools and clubs, with events organized regularly, and many residents participating in running and track events.
Cycling is a favored activity in Passau, with various scenic routes for both recreational and competitive cyclists.
Given its location near the Danube River, rowing is a popular sport in Passau, with several clubs offering training and competition.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Passau.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants in Passau offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, with options like seasonal vegetable strudel and plant-based schnitzels. Check out Gasthaus Zum Waldler for a diverse vegetarian menu.
Passau's food scene understands gluten-free requirements, and several establishments offer gluten-free versions of traditional dishes, such as gluten-free dumplings and pasta. Visit Zur Triftsperre for a range of gluten-free choices.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Passau with these cultural adventures.
