Passau (Germany Bavaria)

Passau is a Danube River cruise port and city in Germany's Bavaria state (Urban district in the Niederbayern region) with population around 50,000 (including 11,000+ students at the University of Passau). The town is also known as "City of Three Rivers" as Danube here is joined by the rivers Ilz (north) and Inn (south).

Among Passau's landmarks are the St Stephen's Cathedral which has the world's 2nd biggest church pipe organ (233 registers, 17774 pipes) - after First Congregational Church's organ in Los Angeles. During summer tourist season, organ concerts at the church are held daily.

Most Danube River cruises are operated with roundtrip itineraries between Passau and Vienna Austria. There is a cycling path going all the way down to Vienna. The city is also notable for its baroque and gothic architecture. Passau is dominated by Veste Oberhaus and the former fortress of the Bishop, located on the mountain crest between Danube and Ilz rivers. Beside the town hall is Scharfrichterhaus, an important cabaret and jazz stage on which political cabaret is featured.

An interesting fact is that during the Renaissance, Passau was among the most prolific German centers of sword and bladed weapon manufacturing (after the famous Solingen).

On June 2, 2013, the Old Town suffered severe flooding due to its location at the confluence of 3 rivers combined with several raining days.

Due to the town's location on the German-Austrian border, Passau has become an important migrant entry point into Germany. Economic migrants and refugees from Asia, Africa and Middle East usually enter Europe either through Greece or through the Mediterranean.

On cruise shore excursions/roundtrip bus tours from Passau (where your riverboat remains moored) can be visited Czechia's Cesky Krumlov. The town is on Vltava River and is famous for its castle complex, which is one of Europe's largest - occupying 7 hectares / 17 acres and consisting of 40x buildings, 5x castle courts, 1x castle park. The Cesky Krumlov excursion features a 1,5-hour guided tour and ~4-5 hours of free time in the town.

Passau cruise terminal