Passau (Germany) – detailed information about the city with photos. Main attractions with descriptions, guides, and maps.
The City of Passau (Germany)
Passau (German: Passau, Latin: Batavia) is a city in southeastern Germany in Lower Bavaria. It is located on the border with Austria at the point where the Inn and Ilz rivers meet the mighty Danube. Passau is one of the oldest cities in Bavaria, founded about 2000 years ago. It is known for its magnificent sacral architecture, ancient historical buildings, and university.
Geography and Climate
Passau is located in eastern Bavaria. The city lies at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers, also known as the “corner of the three rivers”. Passau has a temperate climate with warm summers and cool winters.
Practical Information
- Population — over 50 thousand people.
- Area – 69.58 km².
- Currency — euro.
- Language — German.
- Visa — Schengen.
- Time — Central European (UTC + 1, summer + 2).
- Passau is a major railway junction. The main railway station (Hauptbahnhof) is located in the New Town, from where you can reach the historic center by bus or a half-hour walk.
- The city is known for its excellent beer. There are as many as five breweries operating here.
Where to Stay in Passau: Hotels with a View
Passau offers a diverse range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. But for a truly memorable experience, consider booking a hotel with a view. Imagine waking up to breathtaking panoramas of the three rivers, the rolling hills, or the charming old town.
Here are a few hotels known for their stunning views:
- Hotel Residenz Passau: This elegant hotel boasts a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the city and the confluence of the three rivers.
- Hotel Wilder Mann: Located in the heart of the old town, this historic hotel offers charming rooms with views of the Danube River and St. Stephen’s Cathedral.
- Hotel Passauer Wolf: Situated on the banks of the Inn River, this modern hotel features spacious rooms with balconies overlooking the water.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Passau has a hotel to suit your needs and budget. And with its stunning scenery and rich history, you’re sure to have an unforgettable stay.
History
In ancient times, the Passau area was inhabited by Celts. Then came the Romans, who founded a fortress at the confluence of the three rivers, which later grew to the size of a city. In the 8th century, the city was the residence of the Bavarian Duke, and then the capital of the eponymous bishopric within the Holy Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages, the city thrived on the salt trade with Bohemia and was an important religious center.
Passau was taken by the Bavarians during the First Silesian War, but then given to the Austrians, who owned the city until 1745. At the beginning of the 19th century, the bishopric here was abolished, and Passau became part of Bavaria.
Attractions
St. Nicholas Church is part of the former Augustinian monastery. It was built in the 11th century and converted to Baroque style in the early 18th century. The oldest relic of the Middle Ages here is the Romanesque crypt.
Veste Oberhaus Fortress was built in 1219 by bishops to control river trade. In the 19th century, during the Napoleonic Wars, the castle was one of the strongholds against the Austrians. After several changes over the centuries, today’s fortress consists of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque parts.
The Jesuit Church of St. Michael is one of the symbols of Passau. It was built in the 17th century in the Italian Baroque style on the embankment of the Inn River.
Mariahilf is a Baroque monastery complex located high above the city. It was founded in the 17th century and was an important pilgrimage site.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a magnificent Baroque church located at the highest point of the old town. After a devastating fire in 1662, the church was rebuilt in the Baroque style by the famous architect Carlo Lurago. The most striking feature of the cathedral is the huge organ, the largest in Europe.
The Town Hall was built on the site of the old fish market in the 14th century and is located on the banks of the Danube River. The current building is the result of several reconstructions. The neo-Gothic tower was added in the 19th century.
Video of Passau
