Passau: A German Gem Or Austrian Allure?

The city of Passau is located in Lower Bavaria, Germany, on the Austrian border. It is known as the City of Three Rivers as it sits at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Passau is a popular tourist destination, renowned for its gothic and baroque architecture, including the Veste Oberhaus castle complex and St. Stephen's Cathedral, which houses one of the largest church organs in the world. The city also has a rich history, having been a Roman camp, a medieval trade and shipping centre, and a bishopric. Today, Passau serves as the economic, cultural, and communications centre of southeastern Bavaria, with a population of approximately 50,000 people.

Passau is a city in Lower Bavaria, Germany

Passau is known as the "City of Three Rivers" or "Dreiflüssestadt" in German, and this confluence of waterways has played a significant role in shaping the city's history and economy. The rivers provided transport routes and facilitated trade, contributing to the city's prosperity. However, they have also been a source of destruction, with major floods occurring throughout its history, including a particularly devastating one in 2013.

Passau has a rich architectural heritage, with gothic and baroque styles dominating the cityscape. The Veste Oberhaus and Veste Niederhaus, parts of the former fortress of the Bishop, stand proudly on the mountain crest between the Danube and the Ilz. The city is also home to numerous churches, including the St. Stephen's Cathedral, which boasts the world's second-largest church organ.

In addition to its architectural and historical significance, Passau has become the economic, cultural, and communications centre of southeastern Bavaria. The city is home to various industries, including brewing, clothing manufacturing, and electrical engineering. Tourism also plays a vital role in the local economy, with visitors drawn to the city's scenic location, medieval old town, and cultural attractions such as museums, theatres, and libraries.

Passau's proximity to the German-Austrian border has made it a major entry point for refugees and migrants into Germany. The city's government has had to divert funds from flood prevention to accommodate and support the influx of people seeking refuge.

It is near the Austrian border

The German city of Passau is indeed near the Austrian border. In fact, it borders Austria to the south. Passau is a beautiful town in the south of Bavaria, and its location at the confluence of three rivers—the Danube, the Inn, and the Ilz—has made it an important strategic site throughout history. The town is also a popular stop for those taking a Danube river cruise to Vienna and beyond.

Passau's proximity to Austria makes it a desirable place to live, as one Redditor attests: "The proximity to nature and also being next door to Austria, which I fell in love with after a recent visit, are also very desirable." The same commenter goes on to say that Passau is "gorgeous" and "full of lovely scenery", as well as being "very inexpensive compared to bigger cities".

Passau's location on the German-Austrian border has made it a major migrant entry point into Germany. Refugees and economic migrants from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa head north through Austria and enter Germany at Passau, the first German town northwards.

The closest Austrian town to Passau is Ingling, a small village that can be reached on foot in half an hour. However, one TripAdvisor user recommends the "lovely little Barock riverside town of Schaerding", which is around 12–15 minutes away from Passau by train.

It is also known as the Dreiflüssestadt, or City of Three Rivers

The German city of Passau is known as the Dreiflüssestadt, or the City of Three Rivers. This name is derived from its position at the confluence of three rivers: the Danube, the Inn, and the Ilz. The Danube is joined by the Inn from the south and the Ilz from the north.

The rivers have played a significant role in shaping the history and development of Passau. The Romans, for instance, chose this location for their fortifications because of the rivers, and the trade of salt, linen, and grain that flourished in the area was made possible by the waterways. The rivers also attracted crusaders and traders en route to the Middle East and beyond.

However, the rivers have also brought disaster to the city in the form of flooding. In June 2013, heavy rains caused severe flooding in the old town, and a high-water mark from the same year can be seen near the Danube River, along with marks from previous floods. The highest recorded flood level was in 1501.

The confluence of the three rivers has also created a unique colour distinction in the waters. Tour guides often refer to the "blue Danube" from the west, the "green Inn" from the south, and the "black Ilz" from the north. While the boundary between the rivers is quite clear, the difference in colour is more accurately a variation between clearer and muddier shades of brown.

The rivers remain an important part of Passau's economy and tourism industry today. Many commercial and leisure boats traverse the waterways, and riverboat cruises and cycling paths along the Danube are popular attractions. The rivers also contribute to the city's romantic and picturesque ambiance, with pretty squares and splendid bridges complementing the scenic riverside setting.

Passau is a popular tourist destination

Passau: A Popular Tourist Destination

A City of Three Rivers

The Inn, Ilz, and Danube rivers converge in Passau, creating a stunning backdrop for the city. The rivers have played a crucial role in the development of Passau, facilitating trade and transportation throughout its history. The confluence of these rivers, each with its distinct colour, offers a unique visual spectacle. Visitors can admire this view from the city's hills or stroll along the Innpromenade, a delightful path for pedestrians and bikers.

Architectural Marvels

Passau is renowned for its stunning architecture, boasting a mix of gothic and baroque styles. The city is dominated by the Veste Oberhaus and Veste Niederhaus, former fortresses of the Bishop that stand proudly on the mountain crest between the Danube and Ilz rivers. The old town, with its medieval Old Residence and baroque New Residence, showcases the city's rich historical heritage. St. Stephen's Cathedral, a masterpiece of Italian Baroque, is a must-see attraction, housing the world's second-largest church organ.

A Wealth of Attractions

Passau offers a diverse range of attractions to suit all interests. For art enthusiasts, the Museum of Modern Art, the Römermuseum, and the various art galleries along Artists' Alley provide a rich cultural experience. The Passau Glass Museum, with its vast collection of European glass, is another highlight. The Veste Oberhaus fortress, now a museum and exhibition centre, offers insights into the city's history and is one of the world's largest surviving castle complexes.

A Popular Cruise Destination

Passau is a popular stop for river cruises along the Danube, with many cruises starting or ending in the city. The rivers provide a relaxing way to explore the region, offering breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings. For those seeking a more active experience, the Danube Cycle Path invites visitors to explore the area by bike, with a favourite route stretching between Passau and Vienna.

A City of Historical Significance

Passau has a long and fascinating history, with archaeological findings dating back over 7000 years. Once a Roman colony known as Batavis, it later became the largest diocese of the Holy Roman Empire. The city has also been a centre of sword and bladed weapon manufacture, with the famous Passau wolf insignia adorning blades sought after by warriors for their believed invulnerability.

In conclusion, Passau is a captivating destination that seamlessly blends natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural attractions. Its convenient location near the Austrian border makes it easily accessible, contributing to its popularity among tourists exploring this picturesque region of Europe.

It is the economic, cultural, and communications centre of southeastern Bavaria

Located in the southeast of Bavaria, Germany, Passau is the economic, cultural, and communications centre of the region. The city has a population of around 50,000, of which about 12,000 are students at the University of Passau, which is renowned for its institutes of economics, law, theology, computer science, and cultural studies. The university's Faculty of Humanities and Cultural Studies and School of Business, Economics and Information Systems contribute to the city's status as a cultural and communications centre.

Passau's diverse industries include a bell foundry, brewing, and the manufacture of clothing, bicycles, organs, and electrical engineering products. The city is also a tourist destination, attracting visitors interested in its gothic and baroque architecture, its setting among three rivers, and its role in passenger boat traffic on the Danube. The University of Passau, opened in 1978, is another significant contributor to the city's cultural and economic life.

Passau's location at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers has played a crucial role in its development as a trade and communications centre. Known as the "City of Three Rivers" or "Dreiflüssestadt" in German, the city has a long history as a trade centre, dating back to the ancient Romans, who established a colony called Batavis. The Inn River salt trade, which involved transporting salt from present-day Austria to Bohemia, was a particularly important source of prosperity for the city.

In addition to its economic and cultural significance, Passau also serves as a communications hub for southeastern Bavaria. The city's train station offers regular services to Munich and Regensburg, as well as connections to Linz in Austria and other European destinations via long-distance ICE trains. The Ilztalbahn railway line provides access to the southern part of the Bavarian Forest, further enhancing the city's role as a gateway to the region.

Frequently asked questions