As one of Bavaria’s oldest cities, Passau promises pristine scenes that equally delight and enchant. Its quaint streets hold host to all sorts of memorable moments and notable structures; here are three historic sites that play an outsized role in Passau’s history, and thus serve as a pillar to its identity today.
The ever-stately Bishop’s Residenz
Bishop’s Residenz
Built in the 1730s, this stately palace served as the prince-bishop’s representative and residential building. Splendidly furnished, each room was ultimately used for receptions, audiences, work and prayer. Today, the building houses the Bishop’s Ordinariate. Peruse the palace for the chance to peep at both religious heirlooms and masterpieces of the Rococo style; a quick gaze heavenward unveils the ceiling fresco, “The gods of Olympus protect the imperishable Passau.”
St. Stephen’s Cathedral is home to the world's largest cathedral organ.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral
The original St. Stephen’s Cathedral burned to the ground in 1662; this latest iteration was built in 1682. Among the upgrades: The world’s largest cathedral organ, comprising a 17,974 pipes and 233 registers. Even if you don’t visit during a musical performance, there’s still plenty to admire—this is one of the largest Italian baroque buildings north of the Alps. The architecture — from the exterior bell towers to the grandiose interior — is not to be missed.
Veste Oberhaus has played a central role in Passau's identity for nearly a millennium.
Veste Oberhaus
Perched atop a nearby hill, the Veste Oberhaus is a fortress that’s stood watch over the Danube River for some six centuries. Originally the seat of the prince-bishops as they ruled over the three-river town, it successfully repelled countless threats throughout its life, ultimately falling to secularization in 1803. From there, it was briefly a prison, feared as “Bavaria’s Bastille,” before ultimately becoming a museum in 1932. These are, of course, very broad strokes; one paragraph could never hold a candle to the legion of exhibits and context the museum holds. Besides the museum, you’ll also find the best vantage point of the three rivers within these storied walls.
It's not hyperbole to say Passau is a gorgeous town to explore.
See Passau with Viking
An ideal way to visit Passau is on a river voyage with Viking. Not only will you have plenty of time to experience the sights listed above as included or optional shore excursions, but you’ll also enjoy enrichment lectures on board their Scandinavian designed longships, equipped with spacious staterooms with full-size verandas and the most alfresco dining on Europe’s rivers. Our agents know Viking well, so we can help you choose, plan and book your vacation to perfection.
