Despite having the memory of a concussed goldfish, I can still recall the first time I saw Passau.

It was mid-nap as I braved another Flixbus ride from Munich, and some magical force (whether a driver announcement or pothole) forced my eyes open at the exact moment we crossed a bridge.

I remember being so awestruck by the colourful buildings and riverside setting that I was convinced I’d dreamt it.

Luckily, Passau is indeed a real place, and I’m here today to tell you all about it!

Known as “the City of Three Rivers”, thanks to its scenic perch at the meeting points of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz, Passau is a city teeming with beautiful sights and fun activities.

So, from unique viewpoints to the cutest museum in Germany, here are some of the best unique things to do in Passau! Spoiler: there’s an entire museum dedicated to sausage dogs.

1. Enjoy the views from the Veste Oberhaus

We’ll start by getting our bearings at the prettiest viewpoint in the city – the Veste Oberhaus. This medieval fortress was originally built in the 13th century to protect the city from potential threats and to serve as a residence for the Prince-Bishops of Passau. Today, it offers some of the best views in town!

Perched on a hill overlooking the city (and its the rivers), the Veste Oberhaus has long enjoyed a strategic defensive position throughout its history. Today, they serve another important strategic purpose – getting the perfect photo.

The fortress is accessible by foot, either through a (relatively steep, but quick) hike up the hill or by taking a shuttle bus from the city center.

2. Explore the Veste Oberhaus’ paid attractions

Of course, there’s more to this spot than just views! Today, Veste Oberhaus serves as a museum complex that offers insights into the history of Passau, the fortress itself, and the surrounding region.

The museum houses collections related to the history of the city, the Prince-Bishops, as well as exhibitions on medieval weaponry, local crafts, and more, with guided tours available for the keenest of visitors.

In addition to its usual museum offerings, the Veste Oberhaus occasionally hosts events, concerts, and theatrical performances, so be sure to check their official website for details!

NOTE: If you have only a limited amount of time in Passau, I’d say seeing the inside is an attraction you can skip… unless you’re very passionate about the history of the Prince-Bishops of Passau.

Instead, another fun thing to do in Passau is to…

3. Enjoy a drink with a view

If you’re limited by time, one of my personal favourite things to do in Passau is simply enjoy the beauty of the skyline with a beer in hand. Luckily at the Veste Oberhaus fortress, there’s a lovely restaurant where you can do just that.

Oberhaus Restaurant is a charming blend of a traditional tavern and modern dining venue, with an incredible terrace nestled within the fortress walls.

The food here is mostly traditional Bavarian dishes, often with a modern twist, and there are quite a few excellent vegetarian options too… but honestly, just enjoying a drink with this view is a special experience in and of itself.

4. Peek inside St Stephen’s Cathedral

St. Stephen’s Cathedral, also known as Passau Cathedral or Dom St. Stephan, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Passau.

This stunning example of Baroque architecture is famous for its impressive size, ornate decorations, and its position overlooking the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers.

It also houses the “largest cathedral organ” outside of the USA (and the second-largest in the world). This organ is definitely an impressive sight – and sound if you happen to get to hear it!

Luckily, there are half-hour concerts held at midday (every day except Sunday or holidays) between May and October, so you can eavesdrop on this famous organ if you so choose.

Another one of the most striking features of the cathedral is its magnificent domes, which rise above the city and can be seen from afar. The main dome is adorned with frescoes and intricate artwork on the inside, making it well worth a peek inside.

5. Wander around Passau’s beautiful Altstadt

As with many of Germany’s cutest towns, Passau is home to a charming “Old Town” area, known as Altstadt in German.

And Passau’s Altstadt is truly a delight, with plenty of beautiful Baroque architecture to admire, as well as some really cute streets that you shouldn’t miss.

Some of my personal favourite streets/areas for a stroll include…

• Theresienstrasse: This long paved street is lined with cute cafés and boutique shops, with the tower of the St Mathaeus church creating a pretty landmark.
• Residenzplatz: The Residenzplatz (or Residence Square) is the main square in the Altstadt, located in front of the Fürstbischöfliche Residenz castle with the Wittelsbacherbrunnen fountain in the middle.

6. Admire the Rathaus and its flood lines

The Passau Rathaus, also known as the Passau Town Hall, is a historic and architecturally significant piece of eye candy you can’t miss on your trip.

The original building on the site is believed to have been constructed in the 14th century, but it underwent numerous renovations and expansions over time to become the beauty you see today.

One of the most recognizable features of the Passau Rathaus is its clock tower, which rises above the city’s skyline and houses a carillon with numerous bells that play melodies at various times throughout the day.

Showcasing a mix of architectural styles including Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo elements, the Rathaus façade is adorned with intricate carvings, sculptures, and decorative features that reflect the artistic tastes of different time periods.

You can also see markings on the exterior that show how high floodwaters have reached in the past!

7. Visit the world’s largest museum dedicated to… dachshunds!

Okay, I’m going to be honest with you. Of all the amazing things you can do in Passau, my favourite may well be the ever-so-quirky Dachshund Museum, home to the world’s largest collection of sausage dog memorabilia in the world.

I’m a sucker for any weird museum, and when one is packed full of adorable Wiener dogs, you can bet I snagged a ticket faster than a Dachshund can get famous on Instagram.

Inside there are more than 4,500 items on display, including statues, toys, Christmas ornaments and photos of famous Dachshunds… plus a truly delightful gift shop with Dachshund-themed everything, whether you want fun-shaped pasta or a whimsical beer.

Plus, the cutest part is the owners are usually around to talk to other Dachshund enthusiasts, sometimes bringing their own Dachshunds with them. My visit happened to coincide with one of the Dachshund birthdays. To say it made it my trip is an understatement.

8. Hop on a boat cruise

Passau is literally known as the “City of Three Rivers”, so it’s no surprise that one of the best things to do here is enjoy a lovely river cruise.

There are a number of different cruise companies to choose from, which you can find just walking along the riverbanks, but my pick would have to be an idyllic cruise on board the Swarovski ship, which is bedecked in one million Swarovski crystals!

On this cruise, you will get to enjoy all the beautiful views of Passau (as well as Kasten and Obernzell) while enjoying food and drink inside the sparkling ship. Of course, don’t be surprised if you spend just as much time taking photos of the Swarovski crystal staircase and chandeliers as you do of the views outside.

9. Watch where three rivers meet

One of the more unique things to do in Passau is a visit to the Dreiflüsseeck (Three Rivers Corner), where the rivers Danube, Inn, and Ilz all come together to mix and mingle. 

The Dreiflüsseeck is renowned for its breathtaking beauty and panoramic views. When the weather and conditions are right, the meeting point of the rivers creates a stunning interplay of colours as the waters of the different rivers flow together.

The Danube is often bluish-green, the Inn is green, and the Ilz is dark in colour, leading to a visual spectacle where the distinct colours remain separate for some distance due to the varying densities of the rivers.

Ortspitze is where you can witness this peculiarity, where there’s a small park leading to the lookout point in the middle of the rivers.

Truthfully, this meeting point is a lot less… dramatic than I initially imagined, with the separate colours tougher to distinguish than I thought, but it’s still quite cool to see. 

Plus, the area around this viewpoint is unnervingly serene:

10. Stroll along the Innkai

Innkai is the street that runs directly next to the Inn River, connecting the Dreiflüsseeck with the promenade next to the Marienbrücke (Marien Bridge).

This is one of the loveliest promenades in Passau, with densely built houses and the medieval Schaiblingsturm (Schaibling Tower, pictured below).

This 13th-century riverside tower has been used for defence, storage and even accommodation over the centuries, although now it belongs to the secondary school Leopoldinum and is only occasionally used for seminars (imagine!!!!)

This area is the best spot in Passau to go for a stroll, although when the water levels of the Inn River are high the footpath can be completely submerged. That would also make for some cool photos though!

11. Watch sunset along the Inn

On a beautiful sunny day, the paths next to the Inn are delightful, and if you continue along the Innkai then you’ll come to the Innpromenade and a lovely little park next to the Marienbrücke.

This area is one of the best if you want to watch the sunset in Passau.

As you walk, consider that the path you stand on is actually where history could have been changed forever. Back in 1894, a then four-year-old Adolf Hitler actually lived in Passau. According to an old news report, he fell through thin ice on the river in January and was rescued by a local youth who went on to become a priest.

It’s definitely strange to think about how differently history could have played out had that young boy never been saved.

12. Stop by “Mahnmal für die Opfer des Nationalsozialismus”

Fittingly, another sight located on the Innpromenade is a unique sculpture that serves as the Memorial for the Victims of National Socialism.

Created by Austrian sculptor Wolfgang Kirchmayr, this monument is dedicated to remembering and honouring the individuals who suffered and lost their lives during the period of Nazi rule in Germany.

It also serves as a reminder of the atrocities committed during the Holocaust and the broader impact of the Nazi regime.

The park surrounding the monument is also a gorgeous spot to sit and enjoy the views across the river, with pretty flowerbeds and even steps down into the river if you want to feed the birds or cool your toes.

13. Have a wander down Höllgasse

Also known as “Artist’s Alley” this street has rainbow-painted cobblestones to lead you to many gorgeous artisan shops and art galleries.

There’s often art displayed out on the street and it’s an excellent spot for getting some Passau souvenirs. Along with the art, there are also a number of other places worth exploring, including an adorable sweet shop called (fittingly) Hansel and Gretel.

Königlich Bayrisch is a traditional Bavarian restaurant here that’s also worth visiting. It has a nice beer garden looking out across the river and up to the Veste Oberhaus, in case you want to experience the view looking up at it instead of down from it!

14. Pop into the Garten am Paulusbogen

And if you’re looking for relaxing things to do in Passau, this hidden gem of a garden is a wonderful spot when you need a quiet break from sightseeing.

Located below the former city gate at St. Paul’s Church, the garden is filled with colourful flowers and offers beautiful views of the Veste Oberhaus and Danube River.

It’s also interesting in that it contains Passau gold bitter orange trees. These are a very hardy citrus variety named after the city itself and are the only type that can survive outdoors all year round north of the Alps.

There’s also a nice terrace restaurant directly next door to the garden if you want to have a meal here.

15. Explore the Maria Hilf Pilgrimage Church

And if you want to explore a bit of the River Inn’s South Bank, be sure to pay a visit to the Maria Hilf Piligrimage Church, a beautiful Rococo-style church that offers beautiful views of its own.

Getting to this church can either be done by driving up the Mariahilfberg road, or you can ascend the 321 covered stairs that make up the Wallfahrtsstiege. Luckily, there are many votive tablets displayed on the walls, so at least you can take it easy while you walk!

Once at the top of the hill, you can enjoy the church’s elaborate decorations, ornate details, and dramatic use of light and space, with plenty of intricate frescoes, sculptures, and religious art on display inside.

16. Visit the Passau Glass Museum

At the east entrance to the artist’s street Höllgasse is another interesting artsy location, the Passau Glass Museum.

This museum is dedicated to the art and history of glassmaking, showcasing a diverse collection of glass objects spanning various historical periods and artistic styles, with glass artefacts from different eras, including Roman, medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque.

In addition to historical glass, the museum often features contemporary glass artworks created by modern artists. These pieces showcase innovative techniques, forms, and concepts that push the boundaries of glass as an artistic medium.

Of course, the gift shop is also worth mentioning – with plenty of unique souvenir opportunities to peruse.

17. Or admire some modern art at the MKK (Museum Moderner Kunst Wörlen)

Another fun thing to do in Passau for culture lovers is visiting the Museum Moderner Kunst Wörlen (Museum of Modern Art Wörlen).

This museum was founded by Prof. Dr. Albert Wörlen, a German painter, graphic artist, and art collector. Wörlen had a deep passion for modern and contemporary art and aimed to create a space where these artworks could be exhibited and appreciated by the public.

Inside the museum, you’ll find an extensive collection of modern and contemporary artworks, including paintings, sculptures, graphics, and other forms of visual art, with works by renowned artists from Germany and beyond.

18. Trace Roman history at Römermuseum Kastell Boiotro

For lovers of Roman history, perhaps there’s no better Passau thing to do than a visit to the Römermuseum Kastell Boiotro.

The museum is situated near the site of the ancient Roman fort of Kastell Boiotro, which was part of the Roman frontier defences along the Danube River. The fort played a crucial role in guarding the border of the Roman Empire.

The museum’s exhibits feature a variety of artefacts, including pottery, tools, weapons, jewellery, and other items that were used by the inhabitants of the Roman fort.

Designed to give visitors a glimpse into the life of the Roman soldiers and civilians stationed at the site, this unique Passau attraction is perfect for any Roman history-buff.

19. Enjoy a fun day trip

Last but not least, it’s worth mentioning that Passau’s location along the German/Austrian border makes it a perfect base for some really fun day trips, so if you’re struggling for things to do in Passau proper, then consider adding a few nearby adventures to your list.

Here are some suggestions:

• The Bavarian Forest: Less than an hour’s drive from Passau, this national park offers pristine natural beauty, hiking trails, and opportunities for wildlife spotting. The treetop walk and informative visitor centers provide insights into the region’s ecosystems.
• Regensburg, Germany: Approximately an hour and a half away from Passau, Regensburg is a historic city with a well-preserved medieval old town. The city boasts stunning architecture, including its iconic Regensburg Cathedral and the Stone Bridge.
• Linz, Austria: About an hour’s drive from Passau, Linz is Austria’s third-largest city and offers a mix of modern and historical attractions. Visit the Ars Electronica Center, Linz Castle, and explore the charming Old Town with its impressive main square.
• Salzburg, Austria: Just a little over two hours from Passau, Salzburg is famous as the birthplace of Mozart and is known for its baroque architecture, the Hohensalzburg Fortress, and its stunning Alpine surroundings. Don’t miss the historic Altstadt (Old Town) and the Mirabell Palace and Gardens.
• Český Krumlov, Czechia: Located around two hours from Passau, Český Krumlov is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and picturesque setting along the Vltava River. The Český Krumlov Castle and its gardens are must-see attractions.

Did I miss any of your favourite things to do in Passau?

Let me know in the comments so I can add more of the best Passau activities to the list. Happy and safe travels! 🙂