30+ things to do in Passau (Germany) including insider tips

Passau, the charming Three Rivers City in Bavaria, offers much more than just its stunning scenery. Here are over 30 fantastic activities and insider tips for your next trip to Passau:

  1. Lock Tour on Til Schweiger’s Boat
    Experience a Danube cruise with locks on a boat equipped by the famous German actor Til Schweiger in a cozy and relaxed atmosphere. donauschifffahrt.eu
  2. See the Confluence of the Danube and Isar Rivers
    A spectacular natural event. At the confluence of the two rivers, you can observe the interplay of water colors.

    The confluence of the Danube and Inn in Passau
  3. Admire Europe’s Largest Organ at St. Stephen’s Cathedral
    A must-see for music lovers. The organ at St. Stephen’s Cathedral is not only the largest in Europe but also the fifth largest in the world.
  4. Hike Up to the Fortress and Enjoy the View
    A bit of stamina required? The steep (but fairly short) climb to Veste Oberhaus rewards you with a fantastic view of the city.

    View from Veste Passau down to the city
  5. Learn More About the Middle Ages and Passau at the Veste Oberhaus Museum and Climb the Tower
    Once you reach the top of the fortress, you can also visit the fortress museum and the observation tower to learn more about Passau’s history. | oberhausmuseum.de
  6. Visit the Glass Museum
    Explore the fascinating world of glass at the Passau Glass Museum, the world’s largest museum dedicated to European glass, housing over 30,000 exhibits. | glasmuseum.de
  7. Explore the Roman Museum
    Be inspired by the Roman traces in Passau and learn more about their history. | stadtarchaeologie.de
  8. Admire the Glass Shard Villa
    One of Passau’s most unusual buildings, made up of countless glass shards. A real eye-catcher! | 3, Ostuzzistr. · 94032 Passau

    The Glass Shard House in Passau – Credits: Thomas Ledl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
  9. Stay Overnight in the Fortress (Youth Hostel)
    A special experience is staying overnight in the youth hostel at Veste Oberhaus. | jugendherberge.de
  10. Pilgrimage to the Mariahilf Pilgrimage Church
    A spiritual outing to the Mariahilf Pilgrimage Church is worth it for the peace and the breathtaking view over Passau. Be sure to take the footpath through the Pilgrimage Staircase.
  11. Modern Art at MMK Passau
    For art lovers, the Museum of Modern Art Wörlen is a highlight. | mmk-passau.de
  12. Torture Museum
    A chilling but fascinating experience awaits you at the Torture Museum. It showcases 140 exhibits from the Inquisition and witch trials. | foltermuseum-passau.de
  13. Enjoy Bavarian Cuisine at the Bayerischer Löwe
    If you want to enjoy traditional Bavarian specialties in a rustic setting, this is the place to go. | wirtshaus-passau.de
  14. Have Good Coffee and Delicious Cake at Minoo
    A cozy break at Café Minoo is always a good idea. The homemade cakes are top-notch. | Große Messergasse 2 · 94032 Passau
  15. Enjoy Passauer Beer and Bavarian Fare at the Hacklberger Brewery’s Rustic Beer Garden
    Authentically Bavarian at the Hacklberger Brewery. Here you’ll find locally brewed beer, a phenomenal beer garden, and solid Bavarian fare. | hacklberg.de
  16. Take a Floating City Tour on the “Three Rivers” Boat Tour
    Experience Passau from the water and enjoy an informative little tour. donauschifffahrt.eu
  17. Admire Crafts in the Artists’ Quarter
    Höllgasse is the artistic center of Passau. Here, studios, galleries, and workshops line up, inviting exploration.
  18. Take a Night Watchman Tour of Passau
    Learn exciting stories and legends on a tour with the night watchman. | tourismus.passau.de
  19. Enjoy a Culinary City Tour of Passau
    If you want to combine sightseeing with culinary delights, you should join either the culinary city tour or the 3 Courses, 3 Locations tour.
  20. Visit the Christkindlmarkt in Passau
    During the Advent season, Passau transforms into a winter wonderland. A visit to the Christkindlmarkt is a must. passauer-christkindlmarkt.de
  21. See the Flood Levels at the Old Town Hall
    If you want to see how high the water can rise when the Danube floods, check out the historical flood markers at the Old Town Hall.
  22. Visit the Witch Shop Angelika Putz
    Open to a bit of superstition and spirituality? Then this witch shop is perfect for you. | naturzauber-passau.de
  23. Shop at the City Gallery Passau
    A shopping enthusiast? You can shop and stroll to your heart’s content here. | stadtgalerie-passau.de
  24. Savor Sweet Delicacies at Café Greindl
    The sweet temptations at Café Greindl are well-known beyond the city limits and simply irresistible. | greindl-passau.de
  25. Pedal Along the Danube Cycle Path
    Explore the Danube Riverbanks by bike on the beautiful Danube Cycle Path. Bikes can be rented, for example, directly at Passau Station.
  26. Relax at the Inn Beach with a Beautiful City View
    Unwind by the banks of the Inn and enjoy the city view. | Google Maps
  27. Visit the Weekly Market
    Find fresh produce and local specialties at the weekly market. A delight for all senses. Here you can meet the personalities of the market.
  28. Hike the Inn Valley Trail to Egglfing
    A beautiful hike along the Inn takes you to Egglfing. Ideal for nature lovers. | ostbayern-tourismus.de
  29. Cool Off in the Passau Leisure Pool in Summer
    Perfect for hot days – the Passau Leisure Pool offers cooling off and fun for the whole family. | stadtwerke-passau.de
  30. Visit the Passau Dult in Autumn
    The traditional folk festival features rides, music, and Bavarian delicacies. A great alternative to Munich’s Oktoberfest. | passauer-dult.de
  31. Experience the Passau Bridge Festival
    The Bridge Festival on Luitpold Bridge is one of the highlights of Passau’s event calendar, offering a unique setting with views of Veste Oberhaus and St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Enjoy music, good food, and a festive atmosphere on the illuminated bridge. You can find the next date here.
  32. Taste Danube Wines at the “Weingut” Wine Shop
    A must for wine lovers. Enjoy exquisite wines in a cozy atmosphere. | weingut-passau.de

Passau has something for everyone, whether it’s culture, history, nature, or enjoyment. Pack your bags and experience the diversity of this wonderful city!

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