Veste Oberhaus Castle

Float through the comfort of the boat where you can enjoy unforgettable views of Passau: the Italian flair of its colourful facades, the Cathedral of St. Stephen, the mouth of the Three Rivers of the Danube, Inn and Ilz with their different colours, the Ober- and Niederhaus and the monastery "Maria Hilf". Exiting information about the city an its history can be heard over our onboard loudspeakers, while coffee and cake, cooled drinks or an ices coffee can be enjoyed on request. Our tip: in the high season our electrically powered convertible ship MS SUNLiner runs the tour every half an hour!

Visit the most beautiful places in Passau on relaxed walking city tour with background information, funny stories, and secret tips from a local certified city guide. Walk through the picturesque streets, pass the Old Town Hall and tower with its flood lines, and see the theater and national historical treasure, ScharfrichterHaus. See the St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to the largest cathedral organ in the world. On the left bank of the Danube River, admire the Veste Oberhaus fortress that towers over Passau and was built in 1219. Next to the castle complex of Veste Niederhaus, see where the courses of the Danube, Ilz, and Inn rivers intersect, giving Passau its epithet the “City of Three Rivers.”  Not far from here is the former Jesuit Church of St. Micheal where you’ll also see the new and old parts of town. All along the way, enjoy the opportunity to take photos, particularly at the Inn promenade and Residenzplatz with its cute cafes.

To start your tour, you will explore the extensive grounds of the Veste Oberhaus, which is located high above Passau and is one of the largest and at the same time best-preserved castle complexes in Europe. Then head inside the more than 800-year-old castle walls, where history comes alive in a unique way. Walk in the footsteps of the Passau prince bishops, who once resided in the rooms in which today the Oberhaus Museum presents exciting exhibitions from the Middle Ages to recent history. An absolute highlight is the visit to the newly opened observation tower with multimedia presentation on the multifaceted history of the castles and palaces in the Inn-Salzach-Dona region. A spectacular panoramic view of Passau and the surrounding area awaits you on the top platform. The new Veste Oberhaus app accompanies you on a virtual adventure tour "in the footsteps of knights and prince bishops" through the castle complex. For example, the former drawbridge comes back to life, a panoramic tour shows the most beautiful vantage points and the treasure hunt invites you to discover objects from ancient times at authentic sites. Finally, a visit to the Batterie Linde lookout point is recommended, from where you can enjoy the most beautiful view of the picturesque old town and the famous confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers.

Start the tour at the St. Stephen's Cathedral - A baroque church from 1688 dedicated to Saint Stephen. There have been many churches on the site of the current cathedral since 730. The cathedral possesses the largest cathedral organ in the world which can be played with the five-manual general console in the gallery and there are a total of six consoles. Head towards the episcopal palaces Located in the old town of Pasau on today’s Residenzplatz, the Neue Bischöfliche Residenz, of the prince bishops of Passau was built from 1712 to 1730 in the Viennese late Baroque style. Moving on, we shall go to the City Hall that dates back to the 14th Century, the Altes Rathaus is a very historic site built in Neo-Gothic architectural style. The lavish paintings on the interior walls speak a lot about the local legends. While you walk through, keep an eye out to observe the water marks on the side of the building depicting the heights and dates of various floods that occured during its history. You may also find numerous places to eat or to enjoy a beverage. From here, we shall head towards Narrow passageways and into unknown corners to discover where some of the city’s most remarkable life unfolds and will explore the hidden courtyards. Next, we shall visit the pilgrimage church that was founded in 1622 by Domdekan Marquard von Schwendi, the church “pilgrimage church Mariahilf” literally translates to “Mary help us”. The church has 321 pilgrimage steps and offers magnificent views. Finally, we shall hike up to the Oberhaus fortress, which also has its Museum. It is Passaus’ bastion offering amazing views all over Passau and its Austrian neighbors. As you climb, you will gain a wider view of Passau, its green hills, buildings with red roofs, its colorful houses and churches as well as the merging point of the three rivers.

Explore Passau on a walking tour with a private guide. Marvel at stunning feats of architecture, such as St. Stephen's Cathedral and Old City Hall, feast your eyes on the rushing Danube River, understand the economic impact of Passau's salt trade, and learn about the town's unique cultural origins. Begin your tour by meeting your guide at St. Stephen's Cathedral, a baroque church built in 1688 and home to Europe's largest church organ. Then step outside to explore the winding streets of Old Town, including the Royal Promenade, Old City Hall, and gothic and baroque-inspired architecture. Walk to the rushing river banks to see where the Inn and Ilz rivers join the Danube, with the towering Veste Oberhaus Castle nearby. Learn why the rivers made Passau a key trade location and how historical figures such as Empress Sissi further developed Passau into an epicenter of the salt trade.  Continue further, listening closely as your guide details the devastating fire from 1662, which almost destroyed the city. Explore more of the city center's artisan-owned galleries, shops, and restaurants before returning to St. Stephen's Cathedral and ending your tour.