Passau

Passau

Germany

Wander through the stunning Altstadt where three rivers converge and baroque architecture rises majestically from centuries past.

💱 Currency Euro (EUR)
🗣 Language German
🕐 Time Zone CET (UTC+1)
☀️ Best Time to Visit May–Sep
🚢 Typical Duration 7-14 nights
💰 Price Range From $1,354 pp
Port Type Departure & Port of Call
🚤 Tender Port No

Passau is a picturesque Danube River port city renowned for its stunning baroque architecture, three-river confluence, and as a gateway to Central European river cruise destinations.

Cruises that visit Passau

Build Your Day in Passau

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
🛳 Embarkation port — worth arriving early
Getting around:
STADTGALERIE Passau Easy accessible, great choices, good location, many brands are represented. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 9k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Thu
St. Stephan's Cathedral Looking up is sensory overload - so much to take in, all of it spectacular. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 7k 🕐 Closed · Opens 6:30 AM Thu
Veste Oberhaus The currently running Japanese paper exhibition and shadow art is very cool. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 6k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Dreiflüsseeck Provided with a small area for children activity. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 5k
Das Oberhaus The food was great and the ambience was beautiful. German · ★ 4.4 · 5k 🕐 Closes soon · 12 AM
peb - ​​Passauer Erlebnisbad The price is cheap considering the activities you can do there. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Hacklberg Brewery Beer Garden and Restaurant Great beer, great food, great everything! Brewpub · ★ 4.6 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
Najm Restaurant مطعم النجم Food is very nice, service was so kind, and the atmosphere was amazing! Restaurant · ★ 4.9 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
Ratskeller Passau Good food and drinks at good prices. German · ★ 4.4 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu
Altes Bräuhaus Fabulous, great atmosphere, wonderful vibe and brilliant service. Bavarian restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 2k 🕐 Closes soon · 12 AM
Braves Mädchen tasty food, good beer, terrace, toilets, great service Grill · ★ 4.6 · 2k 🕐 Closes soon · 11:30 PM
Wilma Wunder Passau Very tasty and creative dishes, nice drinks and outstanding atmosphere! German · ★ 4.2 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Thu
Croatia Super service, nice atmosphere, good food. Croatian · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM Thu
DEZ Drei-Flüsse-Einkaufszentrum Great shopping center where you can buy everything you need. Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu
Big Daddy´s American Diner Passau Friendly service, good atmosphere, and great food. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM Thu
Safi Restaurant Very clean, service perfect, taste all our dishes was good. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM Thu
Journey Cocktailbar Passau Great cocktails and great service, all in a wonderful environment. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 1k
Shamrock Irish Pub Friendly service, good atmosphere, tasty drinks. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Nibelungen Center Handy shopping centre in the middle of town. Shopping mall · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 7 AM Thu
Glasmuseum Passau Huge, extensive, eclectic, stimulating, colorful, historical! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Petite Chérie Lieblingsplatz´l Drinks were amazing, service was fast, and of course the location is great! Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 2 PM Thu
Domplatz Passau Incredible decorations Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Schaiblingsturm Walk trough. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Roman Museum Castle Boiotro There was some hands-on content to keep children engaged. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu
STRAWANZER Bar & Lounge Surprisingly tasty the wheat beer with elderflower syrup. Bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu
Flamingo Best ShishaBar in Passau Hookah bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Marienbrücke Scenic view over the medieval Passau city and Inn River. Bridge · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Zwo20 Passau Food food, attentive service, recommended. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5:30 PM Thu
Musikbar Colors The best bar in Passau from my point of view. Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k
No Limits Cocktail Bar This is an amazing place, with a great service Cocktail bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closes soon · 12 AM
Wittelsbach Fountain Warm, relaxed, a bit cinematic. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Oberhausmuseum This is a nice cheap museum to go to and the exhibits are fascinating. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu
Passau historic old town The atmosphere is vibrant but still calm, full of character and history. Historical landmark · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Donauquartier They are needed after a long drive! Shopping mall · ★ 4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Thu
Rio Cultural Bar & Garden Dine-in·Curbside pickup·No delivery Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 PM Thu
Höllgasse Artists Alley The Artists walk is filled with clever, creative pieces. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k
Dreiflusshackbank Seats available on the pedestrian path. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Rathausplatz Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
The Shelby bar Stylish local with top tier owners who serve you there! Bar · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 3 PM Thu
Ilzmündung Tourist attraction · ★ 5 · 0k
Aussicht auf Passau Very good point for taking photos, Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Torturm Totally worth it. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Outer courtyard Exteterior yard or main entrance to the fortress/museum. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Passau is an embarkation port. Many cruises start or end here — it's worth arriving a day early or extending your stay to explore beyond a single port day.

Next Departures from Passau

About Passau

Passau stands as one of Europe's most vibrant river cruise hubs, welcoming passengers from five major cruise lines including Viking River Cruises, Emerald Cruises, and Amadeus River Cruises. While primarily a port of call rather than an embarkation point, Passau attracts an impressive 2,100 cruises annually, making it a beloved stop on Danube itineraries. Most voyages here span seven nights, with peak season running from May through September as travelers flock to experience Central Europe's most enchanting waterways.

From Passau's docks, you'll have access to some of the Danube's most treasured destinations, including Vienna, Budapest, Bratislava, and Regensburg. During your time ashore, you can explore the city's stunning baroque architecture and picturesque riverside setting, or venture on organized excursions to nearby attractions. The combination of Passau's strategic location and its role as a major cruise hub ensures that your river journey will be both memorable and seamlessly connected to the region's greatest highlights.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Three Rivers Meet Here

Witness the stunning confluence where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers converge in a spectacular display of nature. This unique geographical phenomenon creates breathtaking views from the Oberhaus Fortress and riverside promenades. The dramatic color contrast between the rivers' waters makes this one of Europe's most photographed natural wonders.

2

St. Stephen's Cathedral Masterpiece

Explore the magnificent Gothic St. Stephen's Cathedral, home to the world's largest church organ with 17,974 pipes. This architectural gem dominates Passau's skyline and features stunning stained glass windows and intricate interior details. The cathedral's elevated position offers panoramic views of the three rivers and surrounding old town.

3

Danube Pastries & Local Flavors

Indulge in Passau's famous Erdäpfelpuffer (potato pancakes) and fresh Danube fish specialties at riverside cafés. Sample local Bavarian pastries and cream-filled delicacies at traditional bakeries throughout the charming old town. Pair your treats with local beer or coffee while enjoying waterfront seating with river views.

4

Medieval Old Town Wandering

Stroll through Passau's enchanting medieval old town with narrow cobblestone streets, Renaissance buildings, and hidden courtyards. Discover colorful facades, boutique shops, and galleries tucked into centuries-old structures. The compact, walkable layout makes it perfect for leisurely exploration and discovering authentic Bavarian character.

5

Oberhaus Fortress & Panoramas

Hike or take the funicular to the 13th-century Oberhaus Fortress for unparalleled views of the three rivers and surrounding landscape. This hilltop stronghold houses a museum showcasing Passau's rich history and offers multiple vantage points for photography. The fortress grounds provide peaceful gardens and peaceful spots to absorb the region's natural beauty.

Cruise Lines at Passau

Cruises Departing From Passau

Cruises Visiting Passau

Ship Schedule at Passau

Passau Location

Other Cruise Ports in Germany

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Passau best known for?

Passau is a German city at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers, nicknamed the Three Rivers City.

What are the key attractions in Passau?

The fortress Veste Oberhaus, St Stephen's Cathedral with its historic organ, and the charming Old Town along the riverfront.

Where is Passau located?

In southeastern Germany, near the Austrian border in Bavaria, coordinates 48.566736, 13.431947.

What cultural experiences are available in Passau?

Museums, theatre and cafés with Bavarian–Austrian charm.