Passau
BAVARIAN “GEMÜTLICHKEIT” WITH AN INTERNATIONAL FLAIR

Standing on the terrace called “Batterie Linde”, you can enjoy an especially nice view of the city’s most prominent landmarks – the Danube, Inn and Ilz Rivers. All three converge right below the castle, which is why Passau is also called the “three river city”. What’s particularly remarkable is the fact that each river has its own colour, making it possible to identify each one. The Danube River is blue, the Inn River is green and the Ilz River is black because it meanders through a moor before reaching Passau. Long ago, trading ships from the Orient carrying salt and spices would dock at the riverside promenade. Nowadays, you’ll find larger ships docked there, offering cruises up and down the Danube. The location at the three rivers has always been of great economic importance to Passau.

The historic centre of town is built on the narrow peninsula between the Inn and Danube Rivers. There you’ll find St. Stephan’s Cathedral, a Baroque church which houses five organs – the largest cathedral organs in the world! Other smaller churches are located throughout the city and the outskirts of town. The narrow streets that descend down the steep river banks are distinctive of Passau’s old part of town. Hidden within these winding streets are numerous restaurants and shops which sell all types of unique and extraordinary items. For example, the shops on Höllgasse are known for their artistic and handcrafted products unlike any you’ll find in Germany.

Don’t forget to visit the Scharfrichterhaus located next to the city hall. It’s a performance venue for comedians whose stand-up routines poke fun at (and sometimes scathe) society and politics. Many of the artists who take the stage are known far beyond Passau.

You should definitely attend a “boat party”, where you can enjoy cool cocktails and great music while your ship slowly trundles up the Danube River. Tickets are available to the general public, and though the ticket price is a bit steep, it’s definitely worth it!

If you want to get to know other students, we recommend going to one of the many private parties held at flat-shares (WGs) and student residence halls. Since most of them are open to everyone, you can simply show up and join the party. If you want to go out, i.e. for drinks and dancing, you’ll find the best places downtown, in the historic city centre and the Innstadt. There are countless bars and cafés awaiting you there. Whether you are looking to spend a relaxing evening playing cards with friends at a pub, or you’d rather go posh and drink cocktails – these districts are the places to go.

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