Bringing you to the "City of Three Rivers," each Passau river cruise is an experience that challenges you to immerse yourself in the rich cultures and histories of Central Europe. Passau is given its name for its location, at the crux of three different rivers. The Danube and its tributaries, Inn and Ilz, all meet at Passau, branching off into their own respective portions of Europe. The German city is found on the German-Austria border, marking the entrance for many German river cruises from elsewhere in Europe.

Old Town Passau

A Bastion of European Education

Throughout Europe, the city of Passau, Germany is known for being a center for higher education. As home to the University of Passau, the city's population is over one-fifth made up by the college's staff and students. Passau University is known for a variety of disciplines, each adding to the city's culture and community. The university welcomes people from all over the world to come and explore Bavarian history within its halls and libraries.

The university is an excellent microcosm of Passau itself. Beginning as part of the Institute for Catholic Studies many hundreds of years ago, Passau University transformed into the progressive home of education it is today. Similarly, the city of Passau was first the location of the diocese of Passau in the 700s, the largest one of the German Kingdom. Over the centuries, Passau grew to become the historic German city it is today. Located along the Inn River, the University of Passau is hard to miss on Passau day river cruises.

Passau Cruise Ships

When cruising to historic Passau, you'll most often be traveling along a longer Danube River cruise. All of our top luxury European river cruise lines sail the river, one of Europe's most popular. Our favorite cruise lines -- Viking River Cruises, Scenic River Cruises, and Uniworld River Cruises -- are all award-winning brands that set the bar when it comes to cruising. Aboard their majestic sailing ships, you'll have the amenities of a five-star hotel, multiple restaurants to choose between, cocktail lounges, and more.

Top Attractions for Passau River Cruises

While being the intersecting point of three rivers is one of the features Passau is best known for, the city has lots more to offer. If you particularly enjoy history, art, or dining, the city of Passau has lots to offer. It surprisingly also features some of Europe's largest items and collections, ensuring there's plenty to do and see for the city's visitors. Here, we showcase the best Passau cruise attractions according to our cruising experts.

• St. Stephen's Cathedral's Pipe Organ. If you're anything like us, this likely seems to be a surprising choice. St. Stephen's Cathedral is known for being a beautiful historic church, but it's most well-known features is indeed its pipe organ. This is the largest pipe organ in all of Europe, only smaller that one in New Jersey, USA. This towering organ is decorated to blend in with the ornate surroundings of the rest of the church. Made up of over 18,000 pipes and five different organs, this organ is played at noon each day for visitors.
• Artists Alley. Visit Höllgasse in Passau to find numerous art galleries, shops, and studios. The center of Passau's art scene, this cobblestone-lined alley is the perfect place for art lovers, creatives, and shoppers looking to pick up a souvenir from their European river cruises.
• Veste Oberhaus. A 13th century fortress that's played the home of the Bishop of Passau, Veste Oberhaus looks over the rest of Passau, providing phenomenal views of the city and surrounding rivers. Visiting today, you'll find a museum, dining, an outdoor theater, and even a youth hostel are housed within its walls.
• Old Town Passau. Like many European cities, Passau's old town -- or altstadt -- houses much of its original culture and, best of all, its cuisine. This historic part of the city is home to a number of traditional Bavarian eateries, where you'll find countless delicious recipes and delicacies.

St. Stephen's Cathedral Pipe Organ

Veste Oberhaus, Passau

Sailing from Passau Germany

Setting sail from Passau, you'll be cruising the Danube, Europe's second longest river. One of the most common paths for a Danube River cruise, Passau to Budapest is a route that brings you along old Central Europe, showcasing its many UNESCO-protected historical landmarks, natural beauty, and bustling metropolises. Alternatively, some cruises head the opposite direction towards Nuremberg, Germany. Regardless of which way your Passau river cruise brings you along the Danube, this delightful city is a hidden gem that many come to love upon their first visit.