8 Best Sights in Passau, Franconia and the German Danube

Situated at the eastern end of the Domplatz, this cathedral rises high above the city, making it Passau's most visible landmark. A baptismal church stood here in the 6th century, and 200 years later, when Passau became a bishop's seat, the first basilica was built. It was dedicated to St. Stephen and became the original mother church of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. A fire reduced the medieval basilica to ruins in 1662; it was then rebuilt by Italian master architect Carlo Lurago. What you see today is the largest baroque basilica north of the Alps, complete with an octagonal dome and flanking towers. Little in its marble- and stucco-encrusted interior reminds you of Germany, and much proclaims the exuberance of Rome. Beneath the dome is the largest church organ assembly in the world. Built between 1924 and 1928 and enlarged in 1979–80, it claims no fewer than 17,774 pipes and 233 stops. The church also houses the most powerful bell chimes in southern Germany.

Walk to the eastern tip of the Altstadt and look straight out at the wide waters ahead. You are standing at the confluence of three rivers: the Inn (on your right), the Danube (on your left), and the Ilz (behind you on the left; the small outlet on the other side of the Danube). It's always interesting to witness the jostling flows and currents, but it's particularly impressive on a sunny day, when you can clearly see the different water colors mingling together; the navy-black Ilz flowing into the blue-brown Danube, before meeting the aqua-green Ilz. This point also marks the western end of the Innkai, a pleasant riverside path that leads past the striking 13th-century Schaiblingsturm. It's a far more relaxing experience than the bustling Danube promenade.

The powerful fortress and summer castle, commissioned by Bishop Ulrich II in 1219, protects Passau from an impregnable site across the river from the Rathaus. Today, the Veste Oberhaus is Passau's most important museum, containing exhibits that illustrate the city's 2,000-year history. From the terrace of its café-restaurant (open Easter–October), there's a magnificent view of Passau and the convergence of the three rivers. The fortress is a steep, 15-minute walk from Rathausplatz; there's also a parking lot.

This large square in front of the Dom stands on the earliest-settled part of the city. In addition to the cathedral, it's bordered by a host of sturdy 17th- and 18th-century buildings, including the Alte Residenz, the former bishop's palace and now a courthouse. The neoclassical statue at the center of the square is Bavarian King Maximilian I, who watches over the Christmas market in December.

The world's most comprehensive collection of European glass is housed in the historic Wilder Mann complex. The proud history of glassmaking in Central Europe—centered on Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic—is captured in more than 30,000 items, half of which are on display at any one time across the 35 rooms. Opened in 1985 by (rather randomly) Neil Armstrong, the museum is home to everything from beautiful baroque creations to eye-catching art deco pieces.

Step inside the beautiful Neue Residenz, through the stately baroque entrance revealing a magnificent staircase—a scintillating study in marble, fresco, and stucco—and you'll find this excellent cathedral museum. It's home to one of Bavaria's largest collections of religious treasures—the legacy of Passau's rich episcopal history—along with a baroque book collection, colorful frescoes, and antique furnishings.

Passau's looming 14th-century town hall sits like a vast Venetian merchant's house on a small square (called, logically, Rathausplatz) fronting the Danube. The building was once home to a wealthy German merchant, before being declared the seat of city government after a 1298 uprising. Today it holds two council chambers, home to wall paintings depicting scenes from local history and legend, though it's not currently possible to visit these interiors. Even if you don't see the Rathaus, you'll probably hear it, as the tower is home to Bavaria's largest glockenspiel, which plays daily at 11:30 am and 2:30 pm.

While excavating a 17th-century pilgrimage church, archaeologists uncovered a stout Roman fortress with five defence towers and walls more than 12 feet thick. The Roman citadel Boiotro was discovered on a hill known as the Mariahilfberg on the south bank of the river Inn, with its Roman well still plentiful and fresh. Pottery, lead figures, and other artifacts from the area are housed in this museum at the edge of the site.