Passau, often called the “City of Three Rivers” because the Danube, Inn, and Ilz converge here, offers several remarkable sights within easy walking distance. Here’s a concise overview of Passau’s main attractions, which are accessible on foot.

Old Town (Altstadt)

The heart of Passau features narrow, winding streets with colorful Baroque and Gothic buildings. The Old Town sits dramatically on a peninsula between the Danube and Inn rivers, creating a natural walking route with spectacular views.

St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Dom St. Stephan)

This magnificent Baroque cathedral houses the world’s largest church organ (17,774 pipes). The cathedral’s white interior with ornate gold detailing creates an atmosphere of celestial grandeur. Organ concerts are held daily (except Sundays and holidays) to showcase this remarkable instrument.

Veste Oberhaus

Crossing the Ilz River via a pedestrian bridge takes you to this 13th-century fortress perched on a hill. The climb is moderately steep but rewards you with the most commanding views of the three rivers converging and the entire Old Town spread below.

Glass Museum (Glasmuseum)

Housed in Hotel Wilder Mann, this museum displays over 30,000 pieces of Bohemian glass, telling the story of the region’s glass-making tradition with spectacular craftsmanship spanning four centuries.

Passau’s Riverfront Promenades

Walking paths line all three rivers, offering distinctive views. The Inn promenade features colorful Italian-influenced buildings, while the Danube promenade provides classic postcard views of the Old Town.

Residenzplatz

This elegant square showcases the New Bishop’s Residence (Neue Residenz) with its impressive staircase and the old town hall. It is a natural gathering place and orientation point when exploring the Old Town.

Höllgasse

This charming narrow street, sometimes called “Artists’ Alley,” features small art studios, craft shops, and cafés tucked into medieval buildings. The street’s historic architecture is a visual delight.

Passau is compact enough to experience all these highlights on foot in a single day or even an afternoon—especially during the spring or fall when the town isn’t yet too crowded with river cruise patrons. However, the city rewards those who linger to appreciate the unique atmosphere where Bavarian and Austrian cultures blend at this historic river confluence. We highly recommend staying overnight or making your visit an even longer one.

For more information on Passau’s many walkable highlights, look at the official website of Passau Tourism.