Passau, Germany: City on Three Rivers

If you are arriving at Passau on a Danube River cruise ships, the boat will dock at a small park near the old town, and passengers can walk into the city to enjoy the pedestrian-friendly shopping areas, historical sites, and picturesque architecture of the buildings. Passau is a perfect example of a great river cruise port of call. It has interesting history, good shopping, and many fascinating buildings.

This Bavarian town of about 50,000 residents is also home to the University of Passau, giving the town a youthful ambiance.

01 of 09

St. Stephen's Cathedral Towers

Exterior of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Passau, Germany on an overcast day — Linda Garrison

St. Stephen's Cathedral in located in the center of the old town. It has three huge towers topped with green onion domes, so it's easily recognizable all over the town.

Continue to 2 of 9 below.

02 of 09

St. Stephen's Cathedral Interior

View of the altar and central aisle of St. Stephen's Cathedral in Passau, Germany — Linda Garrison

The interior of St. Stephen's Cathedral is done mostly in white, which is quite a contrast from the dark interiors of many other large cathedrals.

Continue to 3 of 9 below.

03 of 09

St. Stephen's Cathedral Organ

The balcony and pipe organ at St. Stephen's Cathedral in Passau, Germany — Linda Garrison

A highlight of a Passau visit is an organ concert in St. Stephen's Cathedral. The organ in this baroque church is the world's largest cathedral organ, with over 17,000 pipes and 233 registers.The organ concert is usually held at noon, allowing cruise ship passengers a couple of hours to explore Passau on their own after the concert is over.

Continue to 4 of 9 below.

04 of 09

Three Rivers: Danube, Ilz, and Inn

A barge on one of the three rivers that cross through Passau, Germany — Linda Garrison

Passau is found near the border of Germany and Austria and sits at the junction of three rivers—the Danube, Inn, and Ils. In the 17th century, much of the old city was destroyed in a devastating fire, but the citizens rebuilt Passau in primarily an Italian baroque style.

Continue to 5 of 9 below.

05 of 09

Passau Fortress (Veste Oberhaus)

Passau Fortress, the Veste Oberhaus, in Passau, Germany — Linda Garrison

Across the Danube River from old town Passau is the Veste Oberhaus Fortress, which dates back to the 13th century. The powerful Bishops of Passau built and used the fortress from 1217 to 1803. Visitors can cross the bridge to visit this ancient fortress that overlooks the city and its rivers. A shuttle takes visitors to the top of the hill, but it's a good hike for those who enjoy the exercise. The view is worth the exertion.

Continue to 6 of 9 below.

06 of 09

Old Town Passau

Enjoy a quiet stroll through the streets of Old Town Passau. The picturesque lanes will transport you back to an earlier time.

Continue to 7 of 9 below.

07 of 09

High Water Marker

Marker in Passau, Germany showing the high water points from various floods that have occurred — Linda Garrison

This high water marker near the Danube River in Passau marks some of the worst floods over the centuries. The highest mark was 12.60 meters in the year 1501.

Continue to 8 of 9 below.

08 of 09

Passau Park

Danube River cruise ships dock at this small but lovely park at the junction of the Danube and Inn Rivers in Passau.

Continue to 9 of 9 below.

09 of 09

Sailing Away on the Flooded Danube River

Sailing through Passau, Germany on the flooded Danube River — Linda Garrison

The "beautiful blue Danube" can sometimes become quite swollen and muddy during rainy seasons. This photo was taken in June 2009, but high waters can occur at any time of the year.