Day Trips & Excursions: Passau

Nearby Destinations

Many captivating places are within easy day-trip distance from Passau. These include the Bavarian Forest National Park, Linz in Austria, Regensburg, and Schärding in Austria.

The Bavarian Forest is best reached by car. Linz and Regensburg both have excellent, frequent train connections, also accessible by car or bus. Schärding is a short car or regional train ride away.

Trip Considerations

Bavarian Forest: Plan a full day (6-8 hours) for the Treetop Walkway and animal enclosures.
Linz & Regensburg: Dedicate a full day (6-8 hours) for each city's attractions.
Schärding: A half-day trip (3-4 hours) is ample for this charming town.
For regional train travel within Bavaria and to Linz, the Bayern Ticket is a cost-effective choice.

Natural Escapes

The region around Passau features stunning natural landscapes for outdoor pursuits and quiet moments.

Parks & Reserves

The Bavarian Forest National Park is Germany's largest contiguous forest, ideal for diverse ecosystems and wildlife observation.

Conservation Areas

Bavarian Forest National Park for expansive hiking and nature.
Donauleiten Nature Reserve with pleasant river views and trails.
Tier-Freigelände near Neuschönau for native wildlife viewing.

Scenic Views

The Ilz Valley offers tranquility, while the Donauschlinge presents a dramatic river turn in Austria.

Panoramic Options

Ilz Valley for hiking and cycling away from city sounds.
Donauschlinge (Schlögener Schlinge) by boat or viewpoint hike.
Winter transforms the Bavarian Forest into a snowy setting for outdoor activities.

Cultural Excursions

Historical Sites

Aldersbach Abbey, a historic Cistercian monastery and brewery.
Straubing, a city on the Danube with Roman and medieval history.
Altötting, a significant Marian pilgrimage site.
Explore picturesque villages in the Lower Bavarian countryside.

Extended Exploration

Multi-day Danube River cruises to Vienna or Budapest.
1-2 extra days for Bavarian Forest exploration.
Salzburg, Austria, the Baroque city and Mozart's birthplace.
Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic, a picturesque medieval town.

Multi-Day Extensions

Logical Next Destinations:Vienna (direct train)
Munich (easy train)
Prague (train/bus)
Suggested Routes:"Three Rivers Triangle" (Passau-Linz-Cesky Krumlov)

"Bavarian Forest Loop" (Passau-Bavarian Forest-Regensburg)
"Danube Trail" (Passau to Vienna/Budapest by river cruise, train, or bicycle)
Plan your river journey at GetYourGuide.
For flight delay compensation, consider Compensair.

Tip for Travel

Independent travel is a good choice for Linz, Regensburg, and Schärding. Local tours cater to destinations like the Bavarian Forest National Park.

Activities & Experiences

Passau includes various activities that connect you with its natural setting and culture.

Outdoor Adventures

Enjoy hiking along river promenades or explore the Bavarian Forest trails, from easy to challenging.

Cultural Immersion

Attend an organ concert at St. Stephen's Cathedral or visit the Stadttheater for performances.

Relaxation & Wellness

Find tranquility in Passau or journey to Bad Füssing for thermal bath experiences.

Water & Cycling

River cruises provide a leisurely view. Canoeing on the Ilz River or quieter Danube sections is possible.

Water & Trails

Short "Three Rivers Tours" from the confluence point.
Danube Cycle Path is mostly flat and well-maintained.
Consider a Bike repair kit for cycling trips.

City & Forest Exploration

City trails offer easy walks. The Bavarian Forest National Park has trails for all levels, including a Treetop Walkway.

Nature's Appeal

Baumwipfelpfad (Treetop Walkway) for forest canopy views.
Lusen/Rachel for challenging hikes with rewarding views.
Donau-Panoramaweg (Danube Panorama Trail) through Passau.

Entertainment & Shopping

Live Music Venues:Smaller pubs and bars in Old Town, Redoute, Stadttheater.

Theater & Performances:Stadttheater Passau (plays, operas, ballets).

Nightlife:Mostly pubs and bars in Old Town (Ludwigstrasse, Residenzplatz).

Traditional Markets:Wochenmarkt (Weekly Market) on Domplatz and Ludwigsplatz.

Artisan Crafts:Glassware shops in Old Town, traditional Bavarian items.

Souvenirs:Bohemian Glass, Passau-themed items, Bavarian Beer Steins, local food products.

Wellness & Relaxation Notes

Hotels may offer small spa areas.
Bad Füssing, a renowned spa town (30 km away), has thermal baths.
Erlebnisbad Bschütt is a public swimming facility in Passau.
Nearby lakes (e.g., Rannasee) offer summer bathing.
Yoga studios offer individual classes.

Cultural Highlights

Immerse yourself in Passau's culture through music, arts, and local traditions.

Performances & Music

Attending an organ concert at St. Stephen's Cathedral is a major cultural highlight, showing the world's largest church organ.

Music & Theater

St. Stephen's Cathedral Organ Concerts.
Stadttheater Passau with plays, opera, and ballet.
Traditional music at some Bavarian restaurants.

Learning & Events

The University of Passau fosters a multicultural environment. Local language schools offer German courses.

Engagement Opportunities

Learning a few Basic German phrases is always appreciated.
European Weeks Passau (July-August) for international arts.
Christmas Markets (late Nov-Dec) with local food and crafts.

Shopping & Markets

Discover local crafts, souvenirs, and traditional markets in Passau.

Local Finds

Wochenmarkt (Weekly Market) on Domplatz and Ludwigsplatz for fresh produce.
Artisan glassware shops for hand-blown items.
Bohemian Glass and Passau-themed items as signature souvenirs.

Nightlife & Socializing

Passau presents a range of entertainment, from quiet pubs to cultural performances.

Evening Options

Smaller pubs and bars in the Old Town host live bands.
Nightlife mainly revolves around numerous pubs and bars.
Bars typically close between 1:00 AM and 3:00 AM, later on weekends.

Important Shopping Information

Ethical Shopping

Support local artisans directly. Look for "Made in Germany" labels for quality and ethical production.

Shipping Fragile Items

Larger souvenir shops may arrange international shipping for delicate or bulky items.

VAT Refunds

Non-EU residents may get VAT refunds on purchases above a certain amount. Ask for a "Tax Free Form".

Note on Workshops

Formal public workshops for tourists in traditional Bavarian crafts are limited. Check with local community centers for offerings.

Day Trips & Excursions