Passau, Germany

  • Luxury river cruise ship in scenic town

The pride of Passau, the massive organ in the baroque St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of the largest outside the United States. As with most organs of its size, it grew gradually over centuries. Today, it actually comprises five separate organs that carry varied tonal qualities and attending a concert in its elegant cathedral setting is truly an uplifting experience. Outside the heart of the city lies rural Bavaria, with its picturesque rolling hills and verdant green pastures. Some of the region’s best-loved products are produced here, from its prized hams and sausages to its milk and delicious alpine cheeses.

Shore Excursions

Shore excursions vary by each itinerary and are subject to change.

Historic riverside tower with cobblestone path

Passau Walking Tour

Explore the Italianate-style streets of Passau, where three European rivers converge.

Included
Historic riverside tower with cobblestone path

Passau Walking Tour

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes      

A Stroll Through an Elegant City Capped Off by Beautiful Music

Explore the Italianate-style streets of Passau, where three European rivers converge. Meet your local guide and begin your walking tour through delightful old-world streets, taking in a pastel rainbow of building facades as you stroll. You will see the impressive Bishops’ Residenz from which powerful prince-bishops ruled secular and religious life for hundreds of years. Continue past the 14th-century Rathaus, or Town Hall, built on the site of a former fish market on the Danube. Conclude your walk at the magnificent 17th-century St. Stephen’s Cathedral. This baroque wonder houses Europe’s largest pipe organ, with more than 17,000 pipes, and inspired Franz Liszt to write his Hungarian Coronation Mass. Enjoy free time to explore more of the city on your own before returning to your awaiting ship.

* Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.
Aerial view of historic European castle

Hike the Passau Hills

Take in Passau’s sublime setting at the confluence of three rivers from the best vantage points in the city.
Aerial view of historic European castle

Hike the Passau Hills

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes      

Explore the City of Three Rivers On Foot

Take in Passau’s sublime setting at the confluence of three rivers from the best vantage points in the city. Meet your guide and set off on foot, along the left bank of the Danube River, where you will climb to Veste Oberhaus. This mighty fortress perched atop St. George’s Hill, a promontory between the Ilz and Danube Rivers, affords spectacular views over the city and its surroundings. Visit the museum inside the fortress, which chronicles its six centuries of history along with that of the city and the wider region. Afterward, you will enjoy refreshments as you admire panoramic vistas of the confluence of the three waterways; the Danube, the Ilz and the Inn rivers. Then, follow your guide along a scenic route to Passau, before returning to your awaiting ship.

* Demanding - Physically challenging activities, including extensive walks, hiking, riding, water sports, and high altitude activities. Activities by foot may contain difficult, unpaved surfaces and/or multiple stairs and steep inclines. Total time walking or standing may exceed 3 hours.
Historic Salzburg cityscape with church towers

Salzburg Highlights & Dinner

Spend the day in picturesque Salzburg, setting of the beloved film The Sound of Music and the birthplace of Mozart.
Historic Salzburg cityscape with church towers

Salzburg Highlights & Dinner

Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes      

City of Mozart and The Sound of Music

Spend the day in picturesque Salzburg, setting of the beloved film The Sound of Music and the birthplace of Mozart. Drive with your guide past charming mountain villages, rolling hills and pristine lakes. Upon arrival in this glorious city, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Italianate Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its high-baroque architecture. Pass by the Hagenauer House at Getreidegasse 9, the birthplace of renowned classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburg’s favorite son; today, it is one of Austria’s most visited museums. See the Domplatz, dominated by the 249-foot 17th-century cathedral and St. Peter’s Abbey, where Mozart premiered the Great Mass in C Minor in 1783. Savor dinner in Austria’s oldest restaurant, named for the church, as classically trained singers and musicians regale you with songs in the spirit of The Sound of Music.

* Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.
Shore excursions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Videos

Aerial view of Salzburg cityscape

At home in Salzburg with Viking guides Peter Staudinger and Julia Hattinger

Discover one of Austria’s most picturesque cities, Salzburg, the birthplace and childhood home of Mozart and setting of the beloved film The Sound of Music. During an informative tour led by Viking guides Peter Staudinger and Julia Hattinger, follow along as they show us some of their favorite places and delve into the history of this elegant Alpine destination. Should your curiosity be piqued, you will be delighted to know that you, too, could stroll the old-world streets of Salzburg when you join us there as part of an optional excursion on our Grand European Tour or European Sojourn river voyages.
Festive wreath with glowing candles

Wreath-Making Workshop

Join Karine in Passau, Germany, as she has a good laugh making traditional and modern German Advent wreaths with a local wreath maker.
Decorating festive gingerbread cookies on a plate

Cooking with Karine: Gingerbread

Join Karine as she learns the art of making gingerbread at Passau’s Café Simon, established more than 100 years ago. Sample some on our late fall cruises along Europe’s great rivers.