Experience Passau from the water Photo by Andi Steiner at Unsplash
A morning by the water – arriving in the three-river city
It is early morning in PassauThe sun is still low, and a light mist hangs over the Danube. From the other bank, I hear the deep honk of a cruise ship. A pleasure boat glides almost silently by, only the water gently lapping against its hull. Seagulls circle above the jetty, while the first passersby stroll along the quay. I lean against the railing and let my gaze wander – here, where the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers meet. We want to experience Passau from the water.
Passau isn't called the "City of Three Rivers" for nothing. Those who experience the city from the water discover it from a completely new perspective.
As soon as we arrive, it strikes me: life here doesn't just take place on land. Excursion boats pass by on the Danube. Some are just docking, passengers wave cheerfully. We wave back – and are immediately in the holiday mood.
Round trips on the Danube, Inn and Ilz
A must for your first visit is definitely a classic boat trip. The Three Rivers Cruise takes only about 45 minutes, perfect for getting an initial overview.
We sit on deck, the sun on our faces, and slowly leave the Oberhaus Fortress behind us. To the right, the Inn River shimmers a bright green. To the left, the Danube flows by in deep blue. And then the Ilz River – almost black, mysterious.
I especially like the rides with the Crystal Ship* (Advertisement) in summer. The lights of the old town reflect in the water. A glass of white wine with it – wonderful!
📌 Infobox: Three Rivers Tour
Duration: approx. 45 minutes
Departure: Fritz-Schäffer-Promenade pier
Season: April – October
Price: from approx. 15 € per person
book here* (Advertisement)
Tip: Book an evening trip for atmospheric lights
River cruises from Passau
Passau is also the starting point for many Danube cruises. The large ships dock right on the banks. I enjoy watching new guests board. Suitcases are loaded, and crew members greet everyone with a smile.
Those with time can travel from here to Vienna, Budapest, or even the Black Sea. Shorter routes are also available for beginners. The cabins with panoramic windows make the water experience perfect.
📌 Infobox: Danube Cruises
Routes: Passau – Vienna – Budapest – Danube Delta
Duration: 4 to 14 days
Providers: A-ROSA* (advertisement), among others
Best time: May – September
Tip: Be sure to secure early bird discounts
Hotels directly on the water
There are hotels where you wake up looking out over the Danube. I remember a small boutique hotel on the Inn River. In the morning, fog drifted over the water. We opened the window and heard only the faint murmur.
Luxury hotels like the Hotel König offer balconies with views of passing cruise ships. Those preferring a more tranquil setting can also find charming guesthouses along the Ilz River.
📌 Infobox: Hotels with river views
Luxury: Hotel König* (Danube bank) (advertisement)
Shop: Art Hotel & Hostel* (Inn) (Advertisement)
Tip: Choose a room with a balcony facing the river
Experience Passau actively on the water
Passau is also a great place to explore for sports. For example, you can take a canoe trip on the Ilz River. The water is so calm that the trees are reflected in it.
Stand-up paddling is also popular in the summer. Especially early in the morning, when the city is still asleep, you almost have the river to yourself.
📌 Infobox: Active offers
Canoe/Kayak: Rental on the Ilzufer
SUP: Providers on the banks of the Inn (summer)
Guided tours: from approx. €25 per person
Tip: Start in the morning for calm water
Culinary moments on the shore
Dining by the water has its own charm. A beautiful view of Passau's waterfront can be enjoyed from the rooftop terrace of Café Greindl. Boats glide by while we sip coffee.
On a dinner cruise, we sampled regional delicacies. Roast pork and dumplings taste twice as good when you watch the sunset.
📌 Infobox: Culinary tips
Café Greindl: Breakfast with Danube panorama
Dinner Cruise: from €67 including 3-course menu
Practical tips for experiencing Passau from the water
The best time for a boat trip is from May to October. In spring, the city blooms, and in autumn, the shores are awash with color.
Be sure to bring binoculars. This way you can see details on the facades from the water. And: reserve your tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
FAQ – Experience Passau from the water
How long should I plan to spend in Passau on the water?
We think one or two days are enough to experience Passau from the water. A round trip will quickly give you an overview. However, if you're planning a river cruise or several excursions, three days are ideal. This way, you can enjoy the view from the deck, stroll along the riverbank, and relax in a waterfront café.
Which boat trips are the most worthwhile?
The Three Rivers Cruise is perfect for beginners. You'll see the Danube, Inn, and Ilz from a new perspective. Evening cruises are especially beautiful, when the city lights glitter in the water. Alternatively, you can also take a trip on the Crystal Ship. Those with more time can also take day trips on the Danube. These often lead to charming places upstream or downstream.
Can I go out on the water myself in Passau?
Yes, and it's a great experience. You can rent a kayak, for example. The water is calm and the landscape almost untouched. In summer, stand-up paddling on the Inn River is very popular. It's especially atmospheric in the mornings because there are hardly any other boats around.
Which waterfront hotels are particularly beautiful?
We particularly like small boutique hotels on the Inn River or charming guesthouses on the Ilz River. These often offer direct views of the water. Luxury hotels on the Danube also offer balconies from which you can watch the cruise ships passing by. Booking early is a good idea, especially for rooms with a river view.
What can I do on the shore when I'm not on the water?
The riverbank is a wonderful place to take a stroll. We especially like the path along the Fritz-Schäffer-Promenade. There you can watch the boats, stop at small cafés, and enjoy the view. In some places, you'll find benches where you can sit for hours and watch the river.
Are there culinary experiences right on the water?
Yes, and you shouldn't miss them. We love breakfast at Café Greindl with a view of the Danube. A dinner cruise is also a highlight – regional dishes taste even better as the sun slowly sets. Several restaurants right on the riverbank also offer fresh fish as well as Bavarian specialties.
When is the best time to experience Passau from the water?
Between May and October, you have the largest selection of trips. In spring, the riverbanks are fresh and green. Summer offers long evenings on the deck, often with sunset. In autumn, the forests along the rivers glow in warm colors. Even in winter, it's worth a visit if you enjoy the tranquil atmosphere.
More things to know
Source: own on-site research. Some of the trips to the destinations were organized independently, while others were supported by the local tourism authorities. We are very grateful for this. However, our opinions remain, as always, our own.
Text: © Copyright Monika Fuchs as well TWO
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TWO
