Passau, a niche destination in Germany, lies at the confluence of the Danube and Inn rivers

The cruise ship reaches the German border town of Passau, which is the sixth stop on our Viking cruise. Upon arrival in Passau, the weather turns cooler, and this Bavarian town boasts a history of over 2000 years. It is situated at the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. A tributary of the Ilz River flows into the Danube from behind the ancient castle. The Danube and Inn rivers meet distinctly at the triangular tip of the old town. The gentle flow of the Danube and the rapids of the Inn form a clear boundary line. Thus, Passau is also known as Germany's most beautiful 'water city'. The old town features the town hall, St. Stephen's Cathedral, the bishop's residence, the bishop's old castle, and the bedroom palace where Princess Sisi once stayed. Passau was a place of seclusion for Princess Sisi when she was in a melancholic mood. It is said to be her favorite small town. The old castle, perched on high mountains and built in the 13th century, was the private domain of the bishop. It is now a national museum. Ascending the castle provides a panoramic view of the entire town of Passau and a unique sight of the confluence of the three rivers with their different colored waters.