Romantic Advent on the Danube

Passau is known as a three-river city and is the first port on the Danube that is navigable by cruise ships. From here the big tours via Vienna, Bratislava and down to the Black Sea start. But the city itself also has a lot to offer, such as the opera house, the Ilz, a small river that is great for hiking, or St. Stephens Cathedral and the old town hall. A visit to the Passau Glass Museum is particularly recommended, if you want to turn your back on the city, you can go to the Mariahilf pilgrimage church just outside.

Melk has acquired a nice name: The gateway to the Wachau. Anyone approaching the historic city on the Danube will see Melk Abbey very early on, towering high above the river. This is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and is well worth a visit in all seasons. The impressive baroque ensemble has been looked after by the monks of the Benedictine order since 1089. Culture, faith and science come together in the splendid rooms of the monastery.

Linz (205,000 inhabitants) is the third largest city in Austria and the capital of the federal state of Upper Austria. It is located on the Danube and impresses with its rich cultural offer. Events such as the “Ars Electronica”, the Bruckner Festival and the “Pflasterspektakel” attract numerous visitors every year. Other attractions include the Ars Electronica Center, the Lentos Art Museum, the Botanical Garden and the imposing Mariendom. The landmark of Linz is located high above the city: it is the pilgrimage basilica on the Pöstlingberg, visible from afar.

Passau is known as a three-river city and is the first port on the Danube that is navigable by cruise ships. From here the big tours via Vienna, Bratislava and down to the Black Sea start. But the city itself also has a lot to offer, such as the opera house, the Ilz, a small river that is great for hiking, or St. Stephens Cathedral and the old town hall. A visit to the Passau Glass Museum is particularly recommended, if you want to turn your back on the city, you can go to the Mariahilf pilgrimage church just outside.