Day 6

Passau

We woke in port in Passau and after breakfast we went on a walking tour of Passau. Passau is the city of three rivers: the Danube, the Inn and the Ilz and has a history of some incredible floods with buildings along the river having high water marks painted on them to remember the events. Passau is a small town of 50,000 with beautiful old buildings and little cobblestoned streets.

We walked through the main square where a market was taking place, visited St. Stephen’s Cathedral with Europe’s largest pipe organ, saw the old Rathaus and the outside of the elegant Bishop’s residence. Passau is the archdiocese of the region.

Stand in the market

Organ in St. Stephen's

Interesting sun dial painted onto building

Spire of St. Stephen's in the background

After our walking tour, Nicki and I walked up the hill to the old castle (managing to take the wrong path and approximately doubling the distance) while Michele and Joanie took the bus.

The "before" picture. There is NO "after" picture.

Yes, we WALKED up to this site

We met at the top (Nicki and I being a bit worse for the wear) and headed for a nice pub for BEER (YAY!!!) and wurst with sauerkraut and bread.

And of course, we had to share some strudel for dessert. The view from the top of the hill was spectacular!

The walk down was a bit less challenging and we also took the correct path which helped.

We arrived back at the ship in time to take a tour of a working dairy farm and see a bit of the Bavarian countryside. We LOVED seeing the calves (the youngest was born the day before) and learning about a small dairy operation.

Farmhouse

Cow enjoying a back scratching

Cute baby calf

To supplement their income, the owners make cheeses and yoghurt which they provided to us for tasting. 

Back at the ship, we were finally able to enjoy the sun deck for a drink and watching the ship re position to a new pier.