What's it like to study a Masters in Passau?
The history of the ‘Three Rivers City’ dates back to the Roman era – and its local museum and archaeological sites have the exhibits to prove it. During the early modern period Passau became particularly famous as a centre for sword making. In fact, a blade marked with the ‘Passau wolf’ was a prized item for warriors in the 16th and 17th centuries.
You’ll probably find yourself enjoying more peaceful pastimes as a postgraduate student in Passau today, but there are plenty of opportunities to explore heritage sites such as the Old Town district. Despite being ravaged by fire in 1622, this part of the city is home to some spectacular buildings. Chief among them is St Stephen’s Cathedral (featuring to the world’s largest cathedral organ, with over 17,500 pipes!). Other attractions include the Veste Oberhaus situated on the neighbouring St Georgsberg Mountain. This former 13th century fortress now houses a museum and art gallery.
Passau’s rivers have shaped the city and their confluence at the Ortspitze is an attraction in itself. Here the light green waters of the Inn mingle with the muddy-brown of the Danube and the darker black of the Ilz to produce a unique effect.
As you’d expect, river travel is one way to get around Passau, with regular cruises for tourists. As a resident student though, you’ll probably find it easier to walk or cycle. Food and drink options include a range of German and Austrian specialties such as Schnitzel, Strudel and Leberkäse sausage. And, of course, there’s plenty of excellent local beer (this is Bavaria, after all).
Student accommodation options in Passau are varied. The city is used to catering for a large proportion of students (around a fifth of Passau’s population are studying there) and halls of residence are run by the university, local churches and private landlords.
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