2014-8 Passau, Germany
Hello All,
We sailed through the night to our next destination Passau, Germany. Known as the “City of Three Rivers,” Passau lies at the confluence of the Inn, the Danube, and the Llz Rivers—it is the first major German city on the Danube at the border of Austria. Originally a settlement of the Boii Celtic Tribe and named “Boiodurum,” it was later the site of the Roman fort, Castra Batava. In 739 an English Celtic monk named Boniface founded the diocese of Passau, the largest see of the Holy Roman Empire for many years.
Passau was an important medieval center for the salt trade. During the Renaissance, it became famous for making high-quality knife and sword blades. Local smiths stamped their blades with the Passau wolf, and superstitious warriors believed that the wolf granted them invulnerability. The practice of placing magical, protective charms on blades became known as “Passau Art.”
When fires ravaged the city in the 17th century it was rebuilt to reflect the baroque character that survives today. Old Town, with its baroque churches and patrician houses, is crowded onto the narrow tongue of land separating the Inn and the Danube Rivers. St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of the town’s foremost landmarks and boasts the largest pipe organ outside the United States. Today Passau is home to 50,000 people and has grown to become the economic, cultural, and communications center of southeastern Bavaria.
After breakfast we were again on the top deck enjoying the scenic Bavarian countryside along the Danube. Upon reaching the outskirts of Passau we snapped a few photos of town as we passed by.
We sailed through the night to our next destination Passau, Germany. Known as the “City of Three Rivers,” Passau lies at the confluence of the Inn, the Danube, and the Llz Rivers—it is the first major German city on the Danube at the border of Austria. Originally a settlement of the Boii Celtic Tribe and named “Boiodurum,” it was later the site of the Roman fort, Castra Batava. In 739 an English Celtic monk named Boniface founded the diocese of Passau, the largest see of the Holy Roman Empire for many years.
Passau was an important medieval center for the salt trade. During the Renaissance, it became famous for making high-quality knife and sword blades. Local smiths stamped their blades with the Passau wolf, and superstitious warriors believed that the wolf granted them invulnerability. The practice of placing magical, protective charms on blades became known as “Passau Art.”
When fires ravaged the city in the 17th century it was rebuilt to reflect the baroque character that survives today. Old Town, with its baroque churches and patrician houses, is crowded onto the narrow tongue of land separating the Inn and the Danube Rivers. St. Stephen’s Cathedral is one of the town’s foremost landmarks and boasts the largest pipe organ outside the United States. Today Passau is home to 50,000 people and has grown to become the economic, cultural, and communications center of southeastern Bavaria.
After breakfast we were again on the top deck enjoying the scenic Bavarian countryside along the Danube. Upon reaching the outskirts of Passau we snapped a few photos of town as we passed by.
On a wooded bluff above the
city we could see the Veste Oberhaus. This 13th-century walled
fortress served as the stronghold of the Bishop of Passau. It is currently the
site of a museum, a youth hostel, and a restaurant, as well as an open-air
theatre dating back to 1934.
Once our ship was tied up
along the waterfront we prepared to disembark and join our assigned guide for a
walking tour around the historic town. The early morning weather was good. But,
it was forecast to deteriorate throughout the day.
Each group consisted of about
20 individuals, plus a guide. Staterooms on the ship had a Vox and charger for
each occupant. A Vox is a radio receiver about the size of a deck of cards.
When you leave the ship on a tour, you take your Vox and place the attached lanyard around your neck. When you meet your group’s guide onshore you are advised what frequency to set your Vox on. You then place the earpiece into your ear and you can hear the commentary of your guide. It is a simple system that works very well. And, as long as you remain within about 50 yards of your guide you can hear them fine.
In this photo of Miss Barb you can see her red and white Vox hanging in front of her.
When you leave the ship on a tour, you take your Vox and place the attached lanyard around your neck. When you meet your group’s guide onshore you are advised what frequency to set your Vox on. You then place the earpiece into your ear and you can hear the commentary of your guide. It is a simple system that works very well. And, as long as you remain within about 50 yards of your guide you can hear them fine.
In this photo of Miss Barb you can see her red and white Vox hanging in front of her.
This allows folks to stop and
take photos and check things out along the way. Guides move along at a
leisurely pace. But, if the radio transmissions start to break up it means you
better pick up the pace and get closer to the guide. Guides carry a sign on a
stick with your group number on it so that it is easy to spot them in a crowd.
Here is a shot we took of another group’s guide as we passed on a narrow walkway along the river. You can see the sign she is holding in her left hand. And you can see a Vox on the gentleman behind her.
Here is a shot we took of another group’s guide as we passed on a narrow walkway along the river. You can see the sign she is holding in her left hand. And you can see a Vox on the gentleman behind her.
It was interesting walking the
narrow cobblestone streets and paths. All were similar and all were different—guess
that makes them unique.
We passed an area where we
suspect there might have been a party the night before. The areas in between
the cobblestones were covered with confetti. In our eyes it made for an
interesting photo.
Here we are standing on Milk
Street while our guide talks about Scharfrichterhaus in the center of the
photo. Note how the street splits and goes around both sides. Built in the 13th
century, it is designated as a national historical treasure in Passau. It was
the official residence for the Scharfrichter (executioner) of the city of
Passau. It is now a popular jazz, cabaret, and dining venue.
Every now and then on our tour
we would break out of the narrow streets into large squares. In this photo the
sky is looking a bit ominous.
One nice thing about our ship
was that they had lots of umbrellas we could borrow for shore excursions.
Here’s Dave taking a break. He has his Vox in his shirt pocket.
Next on our agenda was an
organ concert in St. Stephan’s Cathedral. To our disappointment they were
refurbishing one of the cathedral’s towers and had scaffolding all the way up
one side of it. We could see how it would have been a beautiful photo—it just
wasn’t meant to be.
Here are some photos within the cathedral. It was truly a work of art throughout.
Here are some photos within the cathedral. It was truly a work of art throughout.
Music played during the organ
concert would not be on the top of our hit parade. But, we were polite and
stayed till the end—the entire hour and fifteen minutes!
After the concert we strolled
around town on our own. We didn’t have to be back on the ship until late in the
afternoon. It was relaxing and fun checking out the various shops. Our next
port of call will be Regensburg, Germany. Hope you can join us.
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns