Viewpoint · Old Town

Three Rivers Corner (Ortspitze)

At the Three Rivers Corner, the pointed eastern tip of the old-town peninsula, unfolds the natural spectacle that earned Passau its nickname 'City of Three Rivers'. From the south flows the greenish-turquoise Inn, which carries the most water down from the Alps and on some days even carries more water than the Danube itself. From the north comes the dark, peaty Ilz out of the forests of the Bavarian Forest, and from the west streams in the broad, brownish-blue Danube — at the tip of the peninsula all three flow together.

The special thing: when water levels and light are favourable, the three distinct colours can be seen running clearly side by side for a long stretch before they gradually mix. This colourful ribbon of three rivers is one of the most photographed sights in Passau and can be experienced in this form in no other city.

The small, tree-lined park at the very tip of the old town, with benches, paths and viewpoints, invites visitors to linger. From here you look across to the Veste Oberhaus and the Veste Niederhaus, enthroned above the water. The Three Rivers Corner is also the starting point for many river cruises and city walks — and therefore a must on any visit to Passau.