EASTERN BAVARIA & THE DANUBE
Eastern Bavaria, the gateway to the Danube, is a land of medieval wonders, deep forests, and Baroque cities. It is anchored by the UNESCO-listed Regensburg and the beautiful three-river city of Passau.
This region is characterized by the majestic flow of the Danube and the vast, tranquil expanse of the Bavarian Forest. It’s a place where ancient history, from Roman times to the Middle Ages, is beautifully preserved.
Most Popular Attractions
UNESCO World Heritage & Historic City Cores:
Regensburg Old Town & Stadtamhof: Germany’s best-preserved medieval city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site with over 1,500 historic buildings.
Regensburg Cathedral (Dom St. Peter): A magnificent Gothic masterpiece and the most significant Gothic cathedral in Bavaria.
Old Stone Bridge, Regensburg: A 12th-century marvel of medieval engineering, connecting the Old Town with the Stadtamhof district.
Historische Wurstkuchl, Regensburg: The world’s oldest continuously operating public restaurant, serving sausages since the 12th century.
Passau Old Town: Known as the “City of Three Rivers,” its Baroque architecture was heavily influenced by Italian master builders.
St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Passau: A grand Baroque cathedral housing the largest church organ in the world.
Landshut Old Town: A quintessential old Bavarian ducal residence city, famous for its Gothic architecture and colorful gabled houses.
Straubing City Center: Features a spacious central square and fine medieval town houses, known for its Gäubodenvolksfest.
Castles, Palaces & Monuments:
Walhalla Memorial, Donaustauf: A majestic Neoclassical “Temple of Glory” honoring laudable figures of “German tongue,” overlooking the Danube.
Veste Oberhaus, Passau: A massive 13th-century hilltop fortress and museum offering breathtaking views over Passau and the three rivers’ confluence.
Trausnitz Castle, Landshut: A medieval castle complex with a stunning ducal living area and a fantastic view over the city.
Befreiungshalle (Liberation Hall), Kelheim: A monumental Neoclassical rotunda commemorating the wars against Napoleon.
Prunn Castle: A dramatic medieval castle perched on a vertical Jurassic outcrop near the Danube.
Burghausen Castle: The longest castle complex in the world, stretching over a kilometer along a ridge above the Salzach River.
Nature, Rivers & Monastic Sites:
Danube Gorge (Donaudurchbruch) & Weltenburg Abbey: A spectacular, narrow gorge best experienced by boat, leading to the world’s oldest monastic brewery.
Dreiflüsseeck (Three Rivers Confluence), Passau: The unique point where the Danube (brown), Inn (green),ish, and Ilz (dark) rivers meet.
Bavarian Forest National Park (Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald): Germany’s first national park, offering vast, primeval forest landscapes, animal enclosures, and the Baumwipfelpfad (Treetop Walk).
Großer Arber: The highest peak in the Bavarian Forest, offering hiking in summer and skiing in winter, with views of the Großer Arbersee lake.
Goldsteig Hiking Trail: Germany’s longest quality-certified hiking trail, passing through the Upper Palatinate Forest and Bavarian Forest.
Crystal Road (Glasstraße): A tourist route showcasing the region’s 700-year-old glass and crystal-making tradition, with a highlight being the Glass Museum in Frauenau.
Mariahif Pilgrimage Church, Passau: A Baroque church high above the Innstadt, offering an iconic view of the city.
Aldersbach Abbey: A former Cistercian monastery and one of Bavaria’s most beautiful Baroque monasteries.
Activities & Experiences
Take a Boat Trip through the Danube Gorge (Donaudurchbruch): Cruise along the dramatic, narrow gorge near Kelheim, passing towering limestone cliffs to reach the historic Weltenburg Abbey.
Visit the World’s Oldest Monastic Brewery: Sample the famous Barock Dunkel beer at Weltenburg Abbey (Kloster Weltenburg), which has been brewing beer since 1050 A.D.
Explore the Medieval City of Regensburg: Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, cross the 12th-century Stone Bridge (Steinerne Brücke), and admire the Gothic architecture of St. Peter’s Cathedral (Regensburger Dom).
Hike the Goldsteig Quality Walking Trail: Trek along Germany’s longest quality walking trail, which offers diverse routes through the Upper Palatinate Forest and the Bavarian Forest.
Cycle along the Danube Cycle Path (Donauradweg): Rent a bike and ride a scenic section of this famous path, following the river through charming towns and lush landscapes, particularly between Regensburg and Passau.
Discover the “Three Rivers City” of Passau: Witness the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers and visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral (Dom St. Stephan), home to the world’s largest cathedral organ.
Walk the Treetop Walk in the Bavarian Forest (Baumwipfelpfad): Experience the forest from above on this long, barrier-free wooden walkway, which culminates in a striking, egg-shaped tower near Neuschönau.
Take a Tour of the Glass Museums and Workshops: Follow the “Crystal Road” (Glasstraße) in the Bavarian Forest, visiting towns like Frauenau to see modern glass art and learn about the region’s 700-year-old glass tradition.
Attend a Traditional Bavarian Festival: Experience local culture at events like the Gäubodenvolksfest in Straubing (Bavaria’s second-largest folk festival after Oktoberfest) or the Drachenstich Festival in Furth im Wald.
Explore the Befreiungshalle (Liberation Hall) in Kelheim: Climb to the top of this monumental, classical building, commissioned by King Ludwig I, for spectacular panoramic views over the Danube.
Relax in the Spa Triangle: Spend a day at one of the renowned healing baths and spa resorts, such as Bad Füssing, Bad Griesbach, or Bad Birnbach, in the region’s designated golf and spa area.
Local Tips & Transport
The Bayern Ticket (Bavaria Ticket) is your Best Friend:
For travel within Bavaria, this ticket from Deutsche Bahn (DB) allows a group of up to five people to travel anywhere in the state for one day on all regional trains (RB, RE) and most local public transport (buses, trams, U-Bahn/S-Bahn).
It is not valid on the faster high-speed ICE or IC trains. It is valid from 9 AM on weekdays, but all day on weekends and public holidays.
Trains and Buses for City Connections:
The Deutsche Bahn (DB) regional network reliably connects major cities like Regensburg, Passau, Landshut, and Straubing.
In larger cities like Regensburg, local buses are efficient for navigating. For smaller, more remote villages in the Bavarian Forest or Upper Palatinate, a car is recommended for maximum flexibility.
Cycling is Popular: Bavaria is very bike-friendly, especially along the Danube. Well-developed cycle paths are common in most towns and along the major rivers. You can often take your bike on regional trains with an extra ticket.
Driving: The Autobahn network is excellent for covering long distances quickly, but be aware of traffic, especially around major cities like Regensburg. A car offers the best access to the Bavarian Forest National Park and remote hiking areas.
Embrace Gemütlichkeit (Cozy Socializing): Bavarian culture values Gemütlichkeit, a sense of cozy, cheerful hospitality. This is best experienced in a traditional Wirtshaus (inn/pub) or a Beer Garden, where shared long tables are common—don’t be afraid to sit down next to strangers!
The Cuisine is Hearty and Cash is King:
Expect pork-based dishes (Schweinshaxe – pork knuckle, Leberkäse – meatloaf), Knödel (dumplings), and hearty stews. The local beer culture is central, especially the Dunkel and Pils varieties.
Many smaller restaurants, Wirtshäuser, and local shops in smaller towns only accept cash (Bargeld). Always carry enough Euros.
Sunday Closures (Sonntagruhe): Adhering to German custom, almost all shops, supermarkets, and businesses are closed on Sundays—plan your grocery shopping and errands accordingly. Train stations and tourist areas may have exceptions.
The Danube’s Different Faces: The Danube in this region is a busy working river as well as a scenic one. You’ll see cargo ships as often as tourist boats. Take time to watch the river life and the complex system of locks.
Hidden Gems:
The Old Sausage Kitchen (Historische Wurstkuchl) in Regensburg: Claimed to be the oldest public restaurant in the world, dating back to 1146. It serves simple, delicious charcoal-grilled sausages and sauerkraut.
Straubing’s Gäuboden: This fertile plain on the Danube is known as “Bavaria’s breadbasket.” It’s a great area for agricultural festivals and offers a quieter, less-touristed perspective on Bavarian life.
The Glass Gardens of Frauenau (Gläserne Gärten): A beautiful outdoor exhibition of modern glass art set against the backdrop of the Bavarian Forest, celebrating the region’s artistic heritage.
Trausnitz Castle in Landshut: Overlooking the beautiful historic center of Landshut, this medieval castle is a stunning example of Renaissance and Baroque architecture and offers a great alternative to the King Ludwig II castles.
Top Restaurants
Wurstkuchl [$10-$20] – The “Historische Wurstkuchl” in Regensburg is the oldest continuously operating public restaurant in the world, famous for its grilled sausages and sweet mustard, served with sauerkraut.
Gasthaus Röhrl [$15-$25] – The oldest inn in the world (since 1658), located in Eilsbrunn near Regensburg, offering authentic, no-frills, traditional Bavarian home cooking.
Bischofshof am Dom [$20-$35] – A traditional and historic inn in the heart of Regensburg, offering classic Bavarian dishes like Schweinebraten (roast pork) in a beautiful setting near the Cathedral.
Brauerei Kneitinger [$15-$25] – An iconic Regensburg brewery and tavern known for its excellent house-brewed beer and hearty Bavarian fare like Schweinshaxe (pork knuckle) and dumplings.
Altes Bräuhaus [$15-$25] – A large, classic Bavarian brewery inn in Passau known for its traditional atmosphere, regional specialties, and local beers.
Zum Auer [$15-$25] – A traditional Gasthof in Passau with a long history, offering a cozy ambiance and a menu of local Bavarian goodness, focusing on seasonal and regional ingredients.
Gasthof Stockhammer [$15-$25] – A local favorite in Kelheim, family-run, known for its homemade Bavarian specialties, large portions, and emphasis on freshness, including local walleye fish.
Heilig-Geist-Stiftschenke [$20-$35] – A historic Passau tavern dating back to 1358, with a beautiful vaulted cellar and wine garden, specializing in regional and rural Bavarian-Austrian dishes and its own wines.
Ratskeller Regensburg [$20-$35] – Located in the historic vaults of the Old Town Hall, offering a quintessential Bavarian dining experience with traditional classics like Sauerbraten and a focus on beer culture.
Gasthaus Landbrecht [$20-$35] – Located slightly outside the main cities (Haindlfing), this family-run inn offers a taste of regionality and fresh seasonal cuisine with a modern touch on Bavarian classics.
Jedermann Straßkirchen [$25-$40] – Located near Straubing, this restaurant focuses on high-quality, very regional sourcing of food and the creative preparation of various menus, a great example of modern tavern cuisine.
Gasthof Weisses Lamm [$25-$40] – Situated in Kelheim, this restaurant offers a foodie’s take on traditional Bavarian fare, with a focus on homemade, regional, and seasonal dishes like suckling pig and lamb sausage.
Roter Hahn by Maximilian Schmidt [$40-$70] – Located in Regensburg, this restaurant offers a creative and varied experience menu, focusing on sustainability and local suppliers, with a shorter menu available for lunch.
Marcel von Winckelmann [$50-$80] – A highly-regarded, modern restaurant in Passau offering an international menu that incorporates creative and thoughtful dishes, often mentioned in the Michelin Guide.
Storstad Restaurant [$80-$130] – The centerpiece of Anton Schmaus’s culinary world in Regensburg, this stylish restaurant offers Scandinavian-inspired clarity and creative menus, often focusing on Mediterranean influences in a beautiful setting.
DAS OBERHAUS [$30-$50] – Located high above Passau in Veste Oberhaus, this restaurant blends traditional Bavarian comfort food with modern cuisine, offering stunning panoramic views of the city and the Danube.
Am Paulusbogen [$25-$45] – Located in Passau’s Old Town with a beautiful terrace view of the Danube, offering traditional Bavarian dishes mixed with modern creations and vegan delicacies.
Pomeranz Restaurant [$25-$45] – Located in the Passau pedestrian zone, offering fresh Mediterranean dishes and a beautiful inner courtyard, representing a shift from purely traditional menus.
To the Old Danube [$20-$35] – Located in Höchstädt, this classic German restaurant offers rustic charm, game from local hunters, and a reputation for excellent portions and a good price-performance ratio.
Gasthaus zum Kuchlbauer [$20-$35] – Located in Abensberg (near Regensburg), this is a traditional brewery-inn known for its unique, colorful Hundertwasser-designed tower and solid, traditional Bavarian food.
Blauer Bock [$25-$45] – A restaurant in Passau known for its creative kitchen and Bavarian delicacies, located near the town hall with a terrace above the river promenade.
Restaurant Soul Food [$40-$60] – Located in the smaller town of Roding, this restaurant is praised for its “casual fine dining” approach, combining world-class cuisine with small-town charm, focusing on modern Bavarian dishes.
Wurstbraterei Reisinger GmbH [$10-$20] – A historic stand in Regensburg famous for its Regensburger Wurst (cooked sausage), a local specialty, and Weißwürste (white sausage).
Zoiglstube beim Fütterer [$10-$20] – In Windischeschenbach, this is an authentic Zoiglstube (private brewery tavern) serving the unique, communal-brewed Zoigl beer along with simple, hearty Upper Palatinate snacks and food.
Gasthof Hotel Zum Hirschen [$20-$35] – Located in the Bavarian Forest (e.g., in Büchlberg near Passau), this type of Gasthof often specializes in regional delicacies like Upper Palatinate Carp or fresh freshwater fish from local streams and ponds.
Zum Blauen Bock (The Gherkin Corner) [$15-$25] – A type of tavern (like a smaller, authentic Wirtshaus near Straubing/Deggendorf) that specializes in regional products like the famous Lower Bavarian Gherkins and simple, fresh dishes.
Brauhaus Am Schloss [$20-$35] – A traditional brewery house in Regensburg where the focus is on house-brewed beer and the quintessential Bavarian beer garden experience with simple, good food.
Dicker Mann [$20-$35] – A well-known and historic restaurant in Regensburg, offering a blend of traditional cuisine with a slightly modern take in a cozy, established atmosphere.
Regensburger Ratskeller’s Landwein Tasting [$30-$50] – Not a restaurant itself but an experience; the cellar restaurant often hosts tastings or offers dishes paired with the rare Regensburger Landwein from the smallest wine region in Bavaria.
Sunday Buffet on the Danube [$40-$70] – A unique dining experience available from Passau (a major Danube hub), offering a wonderful buffet while gently cruising along the river, providing both a meal and a scenic tour.
Gutshof Kulinarik [$40-$60] – A modern restaurant in a more rural setting (e.g., in Lower Bavaria, like Gutshof Andres in Kirchlauter, though slightly north of the river), focusing on a high-quality farm-to-table experience with seasonal cuisine.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Journey Cocktailbar (Passau): Located in the iconic old town of Passau, this bar is set in a middle-aged vault with original ancient stone walls and modern interior. It offers a mix of classic, modern, and individual cocktail creations.
Flannigan’s Cocktailbar (Regensburg): Found in Regensburg’s city center, this spot is known for its laid-back and cozy atmosphere, diverse drink selection, and friendly staff, perfect for casual socializing.
DALLAS Bar (Deggendorf): Located on the ground floor of the KARL-Turm in Deggendorf, this bar offers a modern and versatile space with both an indoor and outdoor area, known for its creative snacks and comprehensive drink menu.
Hab und Gut (Straubing): A friendly, small bar in Straubing, perfect for a quality cocktail and known for its welcoming ambiance and selection of fine spirits and well-mixed drinks.
Chin-chin Bar (Regensburg): Situated in the old town of Regensburg, this bar is praised for its expertly crafted cocktails and pleasant atmosphere, making it a popular choice for an enjoyable evening.
The Byrdcave (Regensburg): Located near the Keplerstraße in Regensburg, this establishment offers a unique and intimate setting, specializing in high-quality cocktails and spirits for discerning guests.
Maximilians Restaurant – food & cocktails (Deggendorf): While a restaurant, this venue in Deggendorf’s center also boasts a bar section with a good selection of classic and signature cocktails in a modern environment.
Ka5per Cocktailbar (Regensburg): Tucked away in Regensburg’s historic center, this smaller cocktail bar focuses on quality ingredients and a comfortable, unpretentious vibe.
Lola Bar (Straubing): A vibrant and trendy establishment in Straubing, known for its exceptional cocktails and lively, upbeat atmosphere with a focus on good music.
Max’s Bar “cocktailbar” (Regensburg): Located on Maximilianstraße in the heart of Regensburg, this bar offers a classic cocktail experience with a wide selection of drinks.
Palletti-bar (Regensburg): Situated in the Pustetpassage in Regensburg, this bar provides a stylish and central meeting point for enjoying drinks.
Hinterhaus (Regensburg): Found in a less obvious location in Regensburg’s old town, this bar is a hidden gem with a cozy, rustic charm and a great selection of drinks.
Barock Bar (Regensburg): Located near the Krauterermarkt in Regensburg, this bar offers a more upscale and classic ambiance, suitable for sophisticated cocktails.
Café Bar Drei Mohren (Regensburg): While a café, its central location and evening bar service on Drei-Mohren-Straße make it a good option for a drink in Regensburg’s city center.
Mea Café Bar (Regensburg): Located near the bridge in Regensburg (Am Brückenbasar), this is a stylish spot that transitions from café to bar, offering a good selection of cocktails with a modern feel.
Liesl Club (Deggendorf): Located in Deggendorf’s center, this is one half of a multi-level party spot. It’s known for providing a lively, mainstream club atmosphere.
Stage Club (Deggendorf): The other half of the Deggendorf club complex, often located in the basement, providing a different, sometimes more intense, party experience than the Liesl Club upstairs.
Zarap Zap Zap (Regensburg): A well-known club in Regensburg with a long-standing reputation for electronic music, making it a hotspot for techno and house fans.
Heimat Regensburg – Bar Kultur (Regensburg): While offering a bar, Heimat is also a key venue in Regensburg that hosts concerts, events, and club nights, often with a focus on alternative and cultural programming.
Club Tiefenrausch (Straubing): Often hailed as one of the best clubs in Straubing, it’s known for its friendly, welcoming atmosphere and diverse music selection, making it popular for all ages.
Live Club Zauberberg (Passau): Located in Passau, this venue is a hub for diverse pop culture, regularly hosting concerts, music festivals, and club events across various genres, making it a key part of Lower Bavaria’s live scene.
TAKEOFF Club (Straubing): Situated in Straubing’s city center, this club offers a modern party experience with various lounge and VIP areas, hosting regular themed events and DJ nights.
Musikbar Sax (Regensburg): A popular venue in Regensburg that balances between a bar and a club, often featuring live music and a vibrant atmosphere, located centrally.
sodapur (Passau): Located am Schanzl in Passau, this club is a consistent spot for weekend parties and dancing, popular with students and locals for a high-energy night out.
Banane (Regensburg): A club in Regensburg’s old town (Am Römling) known for its student-friendly and energetic atmosphere, often playing a mix of popular music.
Landy-Club (Passau): A classic Passau club known for its lively party nights and welcoming vibe, offering a consistent spot for late-night entertainment.
Velvet Club (Regensburg): Known for its music selection and central location in Regensburg, this club provides a modern nightlife experience with popular events.
Suite 15 (Regensburg): A trendy bar/club in Regensburg that often hosts DJ nights and events, offering a more upscale and intimate clubbing experience.
Pony Bar & Club (Regensburg): Located in Regensburg, this venue offers a casual but energetic atmosphere, operating as both a bar and a club with different music nights.
Stereo (Regensburg): A popular large club in Regensburg known for its diverse music programming and big-room party atmosphere, attracting a wide audience.