Passau, Germany

  • Scenic riverside view of Passau at sunset

Centered around the beautiful St. Stephen’s Cathedral, home to Europe’s largest pipe organ, the romantic market stalls of the Christkindlmarkt are a delight to explore. An array of handmade goods, from tasty treats to ornaments, offer a wealth of opportunity to take home a unique artisan gifts created by local craftsmen. Periodically throughout the festive season, the cathedral hosts yuletide concerts; the sound of choirs singing can be heard as their voices echo through the courtyard and the town’s narrow streets.

Shore Excursions

Shore excursions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Festive Christmas market with illuminated stalls

Christmas Traditions in Passau

Stroll historic Passau, watch an Advent wreath demonstration and sample a yuletide treat—gingerbread.

Included
Festive Christmas market with illuminated stalls

Christmas Traditions in Passau

Duration: 3 hours      

Witness Advent Wreath Demonstration and Taste Gingerbread

Stroll historic Passau, watch an Advent wreath demonstration and sample a yuletide treat—gingerbread. Known as “the city of the three rivers” and founded more than 2,000 years ago, Passau is one of the oldest cities in Bavaria. Your knowledgeable guide will take you through the stunning Old Town and pause to admire its imposing baroque cathedral. Along the way, gaze up at the twinkling lights and enjoy the scent of spiced gingerbread, sausages grilling and almonds roasting from street vendors. Stop and learn tips on how to craft the perfect Advent wreath and see how gingerbread is made at a local bakery. Afterward, enjoy free time to browse the stalls of local artisan craftsmen, who display all manner or handmade gifts from unique woolens, delicate glass ornaments and traditional wooden toys. After your tour, you will return to your awaiting ship.

* Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.
Festive Christmas Market at Yellow Mansion

Salzburg at Christmas

Spend the day in one of Austria’s most scenic alpine cities, Salzburg, and visit its renowned Christmas market.
Festive Christmas Market at Yellow Mansion

Salzburg at Christmas

Duration: 9 hours 30 minutes      

Enjoy Festive Holiday Spirit Amid Scenic Alpine Setting

Spend the day in one of Austria’s most scenic alpine cities, Salzburg, and visit its renowned Christmas market. The setting of the beloved film The Sound of Music, Salzburg is also the birthplace of renowned classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Drive with your guide past charming mountain villages, rolling hills and pristine lakes. Upon arrival in this glorious city, enjoy a guided walking tour of the Italianate Old Town, strolling past high-baroque architecture and gaining an intimate view of Salzburg. Continue to Domplatz, where you will have an opportunity to browse the stalls of the traditional Christkindlmarkt, one of the world’s oldest Advent markets. Then, savor lunch in Austria’s oldest restaurant, named for the church, as classically trained singers and musicians regale you with songs in the spirt of the musical The Sound of Music.

* Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.
Fresh pretzels with sesame and beer

Festive Bavarian Beerfest

Participate in a festive celebration in a stunning rural setting as you sample Bavaria’s famous beer.
Fresh pretzels with sesame and beer

Festive Bavarian Beerfest

Duration: 3 hours      

A Treasured German Tradition

Participate in a festive celebration in a stunning rural setting as you sample Bavaria’s famous beer. Bavaria is renowned for its rich tradition of brewing beer and for centuries, the region has lived up to its reputation. You will meet your guide and drive into the rolling green hills of the Bavarian countryside to Gut Aichet, a sprawling riverside farm at the heart of the region’s agriculture. After a brief tour of the farm with your host, immerse yourself into the festive spirit of a true German Christmas party, brought to life with traditional music and locally brewed beer. Enjoy a special toe-tapping performance; If you wish, you can join in the dancing and sing along to a Christmas song as you celebrate the spirit of Bavaria. Savor authentic brezen(pretzels) during your stay, along with assorted breads, spreads and locally cured ham.

* Easy - Walking portions are generally over easy surfaces with few steps or inclines. Total time walking or standing is normally not longer than 1.5 hours.
Shore excursions vary by itinerary and are subject to change.

Videos

Aerial view of Salzburg cityscape

At home in Salzburg with Viking guides Peter Staudinger and Julia Hattinger

Discover one of Austria’s most picturesque cities, Salzburg, the birthplace and childhood home of Mozart and setting of the beloved film The Sound of Music. During an informative tour led by Viking guides Peter Staudinger and Julia Hattinger, follow along as they show us some of their favorite places and delve into the history of this elegant Alpine destination. Should your curiosity be piqued, you will be delighted to know that you, too, could stroll the old-world streets of Salzburg when you join us there as part of an optional excursion on our Grand European Tour or European Sojourn river voyages.
Festive wreath with glowing candles

Wreath-Making Workshop

Join Karine in Passau, Germany, as she has a good laugh making traditional and modern German Advent wreaths with a local wreath maker.
Decorating festive gingerbread cookies on a plate

Cooking with Karine: Gingerbread

Join Karine as she learns the art of making gingerbread at Passau’s Café Simon, established more than 100 years ago. Sample some on our late fall cruises along Europe’s great rivers.