Bavaria

Our first stop in Bavaria, Germany is in the town of Passau.  Bavaria is the second largest state in Germany.  Passau is where three rivers converge, the Danube, the Ila, and the Inn.  A dominant feature in the city is St. Stephen’s Cathedral which was built fairly rapidly over just 25 years, and completed in 1693.  The Bishops palace is next to the church and across the way is the City Hall.  Since it is being used for Sunday services we were not able to go inside the church.

Across the Danube from the main part of town is the Fortress that has been there since 1219 and was used by the Bishop who not only ruled over the church but wanted to rule over the whole city.  Several battles were fought for the city to obtain its independence from the Bishop.

We enjoyed wondering through the town before we headed on up the river to Vilshofen, Germany where we again wondered through the town and, of course, visited a small but beautiful cathederal.  

That evening we enjoyed an Octoberfest style celebration with steins of beer, soft pretzels and music by a local German band with 2 accordions, a tuba and a guitar.  The men also sang and a group performed an amazingly fast dance.