History

History comes alive in a unique way at the over 800-year-old Veste Oberhaus. With a built-up area of 65,000 m², it is now one of the largest preserved castle complexes in Europe. From the observation tower and the Linde battery, you can enjoy the most beautiful panoramic view of the picturesque old town and the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz rivers. At the heart of the castle is St. George's Chapel, whose extensive cycle of frescoes depicting the legend of St. George is unique.

As one of Germany’s major municipal museums, the Oberhausmuseum presents not only various permanent exhibitions on the city’s history and the Middle Ages, but also regularly hosts changing special exhibitions.

Today, the castle complex is the most important sight in the city of Passau alongside St. Stephen's Cathedral and, in addition to the Oberhausmuseum, also houses the Kultur|Jugendherberge Passau youth hostel, the observatory and the restaurant "Das Oberhaus". Furthermore, the Georgsberg hill with the Oberhauser Leite is part of the Europe-wide Natura 2000 nature reserve.

Oberhaus Fortress

The oldest known depiction of Oberhaus Castle dates from 1475/1480. The fortress can be seen in the background of the picture (top left); Hans Egkel, The Beheading of Saint Catherine, panel painting copy from around 1950 (original from around 1475/1480), Oberhausmuseum Passau, photo: Dionys Asenkerschbaumer

The silhouette of the city of Passau with Oberhaus Castle around 1497; Herzogenburg donor portrait, panel painting copy 1950 (original 1497), oil on wood | Bishop Ulrich of Passau (1092-1121) kneeling before the provost with the convent of Herzogenburg (now Lower Austria), photo: Dionys Asenkerschbaumer

Prince-Bishop Leonhard von Laiming (1423-1451) had the prince-bishop's living quarters expanded in the 15th century to make them more representative. The coat of arms stone may once have been located in these living quarters; trefoil stone with the coat of arms of Prince-Bishop Leonhard von Laiming (1423-1451), first half of the 15th century, Oberhausmuseum Passau, photo: pedagrafie

Prince-Bishop Ferdinand von Rabatte (1713–1722) built the Baroque fortress; portrait of Prince-Bishop Raymund Ferdinand von Rabatta (1713–1722), first quarter of the 18th century, Oberhausmuseum Passau, photo: pedagrafie

During the era of the prince-bishops, Passau was an important centre of power and trade and a magnificent royal seat. In 1217, Bishop Ulrich II was granted the title of Imperial Prince by the future Emperor Frederick II. This meant that the bishops of Passau were no longer just spiritual rulers, but also secular rulers of the city on three rivers.

In 1219, Prince-Bishop Ulrich II laid the foundation stone for the "Georgsburg" castle on the Georgsberg hill high above the Danube. For almost 600 years, it demonstrated power and strength and offered the prince-bishops protection from internal and external enemies. This was because the citizens of Passau repeatedly rebelled against episcopal rule in their struggle for greater independence. But all attacks were unsuccessful. Over the centuries, the defiant castle successfully withstood many threats and was converted into "Oberhaus Castle" during the Renaissance with the addition of representative rooms. From the 17th century onwards, Oberhaus was finally expanded with modern fortifications to become the fortress that still exists today.

With secularisation in 1803, the city of Passau and thus also the Veste Oberhaus fell to the Kingdom of Bavaria. Napoleon Bonaparte, Bavaria's ally, used the Oberhaus temporarily as a border bastion in the war against Austria. From 1822 onwards, the fortress served as a prison for political prisoners and a military penal institution. In 1931, the city of Passau finally took over the castle grounds and established a museum there.