Kremsmunster Abbey - Wels - Scharding - Passau

Route: Linz - Kremsmunster Abbey - Wels - Scharding - Passau - Linz
Duration: 10 h
Our first stop will be at Kremsmunster Abbey where you will see the extensive, monumental structure of the  abbey with its valuable buildings and art treasures dating back to this foundation period in the 8th century is an exemplary illustration of the still felt spiritual, scientific and cultural continuity of a Benedectine monastery. Kremsmunter reflects this function in the way its so-called "Mathematical Tower" is built and furnished: individual floor levels house expert collections of the relevant fields of knowledge. Economic prosperity in the 17th and 18th centuries resulted in Baroque additions, major extensions and changes to the monastery complex, as is characteristic of many similar structures in the South-German area, with Kremsmunster being a particularly fine example. Renowned Italian and local architects and artists met to add highly interesting new architectural creations,such as the design of the arcaded baroque fish pond. A rich stock of books including valuable medieval manuscripts and a collection of art treasures featuring top oeuvres of European goldsmithery (e.g.Tassilo Chalice) have been preserved at Kremsmunster. Next we will make a short stop in city Wels  which has a long and interesting history. The romans started building a settlement next to the River Traun and even made it a capital of the Province "Ufernorikum". The Tanners Tower and the medival city wall indicate the importance of the city during the medival times. In the year 1519 the austrian emperor died in the castle of Wels. Wels, a city full of history and you will see Stadtplatz in Wels, with its 64 historic town houses from a wide range of architectural epochs, Burg Wels, the Minoriten and many other sights. Our next stop will be at Schärding which  is a storybook-pretty town on the Inn, with peaceful riverfront walks and a baroque centre studded with merchants’ houses.The city located directly on the river bordering Bavaria is especially known for the Baroque “Silberzeile” on the Oberer Stadtplatz. The Schärding merchants and tradesmen were so rich that they were able to invest their “silver” in the most marvelous facades near and far. There is no doubt that the people of Schärding created a gem in this way that has endured time and you will see it.The next our stop will be at Passau in the southeast of Germany is located at the Austrian border which is worldwide known as "The Three Rivers City". The earliest evidence of human settlement dates back to the Neolithic. Passau was part of the Roman Empire for more than 400 years. It became an Episcopal seat in the year 739 AD. Passau was an independent prince bishopric for over 600 years. Finally in 1803 Passau was annexed into Bavaria. The setting of the Old Town, created by Italian baroque masters in the 17th century, shows soaring towers, picturesque places, enchanting promenades and romantic lanes. In the heart of Passau on the Old Town’s highest point rises St. Stephen’s Cathedral, in which the world’s largest cathedral organ sounds. Sitting high above the rivers, the majestic fortress Veste Oberhaus on the Danube’s side and the Pilgrimage Church "Mariahilf" on the Inn’s side frame the city outstandingly beauty. Passau with its unique charm and its atmosphere is one of the most beautiful and spectacular German cities on the Danube. After we will return to Linz.
Price: Per person