Google Maps Location Approx
Border Countries
🇩🇪 Germany 🇦🇹 Austria
Nearest Cities
🇩🇪 Passau, 🇦🇹 Linz
Coordinates
48.57°N, 13.85°E
Border Type
Land crossing via road
Operating Hours
Open 24 hours
Wait Times
15-60 min for pedestrians/vehicles
Peak Times
Mornings (7-10 AM), weekends
Crossing Types
Pedestrians, vehicles, commercial
Daily Crossings
~15000 travelers/vehicles
Languages Spoken
German
Currency Exchange
Available near Passau (EUR)
Connectivity Options
Wi-Fi at checkpoints, 4G/5G
Accessibility Features
Ramps, elevators
Safety Information
Generally safe, busy traffic
Emergency Contacts
🇩🇪 112 🇦🇹 112/133
Google Maps Location Approx
Country Information
About 🇦🇹 Linz, 🇩🇪 Passau
A Historic Danube Crossing
The Passau-Linz border, straddling the Danube River, connects Germany’s Bavaria with Austria’s Upper Austria, linking Passau’s baroque charm with Linz’s industrial and cultural hub. As a Schengen Area crossing, it’s open 24 hours a day, but Germany’s temporary controls, extended through November 2024, may cause delays due to migration concerns. Popular for commuters and tourists, this crossing is accessible by train, car, or boat, but stay alert for pickpockets and check advisories for updates. (https://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/Pressemitteilungen/EN/2024/09/checks-at-german-borders-start.html)
Historical and Cultural Context
Defined by the 1803 Treaty of Pressburg, this border along the Danube has shifted through centuries of Habsburg and Bavarian rule. Passau, once a key Holy Roman Empire bishopric, and Linz, a Habsburg stronghold, share a rich history, reflected in Passau’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Linz’s Ars Electronica Center. Germany’s controls since October 2023, reducing illegal entries by 30,000, highlight migration tensions, occasionally causing protests that disrupt access, so verify border status. (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austria–Germany_border) (https://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/Pressemitteilungen/EN/2024/09/checks-at-german-borders-start.html)
Crossing Procedures and Wait Times
Schengen rules allow free crossing, but Germany’s 2024 controls involve random ID checks at Passau’s Achleiten crossing or on trains. Regional trains from Passau to Linz, operated by DB or ÖBB, take 40 minutes for 10 euros, with checks reported at Passau station. Driving the A3/E56 takes 20 minutes over 15 kilometers. Wait times are 5 to 10 minutes, but checks or summer tourist peaks, especially July, can extend to 20 to 30 minutes. Carry a passport or EU ID. (https://www.egtre.info/wiki/Border_Crossings:_Austria_-_Germany) (posts found on X)
Staying Alert for Scams
Pickpocketing is a concern in Passau’s old town or Linz’s Hauptplatz, particularly during events like Passau’s Christmas market. Touts may offer fake train tickets or border assistance for fees, targeting distracted tourists. Purchase tickets via DB Navigator or ÖBB apps to avoid scams. During controls, ignore unofficial guides claiming to expedite checks; only trust uniformed police. Travel mid-afternoon to avoid morning commuter crowds, and secure valuables in a money belt to reduce theft risks. (posts found on X)
Transportation and Road Conditions
From Munich, DB trains to Passau take 2 hours for 25 euros; from Vienna, ÖBB trains to Linz take 1.5 hours for 20 euros. Driving the A3/E56 covers 15 kilometers in 20 minutes, with Danube views framed by rolling hills. A scenic 2-hour river cruise crosses the border for 30 euros. Rain from October to March can slow foot traffic, but roads and trains are reliable. The border has eateries and shops; bring euros, as Linz’s ATMs may charge fees. (https://www.egtre.info/wiki/Border_Crossings:_Austria_-_Germany)
Nearby Attractions and Amenities
Passau’s Veste Oberhaus fortress and glass museum are 10 minutes from the station. Linz’s Lentos Art Museum and Pöstlingberg pilgrimage church are a 15-minute drive. The border area offers cafes serving Bavarian pretzels and Austrian strudel. Budget hotels like Ibis Passau cost 60 euros per night, while mid-range options in Linz cost 80 euros. The crossing’s proximity to Danube bike trails draws adventurers, despite occasional delays from controls. (https://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/Pressemitteilungen/EN/2024/09/checks-at-german-borders-start.html)
Seasonal and Weather Impacts
The dry season, April to September, brings 20 to 25°C weather, ideal for cycling or river cruises. The rainy season, October to March, can make paths slick, slowing pedestrians. Peak times, like Linz’s Ars Electronica Festival in September, draw crowds, with border checks adding 15 to 30 minutes in 2024. Germany’s controls, extended through November 2024, cause occasional traffic, as noted in 2023. Check for protests or rail disruptions affecting access. (https://www.politico.eu/article/germany-extends-checks-at-polish-czech-swiss-borders-until-mid-march/)
Practical Tips for Travelers
Carry a valid passport or EU ID, as Germany’s 2024 controls may prompt checks on trains or roads. Bring two photocopies and euros for fees. Rental cars cross freely, but secure valuables due to pickpocketing in Passau’s tourist areas. Book tickets via DB or ÖBB apps to avoid touts. Hotels fill up during festivals, so reserve early. Non-Schengen travelers should check visa rules, though most get 90 days visa-free. Monitor advisories for security updates. (https://www.bmi.bund.de/SharedDocs/Pressemitteilungen/EN/2024/09/checks-at-german-borders-start.html)
Planning Your Crossing
Travel mid-afternoon to avoid tourist rushes and border checks. Use DB or ÖBB apps for real-time schedules, as controls may disrupt trains. Monitor news for migration tensions or protests, reported in 2024, affecting the crossing. With preparation, you’ll cross this scenic border smoothly, ready to explore Passau’s baroque grandeur or Linz’s modern cultural scene, diving into a rich Bavarian-Austrian blend. (posts found on X)