Open-Air Festival on the Veste Oberhaus
The Burgenfestspiele Niederbayern are the summer festival series of the Landestheater Niederbayern. They combine the historical venues of Lower Bavarian castles and palaces with modern repertoire theatre. The main venue is the Veste Oberhaus, the mighty former bishop's fortress high above the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers in Passau.
The 2026 program focuses on grand European music and drama theatre:
The open-air stage at the Veste Oberhaus is only partially covered. In case of rain or critical weather conditions, the performance is moved to the Stadttheater Passau – a standardized procedure that is an integral part of the festival organization. There are no online tickets; the Passau theatre box office handles ticket sales in person, by phone, or on-site.
The Veste Oberhaus was founded as a bishop's fortress starting in 1219. It is one of the largest preserved castle complexes in Europe and offers a unique view of Passau's old town with the confluence of the Danube, Inn, and Ilz rivers. Today, it houses the Oberhausmuseum and, in the summer, the Burgenfestspiel stage.
Passau is a district-free city in the Lower Bavaria administrative region, known as the 'City of Three Rivers'. The Landestheater Niederbayern is a three-division theatre with venues in Passau, Landshut, and Straubing – the Burgenfestspiele Passau are its summer open-air flagship series.
The 2026 season focuses on grand European repertoire. The Landestheater Niederbayern makes its ensemble and the orchestra of the Niederbayerische Philharmonie available for the open-air productions. Advance sales are handled by the Passau Theatre Box Office.
The festivals are an established fixture in the Southern German summer program and attract visitors from all over Bavaria, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
In case of rain or critical weather conditions, performances are moved to the Stadttheater Passau. Blankets, rain protection, and sturdy shoes (steep climb to the Veste) are recommended.
Tickets exclusively through the Passau Theatre Box Office – no online booking possible.
Ticket prices vary by seating category and production; advance sales through the Passau Theatre Box Office (in person, by phone). No online tickets. Discounts for pupils, students, seniors, and severely disabled persons.
Veste Oberhaus, Oberhaus 125, 94034 Passau – accessible via a steep path or shuttle bus from Rathausplatz. Approximately 20 minutes' walk from Passau main station, followed by a steep climb. Parking at the Donau-Parkplatz or in the Innstraße car park.
Tickets exclusively through the Passau Theatre Box Office (in person, by phone). No online tickets.
In case of rain, performances are moved to the Stadttheater Passau. Bring blankets and rain protection.
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Veste Oberhaus Passau – Open-Air-Bühne
Oberhaus 125, 94034 Passau