University of Passau

23–27 February 2026

#ECTE2026

Excursions

Passau City tour [E1]

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What to expect: This guided walking tour offers participants an opportunity to explore the historical center of Passau. The tour provides background information on the city's architectural heritage, its geographical location at the confluence of three rivers, and key aspects of its historical development.

Start: ca. 10am (at Passau)

End: ca. noon (at Passau)

Number of participants: 25

Fee: 10€ (not including food and drinks)

We expect cold temperatures and possibly rain or snow in February. So please bring a warm jacket, hat, scarf, gloves and umbrella. Hiking boots are not needed, but warm shoes are advisable. Bring along snacks and water according to your own needs.

 

Ilz River Valley tour [E2]

What to expect: This guided tour leads into the Ilz Valley, a protected river landscape near Passau, which is known for its geological features and biodiversity. The Ilz, often called the “Black Pearl” of the Bavarian Forest, is renowned for its dark water originating from montane peatlands. Next to insights into the species diversity and geology of the area, the tour will highlight the river’s past economic importance in terms of timber transport and pearl fishing.

Start: ca. 10am (at Passau)

End: ca. 1pm (at Passau)

Number of participants: 20

Fee: 5€ (not including food and drinks)

We expect cold temperatures and possibly rain or snow in February. So please bring a warm jacket, hat, scarf, gloves, umbrella and hiking boots. Also bring along snacks and water according to your own needs.

 

Bavarian Forest tour [E3]

What to expect: This excursion takes participants to the Dreisessel area in the Bavarian Forest (elevation ca. 1,300m NN). On site, a ranger from the nature park will provide information about the region’s characteristic landscapes, flora, and fauna. The program includes short walks and opportunities to learn more about ecological features and conservation efforts in this trinational border region between Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic. There is the possibility to stop for food and drinks on site.

Start: ca. 9am (at Passau)

End: ca. 3pm (at Passau)

Number of participants: 20

Fees: 40€ (not including food and drinks)

We expect cold temperatures and possibly rain or snow in February. So please bring a warm jacket, hat, scarf, gloves, umbrella and hiking boots. Also bring snacks and water as well as a lunch package if you do not want to buy lunch on site.

 

Munich-Nymphenburg Botanical Garden tour [E4]

What to expect: This excursion explores the Munich-Nymphenburg Botanical Garden guided by the Deputy Director. It is one of the largest Botanical Gardens in Germany and renowned for its greenhouses featuring plants from different tropical climate zones and geographical regions. The visit offers insights into botanical diversity, ecological relationships, and current research. Moreover, we will visit the Herbarium of the Bavarian State Collections of Botany that hosts historical collections as well as many type specimen.

Start: 07:26am at Passau main train station

End: ca. 12:30pm at the Botanical Garden (Munich). Participants can visit Munich downtown afterwards, go directly to the airport, or return to Passau. We will help with making individual arrangements.

Number of participants: 20

Fee: 10€, plus transport (“Deutschlandticket” can be used; for those who do not have this ticket, we can arrange for group tickets)

We expect cold temperatures and possibly rain or snow in February. So please bring a warm jacket, hat, scarf, gloves and umbrella. Hiking boots are not needed, but warm shoes are advisable. Bring along snacks and water according to your own needs.

 

Please note:

• Your excursion booking is only valid if both the conference fee and the excursion fee have been paid in full.
• The capacity of excursions is limited and will be filled on a first-come first-served basis. If you wish to participate in an excursion that is already fully booked, please contact the conference organisers at gtoe2026-passau@fu-confirm.de  to be placed on the waiting list.
• We reserve the right to cancel the excursion and issue a refund if there are not enough participants.
• If you need to cancel your participation in an excursion, please inform the conference organisers as soon as possible. It may be that other conference participants are on the waiting list for that excursion.
• Three weeks prior to the excursion, you will receive information with details on the meeting point, transportation, and contact details of the excursion leader.
• If we have to cancel an excursion due to insufficient participants, we will inform you by email as soon as possible and refund the excursion fee in full.
• Please bring appropriate clothing and food as indicated in the excursion description.
• Participants are advised to check the local weather forecasts.
• Participation in the excursion is at your own risk.