ScharfrichterHaus Passau | Program & Tickets

In the heart of the historic old town of Passau, just a few steps from the town hall, the ScharfrichterHaus has been combining culture, culinary delights, and cinema under one roof since 1977. The small arts stage stands for pointed cabaret, readings, jazz, and special music evenings, while the in-house program cinema delights arthouse fans. Before or after the performances, the restaurant invites guests to enjoy Bavarian-Austrian cuisine. The size of the house is intentionally intimate: up to 90 seats in the theater, around 60 in the restaurant, and 75 seats in the Scharfrichter cinema create closeness to the stage and a direct connection to the artists. The ScharfrichterHaus is also considered the home of the renowned cabaret award ScharfrichterBeil – a showcase for emerging talents in the German-speaking world. Thanks to its central location, easily accessible parking options, and clear service information such as newsletters, ticket shop, and reservation rules, planning an evening here is straightforward and reliable.

Current Program at ScharfrichterHaus Passau

The program reflects the DNA of the house: cabaret with attitude, literary evenings, concerts, and small theater formats. Regularly, established voices from the scene and exciting emerging acts perform. The evening usually begins at 8:00 PM, a time that has proven to be standard for small arts in Passau and allows the audience to arrive comfortably. Those who want to stay informed early can find the program section on the website with all dates, descriptions, and notes on remaining tickets. The weekly newsletter is practical: it summarizes the highlights, announces last-minute program changes, and also informs about culinary specials in the restaurant. A special highlight of the house is the annually awarded ScharfrichterBeil – a significant prize that has discovered and promoted talents in Passau since 1983. The relevance of this competition is demonstrated by early and later award winners who became nationally known. Beyond the annual award, the house continually sets accents, such as thematic series, readings by well-known authors, or jazz evenings in an intimate club atmosphere. Furthermore, the ScharfrichterHaus looks beyond the old town: the Kneiding Open Air 2026 is already scheduled, a mobile stage format in the nearby Kösslbachtal. The announced acts give an impression of the stylistic range: Maxjoseph (NAU) on Thursday, Cobario with “Strings on fire” on Friday, the Schick Sisters with “Liebe – Love – L’amour” on Saturday, and Epic Soul Kitchen (“Golden Green”) on Sunday; entry is depending on the day from 7:00 PM or 6:00 PM, with performances starting between 8:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Such excursions underline the versatility: from the vaulted cellar of the old town to the open-air experience in nature, the profile of the house remains recognizable – approachable, quality-conscious, and carefully curated. For planning at home: the program page contains the latest information, changes are noted there first. Those who want to remain flexible should keep an eye on notes about additional dates, sold-out evenings, and any additional shows.

Tickets for Cabaret, Cinema, and Events

The ticket purchase is straightforwardly organized. Through the digital ticket shop, seats for the small arts stage as well as special formats can be securely reserved; Reservix is registered as the ticket service provider. For popular evenings, early purchase is recommended, as the hall capacity of up to 90 seats is intentionally kept small and demand can be correspondingly high. Additionally, if remaining contingents are available, there is a box office on site. Those who want to make someone happy can opt for the ScharfrichterTicket as a voucher: it is a flexible gift suitable for birthdays, holidays, or as a spontaneous cultural gift. Transparency also prevails in service: reservations in the restaurant are governed by clear rules – they are accepted by email from Monday to Friday until 3:00 PM, on Saturdays exclusively by phone, and they are only valid after written confirmation. These notes help avoid waiting times and allow for relaxed dining before the performance begins. For the cinema: opening hours are oriented to the performance times; it opens 15 minutes before the first show and remains open until 30 minutes after the last show begins. The weekly program specifies the exact times. In general, it is worthwhile to plan some buffer time, as the old town alleys are charming but narrow; those who also want to dine in the restaurant should secure a table in advance. A tip for frequent users: the newsletter not only informs about the program and special dates but also about culinary actions – thus, the cultural evening can be perfectly combined with a menu. For special events, rentals, or corporate events, the team is approachable; in addition to dishes, projectors, screens, sound and lighting technology are offered, allowing lectures or small award ceremonies to be implemented professionally.

Scharfrichter-Kino: Cinema Program and Special Features

The Scharfrichter-Kino complements the stage with a cinematic profile. With one screen and 75 seats, it is small but renowned: since 1987, the house has received the cinema program prize from the federal and state governments annually – an award for exceptionally curated annual programs. This is reflected in the film selection: arthouse, international festival gems, German productions outside the mainstream, and occasionally classics, live broadcasts, and thematic series. The ticket and program structure is embedded in the Passau cinema ecosystem: the Scharfrichter-Kino is listed in the Cineplex program, where the latest showtimes are published weekly. Organizationally, the cinema opens 15 minutes before the first show of the day and closes 30 minutes after the last begins; more precise times can be found in the weekly schedule. Those who want to experience the special charm of the house should attend a show in the vaulted format: the closeness to the screen, the acoustic calm, the focused audience – all this distinguishes the Scharfrichter-Kino from multiplexes. The location advantage of the old town also ensures short distances: before or after the film, it is just a stone's throw to the Danube, Cathedral Square, or one of the surrounding alleys. Practical for groups: due to the manageable hall size, small premieres, film discussions, or special screenings can be designed intimately; the team advises on technology and process if needed. And those who want to combine cinema with culinary delights should reserve in advance at the restaurant; this creates a rounded evening that is composed from the aperitif to the credits.

Restaurant & Menu: Bavarian-Austrian Cuisine

The restaurant stands for a clear idea: regional quality and a handcrafted approach that fits the stage. The menu changes regularly and combines Bavarian-Austrian classics with seasonal accents. In the self-descriptions of the house, there are references to selected products from Lower Bavaria and the adjacent Upper Austria – from fresh fish from Lake Attersee to crisp beers from Salzburg and cider from the Innviertel. Such components shape the character of the cuisine: down-to-earth but with finesse; hearty but precise. The approximately 60 seats in the restaurant create an intimate atmosphere; those who want to eat before the show should reserve a few days in advance. The reservation logic is transparently regulated: emails are processed on weekdays until 3:00 PM, and on Saturdays, the team is reachable by phone; a reservation is only valid after written confirmation. Those who like to start with a glass will find a harmonious selection in the wine cellar; the gallery under the stucco ceiling brings art and culinary together, and in the arcade courtyard, the house shows on warm evenings why Passau is often referred to as “Bavarian Venice”: historic walls, short distances, and a relaxed audience. Service and kitchen are tailored to the cultural evening – prompt, friendly, attentive – so that there is enough time between the main course and the curtain. For groups, celebrations, or readings in a small setting, the team creates arrangements including space, technology, and menu. Thus, the ScharfrichterHaus becomes not only a stage but also a host for private or business events that benefit from the special atmosphere.

Directions & Parking at Rathausplatz and Römerplatz

The approach is uncomplicated, even if the old town alleys are narrow. Coming from the A3 motorway, the Passau-Mitte exit is recommended; from the Bavarian Forest, the B12 leads over the Ilz breakthrough, from where one turns left over the suspension bridge towards the center. Those coming from Austria without a motorway can use the route over Mariahilfberg into the Innstadt. For navigation devices, coordinates are provided that lead directly to Milchgasse 2 (latitude 48.57485735, longitude 13.46935362). Parking is available in immediate or walking distance: along Rathausplatz, parking is free from 7:00 PM; the underground garage Römerplatz is just a few minutes' walk away and also offers e-charging stations in the municipal network. Under the Schanzl bridge, there are parking spaces that are also free from 7:00 PM, and the parking deck Ilzbrücke can be reached on foot in about ten minutes; here, a low daily maximum rate applies according to the city overview. Additionally, the city's dynamic parking guidance system shows available capacities in real-time; for preparation, it is worthwhile to take a look at the interactive city map with all parking garages, park-and-ride spaces, and information on accessibility. Those who park at the Bahnhofstraße parking garage can easily reach the old town by city bus via the central bus station. For visitors with mobility impairments, the city provides overview maps with disabled parking spaces. In summary: it is best to plan some buffer time, especially on weekends or during events throughout the old town. This leaves enough time for an aperitif in the restaurant before the curtain rises at 8:00 PM or the cinema opens its doors. Bicycles can also be comfortably parked in the old town; the paths between the Danube, Inn, and Ilz are short and almost always lead through picturesque passages.

History of the House & the ScharfrichterBeil

The place is older than its cultural-political impact: at its core, the building is one of the oldest houses in the city. Legends tell of the “executioner” who is said to have lived here; it is certain that from the 13th century until 1443, the Prisilig prison was located in the house. After secularization, the building changed ownership; two ornate stucco ceilings are considered evidence of the connection to the prince-bishop's court. In the 1970s, the ScharfrichterHaus became a counter-movement against cultural stagnation: in 1977, Walter Landshuter and Edgar Liegl founded the small arts stage, which quickly became known beyond the region. Controversial productions and political cabaret shaped the early years, often accompanied by debates with the city, church, and local press. At the same time, the house established the ScharfrichterBeil in 1983 – a competition for emerging talents that has been awarded annually since then and is considered a renowned springboard. Early award winners include Hape Kerkeling; other prominent figures from the scene have also been honored here. The theater survived crises and natural events, including the flooding in 2013, which severely affected Passau. Today, the team continues the legacy with a contemporary touch: politically engaged, pointed, but audience-oriented. The combination of stage, kitchen, and cinema makes the profile unique – a house that tells a city and simultaneously radiates far beyond it. Organizationally, transparency is part of the identity: in the imprint, Matthias Ziegler is responsible; ticket inquiries are resolved through an established distribution partner; and those who want to dive deeper into history can find a detailed history page on the website with insights into building history, renovation of the arcade courtyard, and the cultural-political decisions of the founding years. That the ScharfrichterHaus remains lively is demonstrated not only by the well-attended evenings but also by formats like the Kneiding Open Air, which carry the program from the vault out into the region.

Opening Hours, Service & Tips for Your Visit

For planning, a look at three components helps: cultural office, restaurant, and cinema. The cultural office is staffed on weekdays (usually Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM), where general inquiries are answered. The restaurant opens in the evening; as the menu changes regularly and performance times vary, the current times are best obtained directly from the website or the reservation system. For reservations: email inquiries are accepted from Monday to Friday until 3:00 PM, on Saturdays the house requests phone reservations; a reservation only becomes effective with written confirmation. For the cinema, the opening hours are based on the weekly program: entry is 15 minutes before the first show, after the last show begins, the box office closes 30 minutes later. Those visiting Passau by car can use the parking guidance system; spontaneous visitors often find free capacities in the evening at Rathausplatz. For e-mobility, charging stations are available in the municipal network, including at Römerplatz. A practical visit process could look like this: secure tickets online early, reserve a table in the restaurant on the event day, plan arrival via Passau-Mitte or through Innstadt, park at Römerplatz or – in the evening – at Rathausplatz, arrive 60 to 90 minutes before the performance begins, dine relaxed, and then enjoy culture. Those looking for the house for private events benefit from available technology (projector, screen, sound and lighting system) as well as compact rooms suitable for 30 to 90 people. And one more tip: the newsletter subscription not only delivers program information but also news about culinary actions; this way, one discovers menus that are only available for a short time. For image fans, a look into the photo galleries of the house is worthwhile; they convey the special atmosphere of the vault, the gallery under stucco, and the courtyard with its arcades – impressive even without words.

Sources:

• ScharfrichterHaus – Official Website
• ScharfrichterHaus – House (Foundation, Building History)
• ScharfrichterHaus – History
• ScharfrichterHaus – Directions (Location, Coordinates)
• ScharfrichterHaus – Parking (Rathausplatz, Römerplatz, Schanzl, Ilzbrücke)
• ScharfrichterHaus – Imprint (Responsible, Ticket Distribution)
• Cineplex Passau – Scharfrichter-Kino (Opening Hours, Awards)
• Passau Tourism – Scharfrichterhaus (Cultural Office, Program Hint)
• Wikipedia – ScharfrichterBeil (since 1983, early award winners)
• City of Passau – Parking Options (Guidance System, City Map)