The Conference will be located almost exactly at the geographic centre of Europe. Passau is close to the metropolitan area of Munich, where media and communications industry forms a hub of global significance. Strong support for the 13 th IWQoS to be held in Passau has already been promised by Siemens Mobile, Munich and by Philips, Eindhoven. Other industrial commitments are likely to follow. Passau can also easily be reached from Vienna, the Capital of Austria as another nearby metropolitan area of major importance, via a direct fast train line. The major international Airport Munich is conveniently located between Munich and Passau. Other possible airports to fly in are Nuremberg, Vienna and Linz. Regular public transport to Passau is available in all cases.

According to a statement attributed to Alexander von Humboldt, Passau is referred to as one of the seven most beautiful towns of the world. Passau is spectacularly located at the confluence of three rivers, one of them being the Danube, the second longest of Europe. The town itself in its present appearance is characterized by medieval, narrow allies and cobblestone streets, with buildings mixed in Gothic and 17 th century Italian Renaissance style that have earned the town the epithet "Bavarian Venice."

Town History

Passau looks back to more than 2000 years of history:

• The pre-Christian period: the Celtic settlement of Bojodurum 300 B.C.;
• The Roman period: the Forts of Boiodurum, Boiotroand Batavis; (remaining ruins can still be visited today)
• The early Middle Ages: the Bajuwaren settlement called Pazzawe (now “ Passau”). This period is still very much reflected in the current old town's appearance of streets and houses, squeezed between the rivers on a peninsula.

In 739 Passau was already an episcopal see. It was presumably during the 12th Century, that Bishop Wolfger ordered to have the verses of the Nibelungenlied transcribed into German. This is why Passau calls itself a "Nibelungenstadt." In 1217 Passau was named the capital of the largest areal Princebishoprics. Passau's Cathedral is the mother church of the St. Stephan's Cathedral in Vienna. The period of Princebishops lasted in Passau until 1803, when it became an electorate of Bavaria.

Selected Places of Interest: Sights from 2000 years

• Castle Oberhaus built in 1219, Castle Niederhaus (privately owned), St. Salvator Church, 1479-1580, Confluence of the Rivers Danube, Inn and Ilz, Convent & Church of Niedernburg,
• 11th century Romanesque with Baroque vaultings & Memoria, St. Michaels collegiate & Jesuit church 1665-1678 Italian Baroque style, Ancient Town HallL of 1393 with historical paintings, Glasmuseum in Hotel Wilder Mann, New Bishops Residence, 1712 with Rococo style staircase, St. Stephans Cathedral with the world's biggest church organ, late gothic and baroque style. Dome Square with royal statue of King Maximilian I, 1824., St. Paul's Church , baroque, rebuilt in 1680, Municipal Theatre, former Prince-Bishop's Opera House, 1783, St. Nicola Crypt, 11th Century and, St. Severin Church, 5th-9th Century, Romansque nave from the 11th Century, Roman Museum of Boiotro, Pilgrimage Church and Convent of Maria Hilf,1627, Baroque... Last not least, the city hosts five Bavarian Breweries and many beer gardens.
• St. Stephan's Cathedral "Dome" (a cathedral of superlatives, the largest baroque church north of the Alps): The Cathedral is the historic result of melting magnificent gothic and baroque architecture. After been widely damaged in the devastating town fire of 1662, it was rebuilt by the famous baroque architect Carlo Lurago, its stucco works were done by G. B. Carlone and the frescos were painted by Carpoforus Tencalla, all of them Italian baroque artists. With 17,974 organ pipes, 233 stops and 4 carillons the organ in the cathedral is the largest cathedral organ of the world. All five parts of the organ can be played from the main key board, one at a time or all together, offering the visitor unforgettable acoustical delight.
• Castle: “Veste Oberhaus” (1219),: 105 meters above the Danube. Today a glimpse into the princely halls and torture chambers of history, as well as vantage points with a splendid panorama, museum and art gallery, a youth hostel, a cafe and an observatory. The upper fortress is connected by means of a battlemented parapet with the lower fortress, Niederhaus (built around 1250), now privately owned.

Outdoor activities in the picturesque surroundings

• Many major European scenic biking routes pass by
• Plenty of romantic and long distance hiking trails accessible
• Bavarian and Bohemian Forests in “walking distance"
• Alps within 90 minutes driving