Scharfrichterhaus

Scharfrichterhaus stands in Passau as a building dating to around 1200, with centuries-old architecture and a history tied to law and punishment. The former residence of the city’s executioner later appears in records as the Prislig prison, from the thirteenth century until 1443.

Around 1620, executioner Kaspar reportedly distributed slips promising invulnerability, a practice remembered as Passauerkunst, or the Art of Passau. In the 1970s, political cabaret found a home here despite opposition from authorities and the church, and Walter Landshuter and Edgar Liegl formally established the modern venue in March 1977. Jazz, readings, chanson, theatre and political satire now share its programme, alongside the independent Scharfrichter-Cinema, opened on 5 February 1987 for repertory and non-mainstream films.

You can also find a Viennese-style café, a restaurant serving Bavarian and Austrian specialities, a wine cellar, a wine bar, an inner courtyard and a gallery for regional art. Since 1983, the Scharfrichter-Beil has honoured cabaret artists, with Hape Kerkeling as its first recipient.