Picture this a bustling community nestled in Passau’s western embrace. That’s Heining a vibrant district with a rich history. Heining wasn’t always part of Passau. It has its own captivating story.
Huninga as Heining was first known appeared in records in 781. A church dedicated to Saint Severin of Noricum stood there by 970. The current St Severin church boasts Romanesque and Gothic origins. Heining was once part of the Vornbach monastery then later incorporated into the Passau Cathedral’s crypt chapel. It became its own parish on June 9 1716.
Unlike most of Passau Heining belonged to the Duchy of Bavaria. It was one of five offices in the Vilshofen district court. After Bavaria’s secularization in 1804 three classical altars from the Portenkirche Fürstenzell and a small choir organ from the St Nikola monastery church found a new home in Heining’s parish church.
In 1808 Heining became its own municipality. It included former Neuburg County parts. Heining’s parish stretched beyond its borders. The old Severin chapel became a school in 1819. The church was extended by seven meters in 1859. Heining’s volunteer fire department was founded in 1878. The school expanded in 1886. A new cemetery opened in 1887 replacing the old one near the parish church.
Four new pastoral areas branched from Heining’s parish in the 20th century. Schalding left of the Danube became an independent parish in 1913. Auerbach followed suit in 1930. Heining was largely rural except for a yeast factory and a clay works. The Kachlet power plant was built between 1922 and 1927. A prisoner of war camp existed between Schalding and Heining during World War II. It became a refugee camp housing around 45 000 people.
After the war Heining transformed into a residential area. Several businesses also settled there changing it from a rural to a suburban community. A new kindergarten was consecrated in 1960 a new school building in 1963. The church’s Baroque pulpit was removed in 1969 ending up in Kreuzberg’s parish church. A new organ was installed in 1971.
In 1971 91.2% of Heining’s voters rejected joining Passau. The town council didn’t challenge this decision. The university’s founding and Passau’s development as a central city depended on it. Heining became part of Passau on July 1 1972.
Today Heining remains a key part of Passau. It’s a testament to its enduring spirit a place where history and modern life blend seamlessly. It’s a place well worth exploring.