Experience Texas’ German Roots in New Braunfels, Texas. This Hill Country town is located an hour outside of Austin and is jam-packed with outdoor activities, historic attractions and wonderful restaurants, making it the perfect day trip destination for visitors to Austin. Plus, be sure to explore the picturesque Gruene Historic District while in the area!
Outdoor Activities
Situated along the scenic and winding Comal River, be sure to visit Texas’ first waterpark, Schlitterbahn Waterpark New Braunfels. The 70-acre park is home to more than 50 kid- and adult-friendly rides and attractions.
Grab your swimsuit and head to Rockin’ R to beat the heat. Rent an inner tube and float the Comal River or try your hand at fly fishing in the Guadalupe River, the southernmost trout stream in the Northern Hemisphere.
Take a stroll through Landa Park, along the Comal River beneath old-growth oak trees, or hit the links at the historic Landa Park Golf Course. The original nine-hole course was opened by the City of New Braunfels in 1938 and the expanded 18-hole course now features 6,168 yards of golf under the shade of stunning oak trees.
Courtesy of Fickle Pickles.
Shopping
The Gruene Historic District is home to some of the best boutiques and antique shops in the Hill Country. Shop for treasures at the Gruene Antique Company and Black Swan Antiques, where you’ll find Old World collectibles shipped directly from Europe. Check out The Barn Pottery and Gallerie at Gurene where you'll find local, handcrafted pottery and artwork. Stop by Caylor Forge & Leatherworks and marvel at handmade leather goods; then step back in time at the shop next door where they're keeping the art of blacksmithing alive in Gruene. You won't want to miss Fickle Pickles Antiques and Pickles, which offers an eclectic mix of historic wares and some of the most delicious homemade pickles you'll ever try.
Restaurants & Breweries
Founded in 1845 by German settlers, New Braunfels is overflowing with old world heritage and small-town Texas Charm. Visit Naeglin’s Bakery, the oldest continuously operating bakery in Texas, for sweet, fruit-filled kolaches and decadent cakes and cookies.
If you work up a Texas-sized thirst during your visit, drop by The Grapevine in the Gruene Historic District to try some of the state and region’s best wines with daily complimentary tastings. Or, tour more than a dozen breweries on the Hill Country Craft Beer Trail, including Guadalupe Brewing Company and New Braunfels Brewing Company.
Dine across the street from historic Gruene Hall at Mozie's, a cool bar with casual, rustic elegance serving Southern comfort-inspired bites. Sit on the river decks at The Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar and eat Texas favorites like chicken fried steak and juicy burgers, and top off your meal with ice cold margaritas. For a fine dining experience, New Braunfels’ Alpine Haus specializes in authentic Bavarian-style cooking in a quaint setting.
For even more options, dig into some hearty German food at Faust Brewing Company or Krause's Cafe. Play games and savor wood oven pizza at Downtown Social, or delight in Southern cuisine and scratch-made cocktails at The Downtowner.
Live Music
End your night Two-Steppin' at Gruene Hall, Texas' oldest operating dance hall. This historic venue has hosted shows for huge artists such as Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, and Loretta Lynn and has nightly performances you won’t want to miss. The acclaimed Whitewater Amphitheater is an unforgettable venue to see major acts perform amongst soaring cypress trees along the Guadalupe River.
If you plan a trip in November, the whole city celebrates Wurstfest, a ten-day celebration of the region’s German roots. Here you’ll enjoy classic German food and beer, live music, dancing and a carnival perfect for the whole family.
Visitor Information
Learn more from the New Braunfels Convention & Visitors Bureau or stop by the Visitor Center at 237, I-35, New Braunfels, Texas.