New Braunfels

Discover the Charm of New Braunfels, Texas

Nestled in the heart of Central Texas, New Braunfels is a small city with big-time appeal. Bursting with history, culture, and natural beauty, it's a destination like no other. Visitors from across the country flock here to experience its vibrant attractions—many of which are rooted in the city’s rich German heritage and picturesque surroundings.

A German Legacy Deep in the Heart of Texas

New Braunfels’ German roots trace back to 1831, just before Texas gained its independence from Mexico. That year, Johann Friedrich Ernst (also known as Friedrich Dirks) from the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg received a land grant of 4,000 acres in Stephen F. Austin’s colony. This marked the beginning of a significant wave of German immigration that would later form what is known as the “German Belt” of Texas.

By the 1840s, a flood of German settlers had arrived in Central Texas. To help organize this migration, a group of noblemen created the Adelsverein, a society that established communities such as Fredericksburg and New Braunfels. By the 1850s, New Braunfels had grown so rapidly that it became the third-largest city in Texas.

At the heart of this effort was Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels. In 1844, he traveled to Texas to inspect a tract of land designated for a new German settlement. Just one year later, on March 21, 1845, the town of New Braunfels was officially founded.

Almost immediately, the city began to flourish. Within months, New Braunfels had its first school, and the local economy was gaining momentum. The success of this settlement helped establish Central Texas as a hub for industry and opened the door to development in West Texas.

Nature, Culture, and the Guadalupe River

Beyond its cultural roots, New Braunfels is also famous for its stunning natural attractions—especially the Guadalupe River. Whether it’s tubing, fishing, or simply relaxing by the water, the river is central to the New Braunfels experience.

But the Guadalupe’s importance goes beyond recreation. The river has long shaped the region’s development and economy, playing a key role in industries like winemaking, milling, and tourism.

Long before German settlers arrived, the Guadalupe River Valley was home to Native American tribes, including the Tonkawa, Waco, Lipan Apache, and Karankawa. Archaeological discoveries suggest that people have lived along the river for thousands of years.

Originally, the founders of New Braunfels had planned to establish their settlement elsewhere. But the beauty, resources, and accessibility of the Guadalupe River proved irresistible. In fact, the Republic of Texas even invested in making the lower Guadalupe River navigable to support the growing community.

Tourist Attractions in the New Braunfels Area:

• Natural Bridge Caverns – New Braunfels
  Texas' largest caverns. Located west of New Braunfels, Texas.
• Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch – New Braunfels
  Take a safari drive thru Texas style. Located west of New Braunfels, Texas.
• Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort – New Braunfels
  America's most favorite Waterpark resort.
• Canyon Lake
  Canyon Lake is a popular lake to the north of New Braunfels for boating and other water related recreational activities.
• Touring Texas
  This web site provides tourist information for the state of Texas with links to over 100 cities and towns throughout Texas.
• Wonder World Park - San Marcos, Texas
  The most visited cave in Texas.
• Seaworld Adventure Park - San Antonio
  Amusement rides, water rides and fun, shows with dolphins, whales and sea lions, and much more.
• Six Flags Fiesta Texas - San Antonio
  Six Flags Fiesta Texas is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with a full line-up of rides, shows, and family-fun entertainment.
• San Marcos
  San Marcos has some of the largest outlet malls in the country.

Things to do near and in New Braunfels:

• The crystal clear water of the Guadalupe and San Marcos Rivers offers perfect tubing, swimming, and sunbathing.
• Take a walking or trolley tour of historic San Marcos.
• Enjoy nature watching and photography at its finest.
• Take the glass-bottom boats tour at Aquarena Center.
• Shopping at the world-class factory outlet stores and local tourist stores.
• Antique shopping in the area - some of the best in Texas.
• Dining at the river front or downtown restaurants.
• Visiting Art Centers and Museums.
• A "must" on any tourist’s list is the 246 acres of parks with the San Marcos River running through 150 acres of this parkland.
• Canyon Lake with its 80 miles of scenic shoreline is only 45 minutes away.