In 1845 German settlers, led by Prince Karl Solms, founded a charming new town and named it after their ancestral home of Braunfels, Germany. You will still see evidence of New Braunfels’ German heritage around town. Our Main Plaza and downtown have maintained their historic charm, and you will find many new restaurants and shops to choose from. You may find some German classics on the menus at local restaurants as well. New Braunfels is home to Schlitterbahn Water Park (voted #1 in the Country!), Natural Bridge Caverns and Wildlife Ranch, and beautiful Landa Park and Golf Course. “Wurstfest”, which is New Braunfels’ annual Oktoberfest, starts the first Friday in November and runs for 10 days. Grab your German gear and come dance a polka with the locals! It is great fun!

For more history of our town, click here!

Around the Town

Here’s a snapshot of things that we love to do around town (if you ever get tired of floating the river) and places we love to eat. Please feel free to reach out to us for any recommendations while you’re here or as you’re planing your next trip!

Things to do

• Historic Gruene

• Gruene Hall (music & dancing)

• Schliterbahn Waterpark

• Landa Park (playgrounds, picnic areas, swimming pools, paddle boats, putt-putt golf, miniature train)

• Natural Bridge Caverns

• Fishing on the Comal or Guadalupe

• New Braunfels Brewing Company

• The Grapevine (wine room)

• Downtown shops

• Downtown Social

• New Braunfels Farmers Market

• Landa Park Golf Course

• Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

• Wurstfest (November only)

• San Marcos Outlet Malls

• Driving distance to San Antonio & Austin