Attractions

Founded in 1845 by German settlers, our town is overflowing with old-world heritage. Just as you'd expect, there's no shortage of hospitality so stop in and pay us a visit. Whether you're greeted with "willkommen" or "howdy", you're always welcome in New Braunfels! Stroll in to our city with a walking tour. The exercise will do you good, plus you'll visit homes built of the old German fachwerk (half timber, half masonry) construction. Take in our great museums, historic districts and performing arts. Below are just some of the exciting things to do either in New Braunfels or just a short drive away.

Historic Downtown New Braunfels: Prince Carl Solm of Braunfels, Germany brought hundreds of immigrants to the beaches of Texas in 1844. Land originally purchased for the settlers in West Texas was found to be unsuitable for cultivation and inhabited by hostile Indians. With the first load of immigrants on the way and on the advice of a stranger, Prince Solms purchased 1,265 acres in an area known as Las Fontanas that formed a river (Comal) which flowed into the Guadalupe River. New Braunfels was named by the Prince after his home in Braunfels, Germany on Good Friday, March 21, 1845. The walking tour visits homes and buildings of Greek Revival Victorian Romanesque Revival, Fachwerk, and art deco styles. Just a few of the points of interest are: First Protestant Church (1875), Walter Faust House (1904), Faust Hotel (1928), Rennert/Groos House (1869), Moureau House (1854), Capitol Theatre (1925), Henne Hardware & Electric (1893), the oldest running hardware store in the state, Naeglin's Bakery (1850's), the Lindheimer Home (1852). All in all, the walking tour visits some 40 historic locations. Downtown New Braunfels may be historic but it is alive and wellwith excellent restaurants, coffee shops, antique shops, specialty shops, museums, theaters, and much, much more!

Gruene Historic District A nationally registered historic property. An 1840's village featuring antique shops, specialty shops, a wide variety of restaurants, and live music at Gruene Hall, Texas' oldest dance hall. You'll find a wonderful Wine Tasting/Retail shop, and River Outfitters providing tubes & rafts and all of the trappings to enjoy an hour or a day on the beautiful Guadalupe River.

Landa park A park for the family! Ride the miniature train, swim either the spring-fed or the Olympic pools, cruise the lake on paddle boards or aboard the glass botttom boat, tube the lazy Comal River (you can even shoot the tube chute), stroll the scenic nature trails, play miniature golf or challenge the 18 hole public course, enjoy the Arboretum, play volleyball or tennis. Picnic facilities, playground equipment and a climate controlled pavillion are available.

Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch: African Safari-Texas Style. Over 50 species from every continent except Anartica, and many of those are endangered or threatened species. New additions include the White Rhinoceros, a South American Jaguar, and many Species of Lemurs. Just like a "true safari" the animals roam freely, which means every trip through the Ranch offers a different experience and you are encouraged to drive through as many times as you like. Grab your pith helmet, strap on your camera, pile the whole family into the safari wagon and head for the experience of a lifetime.

Natural Bridge Caverns: Texas' Largest! Tour the incredible underground world of natural phenomena! Discover Sherwood Forest, the Castle of the White Giants, and the Hall of the Mountain King. a room the size of a football field. Many tours available from the family oriented to the Adventure Tour, offering a physically demanding and thrilling excursion into one of the world's premier caverns. Climb, crawl, and rappel through undeveloped rooms and passages. you choose the tour!

Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort: Voted America's Best! Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort is one-of-a-kind family fun for all ages! 65-acres of riverfront beauty along a spring-fed river! Over three miles of the greatest man-made tubing adventures on earth! Seven family water playgrounds where parents and kids can share the fun! The thrill of being blasted uphill on jets of water! The challenge of an endless surfing wave! Hot tubs and swim-up refreshment bars for relaxing! Endless river floating! Plus hundreds of nationally certified, award-winning lifegards.

Shopping!Shopping!Shopping! As if all those wonderful antique and specialty shops in downtown New Braunfels, Gruene, and The Market Place are not enough, the largest factory outlet mall in Texas is only 10 short minutes away. The Tanger Outlet Center and Prime Outlets together boast more than 250 shops and restaurants!

San Antonio, with all its charm (and traffic) is only 30 minutes south of New Braunfels. Relax in the comfort of the Rodeway Inn, New Braunfels and after you've seen all the local sights you can take day trips to visit Fiesta Texas, Sea World, The Alamo, The Riverwalk, Spurs Basketball Arena, and mucho mas!