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New Braunfels is a city of about 100,000 people in the Texas Hill Country, between San Antonio and Austin, where the spring-fed Comal River meets the Guadalupe River. German settlers led by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels founded it in 1845, and the town still celebrates its heritage with German bakeries, sausage makers and the ten-day Wurstfest each November.
The Comal River, just a few miles long and among the shortest navigable rivers in the country, flows crystal clear and cool year-round from Comal Springs, making New Braunfels one of the most popular places in Texas for tubing. Schlitterbahn, a famous water park built along the river, and Landa Park, with its spring-fed pools and paddleboats, draw families every summer.
The historic Gruene district, now part of the city, has Gruene Hall, the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas, where country stars have played since 1878, along with antique shops, a water tower and restaurants on the Guadalupe. Downtown keeps its Main Plaza bandstand, the Brauntex Theatre and the 1898 Comal County Courthouse.
The spring-fed Comal River flows through New Braunfels at a steady cool temperature, making it one of the most popular tubing rivers in Texas. Outfitters rent tubes and run shuttles, and the trip includes a fun tube chute. Check city rules first: there are bans on glass and limits on containers on the river.
The Guadalupe River below Canyon Lake flows past the Gruene area of New Braunfels, with clear water, limestone banks and rapids that are popular for tubing, rafting and kayaking. Many outfitters along River Road rent gear. Flow levels change with dam releases, so check conditions before planning a float.
The largest commercial caverns in Texas, between New Braunfels and San Antonio, named for a natural limestone bridge at the entrance. Guided tours lead through large rooms filled with stalactites and flowstone, and outdoor extras include zip lines and a maze. Caves stay humid year-round, so wear good shoes.
A large city park at the headwaters of the Comal River with huge old trees, spring-fed pools, a historic swimming area, paddle boats, a miniature train, a golf course and picnic sites. Glass-bottom boat tours show the springs. Weekends in summer are busy; the spring-fed pool stays cool even in hot weather.
A preserved 19th-century cotton town within New Braunfels with antique shops, wineries, restaurants and old wooden buildings near the Guadalupe River. It is known for its market days and live music. Weekend afternoons are crowded, so arrive early for parking, which is limited in the small district.
The central plaza of downtown New Braunfels with a bandstand and fountain, surrounded by historic buildings, shops and restaurants that reflect the city's German heritage. It hosts holiday lights and community events. Use it as a starting point for a walk to the courthouse, bakeries and nearby museums.
A Romanesque Revival courthouse built in 1898 facing Main Plaza in downtown New Braunfels, built of limestone with a distinctive tower and arched windows. It was carefully restored in the 2010s. It is still used for county offices, so most visitors enjoy the exterior and the plaza views.
Built in 1878, Gruene Hall is often called the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas. Its wooden floor, open-air side panels and simple bar host country, folk and rock acts, from local bands to major artists. Many daytime shows are free; buy tickets ahead for evening headliners.
A large water park along the Comal River, famous for using spring-fed river water in parts of its rides, with tube chutes, water coasters, wave pools and kids' areas. It opens seasonally from late spring to late summer. Bring sunscreen and water shoes, and arrive at opening to avoid the longest lines.
A history museum and archive in New Braunfels on the site of the original headquarters of Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels, who founded the town in 1845. Exhibits cover the German immigrants who settled the area and their daily lives. It is small, so plan about an hour; check the hours before going.
Founded in 1868, Naeglin's on Seguin Avenue is often described as the oldest bakery in Texas. It sells German-style pastries, strudels, kolaches, cookies and breads in a simple shop near Main Plaza. Go in the morning for the best choice, as popular items can sell out by midday.
A ten-day German heritage festival held each November in New Braunfels at the Wurstfest grounds beside Landa Park, with sausages, beer, polka music, dancing and carnival rides. It draws large crowds from across Texas. Buy tickets online, avoid driving if drinking and expect busy shuttles on weekends.
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