"A Day in New Braunfels" Top 5 Page for this destination New Braunfels by VeronicaG

New Braunfels Travel Guide: 110 reviews and 154 photos

The Brandstand (1905)

A Quaint German Town

December brought us to San Antonio--we were spending Christmas there. We had just seen some of the family at Thanksgiving and other family members were coming in early January for a visit, so instead of spending the holiday by ourselves we opted to travel.

After arriving at the airport in the early morning, we jumped into our spiffy rental car and aimed it towards New Brunfels. Our hotel room at the Hyatt Riverwalk would not be ready for us in San Antonio yet, so why not strike out for new horizons?

New Brunfels sits 30 miles northeast of San Antonio and easily accessed by travel on I-35. Two rivers run through this town of 36,000 people: the Comal and the Guadalupe.

It was a sprinkly day, but that never hampers our sightseeing. We grabbed a hat (in my husband's case) and an umbrella (for me) and determined to make the best of our day.

The town was founded in the 1840's by German Prince Carl of Solms, who brought settlers to the area. His intention was to establish a community, but after traveling back to Germany to marry, never returned. It seemed his wife, Sophie, had no desire to help build a remote western town.

We learned that many of New Braunfels citizens owned farms outside of town, so built small homes reserved for weekend use in town. This gave them the opportunity to attend church, socialize with other families and stock up on necessary goods.

We enjoyed our day in New Braunfels, I think you would, too!

FYI: The Bandstand, Civil War/Doughboy Memorial and Fountain were all situated at this small park on Main Plaza and Seguin Street.

The Civil War Memorial

In Memory Of...

This is a statue of a Confederate soldier; behind is a statue representing a Doughboy. They sit next to the bandstand and were given several years apart by Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Clousnitzer.

Fountain at the Park

A Bond Is Forged

The fountain and friendship tree symbolize the bond between New Braunfels and Old Braunfels in Germany.

Last visit to New Braunfels: Dec 2006
Intro Updated Jan 22, 2007
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Reviews (14)

The Henne Hardware Building - New Braunfels

The Henne Hardware Building Favorites (6)

It was a rainy day in New Braunfels when we arrived, but in spite of the weather we wanted to learn something about this... more travel advice

Mural honoring Ferdinang J. Lindheimer - New Braunfels

In Honor of the Father of Texas Botany Favorites (6)

This mural celebrates the life and contributions of Ferdinand Jakob Lindheimer. I was not familiar with Lindheimer, so I... more travel advice

Schlitterbahn Waterpark Things to Do (3)

December is NOT the best month to visit SCHLITTERBAHN WATERPARK, but we were curious about this popular summer... more travel advice

The Prince Solms Inn Favorites (6)

The Prince Solms Inn Bed & Breakfast (295 E. St. Antonio St.)is the oldest operating hotel in New Braunfels. It was run... more travel advice

Shopping (2)
See All Antiques and the Eclectic
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Travelogues (1)

Written Jan 14, 2007

7 photos

New Braunfels--A Restored Neighborhood

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Comments (11)

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Dabs Sep 21, 2008 at 4:04 PM

I don't know that we will have time to visit NB, I might have made time if the Prince had been successful in building that castle :-)
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himalia11 Jul 29, 2008 at 3:48 AM

Very interesting page! I'm living not far away from "Old" Braunfels and just learnt last week that there's a New Braunfels in Texas.
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deecat Aug 15, 2007 at 2:45 PM

Just marvelous, [just corrected my spelling!]Veronica. All the kinds of places I love to see and research. I find these tips to be informative, fun to read, and a real education about Texas and the German influence.
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kyoub Jun 13, 2007 at 1:09 PM

A very interesting page on New Braunfels early history. They traveled light! I have heard about the river fafting, for years, but have never been there.
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TheWanderingCamel Apr 19, 2007 at 9:01 AM

The German heritage of Texas is intersting - I've visited Fredericksburg, NB looks to be similar. I'd love a little Sunday House to escape to for the weekend - though I might give the hours they spent in church a miss and just stay in bed! leyle
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starship Mar 2, 2007 at 6:47 PM

I always enjoy reading your pages and this was no exception! What a charming place! I particularly like the Sophienburg Museum and all the antique shops! Right up my alley!
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Nemorino Feb 8, 2007 at 3:27 PM

Interesting to trace the German heritage of this Texas town --- though actually I don't have the impression that New Braunfels, Texas, looks very much like Braunfels, Hessen, which is just up the road from here.
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scottishvisitor Jan 18, 2007 at 2:25 PM

Nice page Veronica with a very German slant
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Trekki Jan 17, 2007 at 10:33 PM

Interesting cute town Veronica :-) I was never aware of Prince Carl going to Texas and founding a village. Ahh yes, so you had a taste of these yummm pretzels :-)
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Hopkid Jan 17, 2007 at 6:18 AM

Great tips on NB! I would have taken a strudel to go for eating later!