12 German Towns in Texas You Should Visit

German towns in Texas? That’s right. If you know, then you know. But if you don’t, here’s the story: In the mid-1800s, Germans were looking to escape economic hardship and political unrest. Coming to the great state of Texas, they established towns throughout Texas Hill Country like Fredericksburg, New Braunfels, and Boerne.

Treasuring their heritage, many of these towns still have many aspects of German culture. Now, visitors to any of these German towns in Texas are rewarded with delicious food, tasty beer, gorgeous architecture, and hospitality that’s unmatched.

Interested in visiting these fabulous places? This list has the 12 best German Towns in Texas you should check out.

 

Industry

Settled in 1831 by German immigrant Friedrich Ernst, Industry is known as the oldest German settlement in Texas.

After Ernst wrote a letter to a friend back in Germany about life in Texas, many more Germans decided to take the long journey and settled in Texas too.

Locals in the area referred and commented about the industrious folks living in the settlement. and so it became named Industry Texas.

Today you will still find German influence and history in and around town. Lindemann Grocery Store on Ernst Parkway was established in 1884 by Edward Lindemann and Franz Getschmann.

Also of note, in springtime the town and surrounding area are one of the best places to see Texas bluebonnets.

 

Fredericksburg

Since its founding in 1846, Fredericksburg has been a favorite among visitors and Texans. German culture is still thriving throughout the town.

You’ll love to stroll along Main Street with its traditional architecture, shops, art galleries, and wineries.

Enjoy a delicious meal at any one of the stellar restaurants and cafes that specialize in everything German.

Learn the story of German settlers at the Vereins Kirche Museum in the center of Marktplatz downtown Main Street Fredericksburg and check out the Pioneer Museum (also on Main Street).

Weihnachtszeit (Christmas) in Fredericksburg is an absolute delight, and that’s why it’s also on my list of the best places to spend Christmas in the USA.

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New Braunfels

One of the most well-known German towns in Texas is New Braunfels.

Located between San Marcos and San Antonio, it was established by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels in 1845.

In New Braunfels you’ll find German restaurants specializing in everything from schnitzel and bratwurst to springerle and lebkuchen.

And you can buy pastries and bread from the oldest bakery in Texas right in downtown New Braunfels at Naegelin’s Bakery.

New Braunfels’s Wurstfest is one of the best Oktoberfest events in the Lone Star State.

In early November, for 10 days, the locals and visitors alike celebrate with food, beer, and music. This is a delightful family-friendly event that everyone looks forward to in the fall season.

Cool off during the hot Texas summer at Schlitterbahn, the German-themed water park. Or float down the Guadalupe River for a relaxing and refreshing time outdoors in summertime.

 

Gruene

Technically, the Gruene Historic District is now part of New Braunfels, but it was at one time its own town.

The truth is that Gruene (pronounced “green”) is such a great place, it deserves its own spot on this list of German towns in Texas.

Gruene’s architecture dates back to the mid-1800s, when it was settled by the Gruene family. You’ll find great places to eat and treasures in the antique shops.

Don’t miss Gruene Hall, the oldest dance hall in Texas.

You can check the official website for future events at Gruene Hall; they have live music almost every night of the year and lots of free afternoon events too.

 

Boerne

Boerne is another one of the great German towns in Texas. By the way, Boerne is pronounced “Bernie”.

Established in 1852, it was named after the author and satirist Karl Ludwing Börne.

Main Street is the perfect place to stroll in and enjoy the shops or grab a bite to eat. You’ll love sampling the local craft beers at any of the 6 breweries in Boerne.

Explore the underground world of the Cave Without a Name, go for a walk on the Cibolo Trail along the water, or take the paved path on Old Number 9 Trail starting from the library on Main Street.

 

Schulenburg

Located halfway between Houston and San Antonio, Schulenburg is steeped in German, Czech, and Austrian heritage.

The Texas Polka Museum gives insight into the tradition of music and its place in the Lone Star State.

The churches around Schulenburg are a sight to see. St. Mary’s Church (2833 Farm to Market Road 2672 in High Hill, about 5 minutes’ drive from Schulenburg) is said to be one of the state’s most beautiful.

Craftsmanship is on full display at the Painted Churches in the Schulenburg area (Ammannsville, Dubina, High Hill, and Praha communities), where German and Czech immigrants replicated old-world beauty.

 

Bellville

With a history going back to 1822, Bellville has great pride in its Texan and German heritage.

You’ll love exploring the town with its historic homes and buildings of various styles. Take a tour of the Austin County Jail Museum.

Near Bellville on FM 2754, you can find the Germania Cemetery. Along this road you can also find bluebonnet fields throughout the blooming season, late February to early April.

Although Newman’s Castle is a modern creation, it’s still a lot of fun. Complete with a mote, drawbridge, and portcullis, it’s easy to imagine the old world without leaving Texas.

Celebrate German food, music, and fun at Bellville’s Fruehling Saengerfest.

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Muenster

On the northern edge of the state, you’ll find Muenster, one of the lovely German towns in Texas. Settled in 1889, it retains the small town charm today.

You’ll love the German architecture along Main Street with its half-timbered houses and a glockenspiel clock tower at Fischer’s Market.

Murals in Muenster give the illusion of an old-world German village.

Muenster celebrates its German roots not once but twice a year, with Germanfest in the spring, and of course, Oktoberfest in autumn.

Brenham

Unique to Brenham, Maifest celebrates the town’s German history and acts as an annual homecoming event. It’s the oldest in Texas, dating back to Volksfest in 1874.

At Maifest there are parades, maypole “maipole” dancing, music, and of course German food and drink.

Brenham is home to the Blue Bell Creameries, who produce ice cream enjoyed throughout the country.

In the spring, this German town in Texas comes alive when the beautiful bluebonnets bloom.

 

Bulverde

Although made an official city relatively recently (in 1999) Bulverde has German roots.

Like other towns in Texas Hill Country, German immigrants settled in Bulverde in the mid-1880s.

Connecting other German towns in Texas, settlers created FM 1863, a roadway between Bulverde, New Braunfels, Boerne, and Fredericksburg.

A drive along this road today gives beautiful views of the Texas landscape.

If you’re traveling with kids ,stop in at The Farmyard, where you can get up close to the animals at the petting zoo featuring ponies, llamas, donkeys, mini-horses, sheep, pigs, goats, and more!

 

Weimar

Weimar is yet another town in Texas settled by German immigrants who named it after the city of Weimar in Germany.

On a visit to this lovely town, you’ll see the German influence in architecture and name.

Weimar’s Oktoberfest is a great celebration of everything German, from food and drink to dress and dance.

Learn the history of Weimar at the Heritage Society Museum.

Artifacts give insight into the lives of residents, such as the poppy seed grinder used to make delicious German kolaches.

 

Luckenbach

If “Luckenbach, Texas” rings a bell, you’re not alone.

This German town in Texas was made famous in 1977 by Waylon Jennings song “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)”.

Luckenbach is super small, with only a handful of residents, but it’s got a big heart and history.

Just 10 miles from downtown Fredericksburg, it was named after Jacob Luckenbach, one of the first German settlers to come to Texas.

Today, you’ll love visiting the Luckenbach General Store, Dance Hall, and Live Music Venue where “everybody’s somebody”.

 

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are fabulous German towns in Texas that continue to celebrate the culture and way of life. You’ll have fun discovering everything from history to beer in these beautiful towns. So, enough planning, get out there and enjoy.

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