As an expert on travel and tourism, I have had the opportunity to visit many cities around the world. However, there is one city that stands out to me as a truly unique and charming destination - New Braunfels, Texas. Located in the heart of the Lone Star State, this city is known for its rich German heritage, antique stores, and lively festivals. But what truly sets it apart are the two rivers that flow through it - the Guadalupe and Comal rivers, offering endless opportunities for water recreation. The history of New Braunfels dates back to 1845 when it was established by Prince Charles de Solms-Braunfels, commissioner general of the Mainzer Adelsverein, also known as the Society of Nobles.
The prince named the settlement after his hometown in Germany and chose this location for its strategic position on the Royal Texas Trail and its abundant fresh water springs. The first settlers arrived on Good Friday in 1845 and began building a fort named Zinkenburg, after Adelsverein's civil engineer Nicolaus Zink. They also divided the land and started constructing houses and planting crops. Prince Charles himself laid the cornerstone for Sophienburg, a permanent fort and a center for the immigrant association. However, things were not smooth sailing for the new settlement. Prince Charles soon became disillusioned with the logistics of colonization and asked to be replaced as commissioner-general.
When Baron Otfried Hans von Meusebach took over, he found that the finances were in disarray due to Prince Charles' lack of business experience and refusal to keep records. This was compounded by the fact that the Adelsverein was made up of nobles with no practical experience in business management, and they were not present to witness the challenges faced by Prince Charles and Meusebach. One of the major issues was the lack of transportation and supplies provided by Henry Francis Fisher, who had been advanced money by the Adelsverein. Meusebach even had to pay off Prince Charles' debts to allow him to leave the country. Despite these challenges, Meusebach was able to stabilize the community's finances and encourage the establishment of neighboring settlements, with Fredericksburg being the largest one. Today, New Braunfels is located in southeastern Comal County and is approximately 32 miles northeast of downtown San Antonio, making it a convenient destination for tourists.
The city has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. The average annual rainfall is 35.74 inches, with July and August being the warmest months. The city is also home to several schools operated by NBISD and hosts two major festivals every year. Wurstfest, a German-style sausage festival, takes place in November and celebrates the city's strong German heritage. In December, Wassailfest is held in the historic center, bringing together locals and tourists for a festive celebration. But what truly makes New Braunfels a popular tourist destination is its rivers.
The cold water of the Guadalupe and Comal rivers attracts visitors from all over during the summer months. Families and university students return year after year to enjoy tubing along these rivers, making it a beloved summer tradition. The city is also home to the original water park - Schlitterbahn WaterPark Resort - which offers thrilling rides and attractions for all ages. For those who prefer land-based activities, Ernest Eikel Skate Park is a popular spot for skateboard enthusiasts. And for sports fans, Unicorn Stadium is the largest sports stadium in New Braunfels, with a capacity of 10,000 people. As a travel expert, I highly recommend adding New Braunfels to your list of must-visit destinations.
With its rich history, charming atmosphere, and endless opportunities for outdoor fun, this city truly has something for everyone. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the charm of New Braunfels!Other newspaper publishers serving the city include the Herald-Zeitung and TX Citizen, formerly known as the Citizen of NB.
