Are you ready to discover a little bit of Germany right here in Texas?
From charming festivals to delicious food and historic buildings, these 9 German towns offer a unique blend of Texan hospitality and German tradition.
Imagine strolling down streets lined with old-world architecture, tasting freshly baked pretzels and joining in lively celebrations that make you feel like you’ve traveled to another country.
Join us as we explore the best German towns in Texas, each with its own story and charm.
You might be surprised at what you find – and who knows, you might just discover your new favorite getaway.
Let’s explore!
1. Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is a charming town in the Texas Hill Country, about 75 miles west of Austin.
It is known for its wineries as well as its strong German heritage, which dates back to its founding by German settlers in 1846.
You can explore the Pioneer Museum to learn more about the town’s history and see artifacts & homesteads from the early German immigrants.
You can also head over to the Marktplatz (the main town square) to see a replica of a 19th century German church as well as many historic buildings on Main Street.
Fredericksburg is famous for its German festivals like Oktoberfest, which takes place on the first weekend of October, and celebrates German culture with music, dancing and delicious food.
The town also has many German-style bakeries, restaurants and shops where you can taste traditional German treats.
An interesting fact is that Fredericksburg was actually named after Prince Frederick of Prussia.
2. Luckenbach
Luckenbach is a tiny town in the Texas Hill Country, about 10 miles southeast of Fredericksburg.
It is known for its laid-back vibe, country music and rustic charm.
Founded in 1849 by German settlers, Luckenbach still retains its German heritage which can be seen in its old dance hall and general store.
You can enjoy live country music performances under the oak trees every single weekend, a tradition that has made the town pretty famous.
The town’s dance hall often hosts events where people still dance to traditional German polka music.
Luckenbach was also made famous by the song “Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)” by Waylon Jennings.
3. New Braunfels
New Braunfels is a lovely town in Texas with two rivers running through it, the Comal and the Guadalupe.
It’s located just 32 miles northeast of San Antonio.
It is famous for its strong German heritage and was established by the German prince, Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels, in 1845.
Learn more about the history of the town and its German roots at the Sophienburg Museum.
The town is also a popular place for relaxing on the river. You can float, kayak or even paddleboard down either the Comal or Guadalupe River.
New Braunfels also hosts the annual Wurstfest, a lively German festival celebrating sausage, music and dancing.
Another must-visit spot is the historic Gruene district which has many original German-style buildings and the oldest dance hall in Texas which dates back to the 1800s.
New Braunfels is also home to Schlitterbahn, one of the best water parks in the country.
4. Boerne
Boerne is a charming town in Texas, located about 30 miles northwest of San Antonio.
It is known for its rich German heritage, dating back to its founding by German immigrants in 1849 when the town was originally named ‘Tusculum’.
In 1852, the name was changed to Boerne in honor of the German poet, Ludwig Börne.
You can explore the Kuhlmann-King Historical House to learn about the town’s early days and German culture.
The town’s Hauptstrasse (Main Street) is lined with German-style shops, cafes and art galleries.
Boerne also has a beautiful natural cave nearby, known officially as the ‘Cave Without a Name’, where concerts are sometimes held.
5. Muenster
Muenster is a quaint town in North Texas, located about 78 miles north of Fort Worth near the border with Oklahoma.
It is known for its strong German heritage and was actually founded by German Catholics in 1889.
The town was named after the city of Münster in Germany.
You can explore the Muenster Museum to learn about the town’s unique history and German roots.
Muenster is famous for its annual Germanfest which is a lively event with German food, BBQ, music and games.
You can also visit Fischer’s Meat Market which still serves traditional German sausages and other delicacies.
6. Brenham
Brenham is a charming town in Texas, located about halfway between Houston and Austin.
It is known for its strong German heritage, dating back to its settlement by German immigrants in the 1840s.
You can explore the Brenham Heritage Museum to learn about the town’s history and German roots.
Brenham is famous for its annual Maifest which takes place in May and is a celebration with German food, music and traditional dances.
This traditional festival has been taking place every year since 1881!
The town also has German-style bakeries and restaurants where you can enjoy authentic German treats.
A fun fact is that Brenham is also home to the world’s largest BBQ pit.
7. Schulenburg
Schulenburg is a picturesque town in Texas, located about halfway between Houston and San Antonio.
It is known for its rich German and Czech heritage with German settlers arriving in the mid-1800s.
Schulenburg is famous for its stunning Painted Churches which are beautiful historic churches with elaborate interiors.
You can explore the Schulenburg Historical Museum to learn about the town’s history and cultural roots.
Evidence of Schulenburg’s cultural roots can still be seen around the town today and you can even buy a kolach (traditional Czech pastry) from a local bakery.
The town also hosts the Schulenburg Sausagefest every spring which celebrates German & Czech food, polka music and other traditions.
There’s even a sausage cook-off!
8. Comfort
Comfort is a quaint town in Texas, located about 50 miles northwest of San Antonio.
It is known for its strong German heritage as it was established in 1854 by German immigrants who were all part of the Freethinker movement.
It was actually named after the German word for ‘comfortable’ after the kind and hospitable nature of the early settlers.
Comfort has many well-preserved historic buildings including tons of German-style homes and shops.
In fact, it’s thought to be one of the most well-preserved historic districts in Texas with well over 100 structures!
A fun fact about Comfort is that it has a large number of buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.
9. Bellville
Bellville is a charming town in Texas, located about 64 miles west of Houston.
It is known for its rich German heritage and, like many towns on this list, it was founded in the 1840s.
You can explore the Austin County Jail Museum, located inside the old jailhouse which dates back to 1896, to learn about the town’s history and cultural roots.
The town also has several German-style bakeries and restaurants where you can enjoy authentic German cuisine.
Bellville is also home to the historic Bellville Turnverein Pavilion which is a social club founded by German settlers.
It’s also worth making a stop at the impressive Newman’s Castle which is a medieval-style castle right here in Texas.
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