New Braunfels

New Braunfels sits at the junction of the Comal and Guadalupe rivers, 30 miles northeast of San Antonio. Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels founded the settlement in 1845, establishing a German enclave that shapes the town's baking and architecture today. Summer traffic centers on river floating and waterpark crowds, while spring and autumn suit beer gardens and historic dance halls. Having a car is essential, as public transit does not serve key sites or river access points.

• Naegelin's Bakery morning rush

  Arrive before 08:30 for warm sausage kolaches. Weekend queues stretch onto the sidewalk by 09:30.

• Krause's Cafe beer garden

  Order schnitzel and modern craft beer at outdoor communal tables. Over 70 taps feature regional Texas and German brews.

• Barbecue ordering by weight

  Meat markets price brisket and pork ribs per pound. Specify quarter-pound increments if you want smaller portions.

Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels led German emigrants under the Mainzer Adelsverein to Texas in 1845. They established New Braunfels near the Comal Springs, creating a self-sustaining agricultural hub. Cotton farming fueled growth through the late 19th century, before river tourism reshaped the local economy in the 1920s.

1. 1845

   Town Founded

   German immigrants build first shelters near Comal Springs under Adelsverein sponsorship.

2. 1868

   Naegelin's Bakery Opens

   Edouard Naegelin opens the bakery that remains the oldest continuously operating bakery in Texas.

3. 1878

   Gruene Hall Constructed

   HD Gruene builds the open-air dance hall to serve local cotton farmers and laborers.

4. 1979

   Schlitterbahn Opens

   The resort starts with four water slides fed by Comal River water, launching modern tourism.

Choose your location based on your primary activity. Downtown puts restaurants and bakeries within walking distance. Gruene provides evening access to live music halls without needing night drives. River Road caters to multi-day tubing trips with riverbank cabins, though dining options are sparse.

• Couples & Music FansGruene Historic District — Walk home from evening shows at Gruene Hall without worrying about parking or driving.
• Weekend WalkersDowntown New Braunfels — Pedestrian access to historic bakeries, craft breweries, and central plaza shops.
• Group Tubing TripsDirect access to Guadalupe outfitters and riverfront cabin rentals.

New Braunfels lacks a public bus network. A rental car is required for efficient travel between downtown, Gruene, and the Guadalupe River. Rideshares operate throughout town, but driver availability drops significantly after 23:00 on weekdays.

• Most river outfitters charge $5–10 for shuttle service back from river exit points. Keep your wristband on for unlimited rides.

• Avoid northbound I-35 between 16:30 and 18:30 on weekdays. Heavy commuter traffic adds 25 minutes to short trips.

• City lots near the Comal chute charge $20 daily during summer. Pay via parking app before walking to the tube launch.

New Braunfels prices peak during the June–August tubing season. Budget extra for river access wristbands, outfitter shuttle fees, and park parking pass fees during summer weekends.

• Tube rental + river shuttle: $20–25

  Includes heavy-duty tube and return shuttle from designated exit points along the river.

• Comal River wristband fee: $2

  Charged per person by the city of New Braunfels on summer weekends and holidays.

• Brisket plate at local pit: $18–24

  Includes half-pound of smoked brisket with two sides and white bread.

• Gruene Hall daytime show: Free

  No cover charge for traditional afternoon acoustic and country music sets.

• Comal River can bans

  City ordinance strictly prohibits disposable cans, plastic bottles, and foam coolers on the Comal River inside city limits.

• Water temperature difference

  The Comal River comes from underground springs and stays 72°F year-round. The Guadalupe River water temperature fluctuates with weather.

• Schlitterbahn cooler policy

  You can bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks inside Schlitterbahn for free, provided glass containers are omitted.

• Gruene Hall seating rules

  Seating inside Gruene Hall consists of unreserved wooden benches. Arrive 45 minutes early for prime spots near the stage.

• Life jacket requirements

  Children under eight must wear US Coast Guard approved life vests while swimming or tubing on public rivers.