New Braunfels Still Carries Strong German Roots

New Braunfels did not keep its German roots in one museum case. The old street grid still meets at Main Plaza. The historic district has fachwerk homes with timber frames, plus later homes and shops in many styles.

The culture found louder forms too. German singing groups met here by 1850. New Braunfels held an early state Saengerfest in 1853. Wurstfest began in 1961 as a 'salute to sausage,' built around a food craft passed through local families.

The heritage still feels lived in: an old street plan, stone and timber homes, music by the river, and sausage smoke each fall.