Would you like to learn more about German cities in Texas? We have a great list ofSmall Towns in Texaswith strong German roots!
Texas is home to many ethnic groups, but German descendants form the largest European-derived group.
These German Texans founded many charming towns in the state, and they can be recognized from afar by their typically German architectureDeutschput names.
This is mainly because these German cities in Texas follow the European naming convention and are based on common suffixes such as -berg, -burg, -ingen and -ens.
A Brief History of German Influence in the Texas Hill Country
19th-century Germany was very different from what we know today. The nation consisted of several autonomous states that obviously wanted power.
Several conflicts erupted in the region in a bid for reunification, leading to the German incursion into the United States, more specifically Texas, around mid-century.
Germans arriving in the Texas Hill Country formed the Adelsverein in 1842 to establish a colonial settlement, a new Germany, in Texas.
Mainzer Adelsverein is the abbreviation of the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas.
"But where did these Germans settle in Texas?" You can ask.
There are a handful of German cities in Texas, particularly northwest of San Antonio.
Many of them largely spoke the German language until the 1970s. Because of this, many cities in this region of the Lone Star State have a touch of German in their names.
Without further ado, let's learn about these amazing small towns in Texas with strong German roots!
Interesting fact:While most traditional languages are disappearing by the third generation, traces of Texas German (Texas Deutsch) are still common in the Hill Country. Texas German is a group of German dialects spoken by descendants of immigrants who settled in Texas in the mid-19th century.
German cities in Texas
Here is a list of the most beautiful German towns in Texas in no particular order. The closer you get to these places, the more it feels like you're leaving Texas for the picturesque countryside of Germany. You have been warned!
1. Fredericksburg
Fredericksburgis a beautiful German city in central Texas, just an hour and a half from Austin and San Antonio.
The city was founded on May 8, 1846 by German immigrants in Texas. The settlement was initially named Friedrichsburg after Prince Frederick of Prussia, but was later changed to its current name.
This German city has something for everyoneWorld Class Wineriesto traditional German architecture.
You'll find no fewer than 50 wineries and vineyards in Fredericksburg and surrounding Gillespie County alone, so there's no excuse to skip a wineWeintour in Fredericksburg.
That being said, this small town is the perfect place to learn about the history of the Germans in Texas. There is a wide range ofDeutsche Restaurantsand historical sites and museums, such as the National Museum of the Pacific War, the Pioneer Museum, and the Vereins Kirche Museum.
Are you planning a visit to the city?
then you might be wonderingWhere to stay in Fredericksburg?. We talk about the best hotels, B&Bs andAirbnb in the city, including some options in German in this manual.
However, if it is a romantic trip, you should consider staying at one of these hotelsRomantic Cabins in Fredericksburg, which also includes a beautiful German country house.
2. Nuevo Braunfels
New Braunfels, between San Marcos and San Antonio, is one of the most famous German cities in Texas.
The city was founded in 1845 by Prince Carl von Solms-Braunfels, who gave this new settlement the name of his hometown.
If you want to learn more about the Germans in New Braunfels, be sure to hike the Gruene region.
This historic district is a great place to find preserved buildings and has even been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The area is full of small boutiques and excellent restaurants. No wonder, but New Braunfels is home to one of the most famous Oktoberfests in the United States.
However, they don't call it Oktoberfest, but Wurstfest. You don't want to miss it, do you?
Read below:Romantic Cabins in Texas
3. Boerne
Boerne was born as an offshoot of the free-spirited Latino settlements of the Texas Hill Country following the 1848 revolutions in the German states.
The city was named after the German writer Karl Ludwig Börne, using the English spelling of his last name.
When visiting Boerne, be sure to stop by one of the local specialty shops and restaurants to get a taste of the town. These places stretch through the historic heart of downtown Boerne.
Next, get to know the city's unique side in the Nameless Cave, a cave teeming with natural life and incredible stalactite and stalagmite formations.
But no trip to Boerne is complete without a stop at Guadalupe River State Park. It has an impressive 4 miles of riverfront length and offers ample opportunities for swimming, picnicking and hiking.
There's no reason not to continueRoadtrip in Texasand experience a personal atmosphere in this beautiful city!
4. Schulenburg
Schulenburg is a charming German town in Texas, halfway between San Antonio and Houston.
Although German immigrants had a significant impact on the settlement of this city, they were not the only ones. Austrian and Czech immigrants also played an important role in this.
Founded in 1875, Schulenburg is a place for all travelers as the city offers many attractions.
Be amazed by the skill of these Czech and German immigrants who brought the beauty of Old World Europe to Texas. In other words: visit themPainted Churches in Texas. You will not regret it!
The city also boasts a delicious vineyard in its own backyard, making it a top destination for wine lovers. There are many informative and entertaining wine tours in Schulenburg.
For lovers of model airplanes, the Stanzel model airplane museum offers a lot of entertainment. Among other things, you can see the tiger shark, the world's first steering line model kit.
Additionally, Schulenburg is home to the Texas Polka Music Museum. A museum dedicated to preserving the history and heritage of polka music in Texas, honoring Texan polka bands and musicians of Czech, German, and Polish descent.
But before you head out of town, taste more than you can chew at the Oakridge Smokehouse Restaurant. There you can enjoy the best of German and American cuisine, including Texas barbecue, in a vintage but charming setting.
5. Münster
Munster is a north Texas city founded in 1889 by German settlers. The city's first name was Westfalen, after the northwestern region of Germany of the same name.
However, since the name was already taken in the state, they chose the current name in honor of Munster, the capital of Westphalia in Germany.
To preserve their ancestral roots, many residents spoke German until usage diminished in World War I.
Still, Munster is a beautiful German city in Texas that absolutely deserves to be on this list.
Stroll through Fischer's Meat Market, a pretty half-timbered building that sells excellent cuts of meat and cheese, and even imported beer.
For a fully Bavarian experience, try German cuisine at Rohmer's Restaurant, a family-run restaurant that has been serving delicious dishes since 1953.
To top it off, Munster is an excellent cityRoadtrip von Dallasas it is only 85 miles north of the city.
Read below:Luxury Cabins in Texas
6. Luckenbach
Luckenbach is a German community located 13 miles from Fredericksburg. The town has three residents and only two buildings left: a post office/saloon/general store and a dance hall, but it's a legendary home of country music.
Luckenbach, the music venue, was founded in the mid-19th century by one of the first German settlers to come to this part of Texas.
The venue gained national fame more than a century after country legends Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson released a song titled "Luckenbach, Texas (Back to the Basics of Love)."
In the 1990s, Luckenbach re-emerged on the country music scene as he explored and popularized new niches in the genre.
Today, the city still hosts live music events almost every night, and visitors are encouraged to join in the fun.
Whether or not country music is your thing, it's hard to ignore this community's rich history and joy in informal jam sessions that are free for all ages.
Other German cities in Texas you may want to visit
- Walburg– A multi-ethnic community of Germans, Wendish, Czechs, Austrians and Swiss.
- Neu-Ulm– It is an unincorporated community of 650 residents in Austin County.
- Oldenburg- It is an unincorporated community in northeastern unincorporated Fayette County. The city is named after the German state of Oldenburg.
- Frelsburgo– It is an unincorporated community of 75 residents in Colorado County.
- Castroville– The architecture is unmistakable, think mainly of Alpine-style houses.
- Weimar– It is a charming town with historical sites and interesting churches.
Map of German cities in Texas
Here is a handy map of all German cities in Texas. The card is free for personal use. Enjoy! (Did we miss any cities? Let us know in the comments!)
Which is the most German state in the USA?
Texas? No, it's Pennsylvania! The northeastern state has the largest population of German-American descent in the United States. About 3.5 million people in Pennsylvania currently report German ancestry.
Where did the Germans settle in Texas?
Most Germans in Texas settled in a broad, fragmented belt in the south-central part of the state. This belt extended fromGalvestonand Houston on the east to Kerrville, Mason and Hondo on the west, from the fertile and wet coastal plains to the semi-arid hill country. This German belt included most of the state's Germanic settlements, both rural and urban.[1]
Who was responsible for German immigrants settling in Texas?
The first concerted attempt to bring German settlers to Texas occurred in 1831 when Johann Friedrich Ernst (aka Friedrich Dirks) of the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg was granted more than 4,000 acres in the Stephen F. Austin colony of Texas.
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FAQs
6 German Texas Cities You Must Visit (With a Map!) - Roam the USA? ›
These "German Texans" founded the towns of Bulverde, New Braunfels, Fredericksburg, Boerne, Pflugerville, Walburg and Comfort in Texas Hill Country; Muenster in North Central Texas; and Schulenburg, Brenham, Industry, New Ulm and Weimar in east Texas.
What are 4 German towns in Texas? ›These "German Texans" founded the towns of Bulverde, New Braunfels, Fredericksburg, Boerne, Pflugerville, Walburg and Comfort in Texas Hill Country; Muenster in North Central Texas; and Schulenburg, Brenham, Industry, New Ulm and Weimar in east Texas.
What is the German tourist town in Texas? ›Fredericksburg, Texas
Friends. And, fun. Find it all in Fredericksburg. This quintessential German town of only 11,000 residents sits just over an hour northwest of both San Antonio and San Marcos.
That rich history still influences the community today from food to architecture to culture. No trip to Texas is complete without a visit to Fredericksburg to see this unique blend of German heritage and Texan hospitality.
What German Catholic towns are in Texas? ›They founded the towns of Bulverde, New Braunfels, Fredericksburg, Boerne, and Comfort in the Texas Hill Country, and Schulenburg, Walburg, and Weimar to the east.
What was the first German town in Texas? ›Fredericksburg. This Central Texas town was one of the first towns established by the colonization organizations in the 1840s. Fredericksburg is known for its wineries and distinct German heritage that is still standing today.
Where did the first Germans settle in Texas? ›The first Germans settled along Walnut Creek in the 1840s. Beginning in the 1850s, German-Catholic settlers from Wurges, Germany – led by Philip Goertz – arrived in the area.
What is America's most German town? ›Frankenmuth Michigan: Known as Little Bavaria
Frankenmuth is a small town in Michigan, located just 90 miles north of Detroit. The interesting thing about Frankenmuth is the fact that it's the most German town in the USA. The moment you enter you feel like in Bavaria.
Fredericksburg was founded on May 8, 1846 by German immigrants under the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas. John O. Meusebach chose the location for the second of the Society's colonies four miles north of the Pedernales River between two creeks.
Do they speak German in Fredericksburg TX? ›Fredericksburg, Texas actually has its own dialect, believe it or not. “Texas German” was a German dialect spoken by the town's first generation of settlers (and their descendants) from whom it evolved in lieu of speaking English.
What attracted Germans to Texas? ›
Some German immigrants came to Texas hoping to have better lives, while others wanted to leave behind narrow beliefs of the rulers. Many were hoping to find jobs, trying to escape overcrowding of their country, or simply seeking adventure in a new land. John Friedrich Ernst began the German migration to Texas.
What is the green German town in Texas? ›Gruene, Texas (pronounced "green") is a Historic District located within the city of New Braunfels, about one hour from Austin. Established by Henry D. Gruene in 1872, this thriving district was originally populated by German cotton farmers dating back to before the Civil War.
What city in Texas speaks German? ›That town, Shelby, is often referred to as “Little Germany.” If you were to visit Shelby, Texas, you would see something unusual, or more specifically, you would hear something unusual. It is known as Little Germany because there are many people in the town who have German as their first language.
What flag is German? ›The national flag of Germany is a tricolour consisting of three equal horizontal bands displaying the national colours of Germany: black, red, and gold (German: Schwarz-Rot-Gold).
What is the most popular tradition in Germany? ›Oktoberfest – also known as Wiesn – is the most famous German tradition, but there are several lesser-known traditional occasions that are just as interesting as well as more original.
How is Texas German different? ›Texas German is a mixture of the dialects that the original immigrants spoke, combined with English and some natural language change over time. It is not a single dialect — it is spoken differently in different areas of Texas.
What's the oldest city in Texas? ›Considered to be the oldest town in Texas, Nacogdoches was founded in 1779 by Don Antonio Gil Y'Barbo. This quaint little town is booming with history and stories from years past beginning with the Caddo Indians, who lived in the area before the Spanish, through the present day.
When did Germans flee to Texas? ›The largest immigration of Germans came in the 1840s when the Adelsverein (The Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas) organized at Biebrich on the Rhine near Mainz. It assisted thousands in coming to Central Texas and establishing such settlements as New Braunfels and Fredericksburg.
What German town is on 82 in Texas? ›Muenster (/ˈmʌnstər/ MUN-stər) is a city in western Cooke County, Texas, United States, along U.S. Route 82. The population was 1,544 at the 2010 census. Muenster is a primarily German-Texan and Catholic city.
What is German culture? ›Germany is known for its long and rich history, one that has put it at the forefront of European thought, politics, and art for over 1,000 years. This history has shaped a culture that combines predominantly Christian values with literature, art, philosophy, logic, reason, and, of course, a love of beer and sausages.
Where did most German immigrants settle? ›
1890 - An estimated 2.8 million German-born immigrants lived in the United States. A majority of the German-born living in the United States were located in the "German triangle," whose three points were Cincinnati, Milwaukee, and St. Louis.
Why did the Germans leave their home country? ›Incessant wars, religious conflicts, famines, political grievances and a lack of prospects forced many people to leave Germany over the centuries. The land's relative population loss was enormous. An estimated six million emigrants left Germany between 1820 and 1920. A large portion immigrated to the USA.
Where is Little Germany in USA? ›Little Germany, known in German as Kleindeutschland and Deutschländle and called Dutchtown by contemporary non-Germans, was a German immigrant neighborhood on the Lower East Side and East Village neighborhoods of Manhattan in New York City.
Is there a little Germany in the US? ›Leavenworth: Washington State's Little Germany.
Where is German most popular? ›German is the most widely spoken mother language and an official language in four countries in the European Union: Germany, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg. German is also an official language in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
Was there slavery in Fredericksburg Texas? ›Fredericksburg was primarily part of the pro-Union Texas resistance during the Civil War, but a portion of the population remained loyal to the Confederacy. While many Germans saw slavery as an evil, the 1860 census showed 33 slaves in Gillespie County.
Why are there so many German towns in Texas? ›In the mid-1800s, German immigrants flocked to Texas following a series of failed political revolutions in Europe. They settled around central Texas and set up new communities, bringing their history, language, art, and food, and they forever changed the fabric of what is now the Hill Country.
Why is Fredericksburg Texas so popular? ›Today, Fredericksburg's rich history, legendary shopping, award-winning culinary scene, emerging wine country and Texas-friendly vibe make it one of the country's top small towns.
What percent of Texans are German? ›Intermarriage has blurred ethnic lines, but the 1990 United States census revealed that 1,175,888 Texans claimed pure and 1,775,838 partial German ancestry, for a total of 2,951,726, or 17½ percent of the total population.
Can you speak German in USA? ›Around 40,000 people speak the dialect in Pennsylvania alone, and around 400,000 across America. The number is rising since many Amish and Mennonites faith communities who speak Pennsylvania German as their mother tongue traditionally have large families.
Where did high German come from? ›
High German (Hochdeutsch)
Modern standard High German is descended from the Middle High German dialects and is spoken in the central and southern highlands of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
German immigrants brought their love of pretzels, sausages and beer with them when they arrived in the State, and today, these traditional German foods are still super popular in Texas.
What is the most German state in the United States? ›Pennsylvania, with 3.5 million people of German ancestry, has the largest population of German-Americans in the U.S. and is home to one of the group's original settlements, Germantown (Philadelphia), founded in 1683 and the birthplace of the American antislavery movement in 1688, as well as the revolutionary Battle of ...
What percentage of the US is German? ›Such people have a duel identity, with traditions steeped heavily in Germanic language and culture. German-Americans make up the largest self-reported ancestry group within the United States accounting for roughly 49 million people and approximately 17% of the population of the US.
What German town is close to Austin Texas? ›Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg is a lovely German town in Central Texas, just about an hour and a half outside Austin and San Antonio. The town was founded on May 8, 1846, by German immigrants in Texas.
Schulenburg. Situated on Interstate 10 between Houston and San Antonio, Schulenburg is a quiet little town of fewer than 3000 people and one of the most famous Texas German towns.
What European town is near Austin Texas? ›Strategically located at the corner of I-35 and Highway 29, Wolf Lakes Village is located in the fastest growing city in the nation and is only 30 minutes north from downtown Austin. Wolf Lakes Village is an authentic expression of Europe reflecting unique architecture, art, culture, and life experience.
How many Germany fit in Texas? ›Did you know the state of Texas is nearly twice as big as Germany? Texas is approximately 268,581 sq mi, while Germany is approximately 137,988 sq mi.
What language is spoken in Fredericksburg Texas? ›This city is also notable as the home of Texas German, a dialect spoken by the first generations of German settlers who initially refused to learn English.
What is hi in Germany? ›The most common way of saying “hello” in German is “Hallo”. This is a casual greeting. You should only use it when greeting friends and family: Hello = Hallo.
What flag is black yellow red? ›
The national flag of Belgium (Dutch: vlag van België, French: drapeau de la Belgique, German: Flagge Belgiens) is a tricolour consisting of three equal vertical bands displaying the national colours of Belgium: black, yellow, and red.
How do Germany say Merry Christmas? ›“frohe Weihnachten!”
What do German eat for lunch? ›Lunch is often served after a starter such as potato salad. Lunches cooked at home may include Eintopf, Rouladen, Schnitzel or Sauerbraten. It will usually consist of meat or fish served with potatoes, rice, or German noodles as well as vegetables and sometimes rolls (Brötchen).
What is German favorite food? ›Sauerbraten is regarded as one Germany's national dishes and there are several regional variations in Franconia, Thuringia, Rhineland, Saarland, Silesia and Swabia. This pot roast takes quite a while to prepare, but the results, often served as Sunday family dinner, are truly worth the work.
Do people speak German in Texas? ›Texas German (German: Texasdeutsch) is a group of German language dialects spoken in Texas by descendants of German immigrants who settled there in the mid-19th century.
Is German as big as Texas? ›Did you know the state of Texas is nearly twice as big as Germany? Texas is approximately 268,581 sq mi, while Germany is approximately 137,988 sq mi.
What is the language in Texas? ›Today the dominant language in Texas, as in most states of the United States, is English.
Where do most Germans live in Texas? ›A majority settled in a broad, fragmented belt across the south central part of the state. This belt stretched from Galveston and Houston on the east to Kerrville, Mason, and Hondo in the west; from the fertile, humid Coastal Plain to the semiarid Hill Country.
Why is Fredericksburg TX German? ›Fredericksburg was founded on May 8, 1846 by German immigrants under the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas. John O. Meusebach chose the location for the second of the Society's colonies four miles north of the Pedernales River between two creeks.
Why did so many Germans move to Texas? ›Some German immigrants came to Texas hoping to have better lives, while others wanted to leave behind narrow beliefs of the rulers. Many were hoping to find jobs, trying to escape overcrowding of their country, or simply seeking adventure in a new land. John Friedrich Ernst began the German migration to Texas.
Where do most Germans live in us? ›
Pennsylvania, with 3.5 million people of German ancestry, has the largest population of German-Americans in the U.S. and is home to one of the group's original settlements, Germantown (Philadelphia), founded in 1683 and the birthplace of the American antislavery movement in 1688, as well as the revolutionary Battle of ...
Why is German spoken in Texas? ›Texas German is spoken by people who grew up speaking German in Texas (or learned German at a very early age). Their ancestors came to Texas from Germany sometime between 1830 and 1900, and their families have remained in Texas ever since.
When did Germans come to Central Texas? ›The largest immigration of Germans came in the 1840s when the Adelsverein (The Society for the Protection of German Immigrants in Texas) organized at Biebrich on the Rhine near Mainz. It assisted thousands in coming to Central Texas and establishing such settlements as New Braunfels and Fredericksburg.
What is the German town by Austin? ›1. Fredericksburg. Named after Prince Frederick of Prussia when it was founded in 1846, this town is around 80 miles west of Austin. Its Historic District is one of the National Register of Historic Places in Texas.
What is the oldest settlement in Texas? ›Considered to be the oldest town in Texas, Nacogdoches was founded in 1779 by Don Antonio Gil Y'Barbo. This quaint little town is booming with history and stories from years past beginning with the Caddo Indians, who lived in the area before the Spanish, through the present day.
Why is there German influence in San Antonio? ›San Antonio's culture is diverse. And yes, we have German heritage, too. In the 1840's, a group of German noblemen formed a group called the Adelsverein to protect German immigrants coming to Texas and to secure land for them in the Texas Hill Country.