Fredericksburg’s rich history, which stretches back over 175 years to its founding on May 8, 1846, by 120 German immigrants, is most evident today in the 700 historically significant structures located in the town’s nationally recognized historic district.

Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour of the historic district to get a glimpse at the unique architecture and experience the history of Fredericksburg.

Recently recognized by Southern Living as one of the South's Best Walking Tours, the self-paced adventure features historic buildings that today are museums, restaurants, shops, lodging options and churches.

As you tour, you will notice that the streets are wide in Fredericksburg – it is said that the town’s founders wanted a full team of oxen to be able to turn around in the street. Meanwhile, Main Street’s curbs still feature metal loops that offer a place to tie up horses. 

An image of the cover of the Fredericksburg, TX Walking Tour guidebook.

Note: The historical buildings featured in this walking tour range from private homes to paid-entry museum sites to public retail locations, please be respectful of private property when touring town. As you explore on foot, please use caution and only cross a street at designated crosswalks.


the historic walking tour includes

museums

An old black & white picture of the Nimitz Building in Fredericksburg, TX.

Charles Henry Nimitz Sr. purchased the above property in 1855 and five years later, the Nimitz Hotel was hosting stagecoach travelers and became a center for community events. The steamboat facade was added in the 1870s when the hotel expanded. Today, the space houses the Admiral Nimitz Gallery of the National Museum of the Pacific War, honoring Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, who was born in Fredericksburg.

Attractions

National Museum of the Pacific War

The Admiral Nimitz Gallery, George Bush Gallery of the Pacific War, the Plaza of the Presidents, Japanese Garden of Peace, Memorial Walk, and the Pacific Combat...

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Attractions

Vereins Kirche Museum

The Vereins Kirche Museum has reopened after an extensive renovation. Right in the center of Marktplatz, this is Fredericksburg’s most iconic structure, a...

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restaurants & shops

In an old B&W photo, horse-drawn carts are stopped in front of the The Priess Building/Keidel Memorial Hospital

The Priess Building/Keidel Memorial Hospital (pictured above) was constructed by Charles F. Priess in 1883 using limestone from a quarry off of Bear Mountain Road. The building started as a general merchandise and hardware store on the main level with living quarters above. In 1938, the building was expanded and converted into a hospital by Dr. Victor Keidel. Today, the building holds Rathskeller on the bottom level and Der Kuchen Laden on the main level. 

Restaurants

Rathskeller

Rathskeller Basement Restaurant - full service breakfast, lunch and dinner. Great menu plus daily specials, to go orders welcome, and a private meeting room....

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Shopping

Der Kuchen Laden

Der Kuchen Laden is all about inspiring the little chef in all of us. One step inside and you'll see why people call it the candy store for kitchen geeks....

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lodging & churches

Historic Sunday Houses like this one are a familiar part of Fredericksburg's history.

Another one of the town’s most unique historical features are Sunday Houses, which date back to the town’s founding. Immigrants received a town lot and a 10-acre plot of land in the countryside for farming. Many settlers built small, simple houses on that town lot while maintaining more permanent homes on their farmland. These Sunday Houses were specifically for the purpose of having a place to conduct Saturday business in town, socialize and attend church.

Lodging

Metzger Sunday House

The Metzger family built the Metzger Sunday House in 1898s. Located just one block from Main Street in the Historic District guests will delight in seeing The...

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Attractions

St. Mary's Catholic Church

St. Mary's Catholic Church began with a handful of German immigrants in 1846. The famous twin towers of the two churches, the Marienkirche (1861) and the new...

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