The Story of Fredericksburg

Learn More About Fredericksburg's German Influences

Fredericksburg wrapped up a year-long celebration of its 175th anniversary in May 2022, which highlighted the town's unique German heritage.

Fredericksburg was the second German Town in Texas founded by the Adelsverein, better known as the Society for the Protection of German Immigrants, on May 8, 1846. 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.

Restaurants
Museums
Lodging
Oktoberfest

The Food

From bratwurst to brews, Fredericksburg's German heritage is evident in the nearly dozen restaurants that serve German-inspired cuisine. Both of the town's breweries, Altstadt Brewery and Fredericksburg Brewing Company, boast German-style beer offerings, while one of the town's top exports is Opa's Smoked Meats. The area's German culinary creations are a major reason that Fredericksburg has previously been named one of the United States' "Best Small Town Food Scenes."

  • German

    Fredericksburg, Texas is steeped in German history, so it’s no surprise that you can find some of the best German restaurants around when you visit.

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The Museums

To learn about the people that first settled Fredericksburg and how their descendants have made the Texas Hill Country their home for generations, there are four different museums to visit in town. Visitors can't miss the Vereins Kirche, which is located in the town's center - Marktplatz and is Fredericksburg's most iconic structure. The Pioneer Museum is on the West End of Main Street and features historical structures, artifacts and a place to research family lineage. For historical architecture enthusiasts try the town's historical walking tour.

The Historical Lodging

Sunday Houses may be one of Fredericksburg's most unique historical features as these small houses served settlers who would use them as their lodging when coming in from the country to conduct business and attend church on weekends. Visitors can stay in some of these same houses today as well as many other properties with historical significance in Fredericksburg.

    Oktoberfest and other events

    For its 175th anniversary, Fredericksburg hosted a multitude of events. If there is one event that encompasses everything German about Fredericksburg, it is Oktoberfest. For three days each October, the town square is transformed into a place for all things German heritage, including live polka music, tasty food, cold brews, arts, crafts and games. Grab your Dirndl or your Lederhosen and experience this unique fall festival for yourself.

    Two other Fredericksburg events honor its unique history, including Sangerfest, which continues nearly 130-year tradition of German choirs in the area gathering to celebrate German heritage and culture, and the 125-year old annual Gillespie County Bundes Schuetzenfest, which is an old-fashioned German target shooting competition where the winner becomes the "Schuetzenkoenig" or "King of Marksmen" and reigns until the next year's competition.

    • Fredericksburg Oktoberfest

      Oktoberfest celebrates Fredericksburg's German heritage with artisan vendors, a children's area, 50 varieties of American, regional, and imported beers, Texas Wine Country selections, great food, special events, five stages of continuous music…

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    Resources to Plan a Future Visit