About Fredericksburg, Texas

The town of Fredericksburg abides in the heart of the Texas Hill Country. Despite its proximity to Austin and San Antonio, Fredericksburg is a popular vacation destination because it has maintained a small town aura while offering plenty of activities to keep the entire family entertained. With its unique German heritage, thriving wineries, and shopping, it’s the perfect weekend getaway from just about anywhere

Fredericksburg has a unique German influence because of its history. The town was one of a series of German settlements from the Texas coast to the land north of the Llano River, originally the ultimate destination of the German immigrants sent to Texas by the Adelsverein, a society that represented a significant effort to establish a new Germany on Texas soil by means of an organized mass immigration. The first wagon train of settlers arrived on May 8, 1846 after a sixteen-day journey. The town was laid out like the German villages along the Rhine, from which many of the colonists had come, with one long, wide Main Street.

Over the decades, Fredericksburg has steadfastly held on to its German roots. As you walk down Main Street, the influence of its heritage is obvious in the quaint bakeries, boutiques and pubs. Weekenders from nearby San Antonio and Austin have long appreciated the charm of the city's many B&Bs and "Sunday House" Inns, not to mention the vacation rental market. The surrounding Texas Hill Country is home to lush vineyards, making up one of the country's largest viticultural (the cultivation of grapevines or the study of grape cultivation).

  Fredericksburg was once known for its role in the agriculture industry, but over the years has marketed its German heritage. This tiny town of about 11,000 permanent residents is oozing with old-world customs and traditions from its German roots. Fredericksburg’s charm is dual fold; the natural order of things represented through its flora and fauna, and its ability to maintain its German-Texan heritage. From the city square in the heart of Fredericksburg to the sprawling vineyards and beirgartens, German influence is on display.  Fredericksburg has stood the test of time, and ardently resisted deviating from the German influence found on the storefronts up and down historic Main Street. In addition to stores, art galleries, and artisan gifts and treats, the epicenter of Main Street is the Markplatz. You can even see “Wilkommen” (welcome) signs on full display throughout town, where a shop owner may greet you with a cheerful “Guten Tag,” These retail establishments are locally owned and operated, so shop with them while vacationing in Fredericksburg.  Remember: Small businesses are the backbone of the American economy!

Of course, it wouldn’t be authentically Fredericksburg without Tex-Mex cuisine, schnitzels, sauerbraten (German pot roast), and German beer gardens. And you can find delicious food and handcrafted spirits at more than 70 restaurants in Fredericksburg, including upscale eatery Cabernet Grill and German specialty restaurant Der Lindenbaum.

Despite its small-town status, the city of Fredericksburg boasts more than 300 lodging accommodations, including historic hotels and even a “Bed & Brew.” The local favorite Fredericksburg Brewing Company offers an adult retreat, with an in-house brewery downstairs to grab a quick nightcap before retiring upstairs to your room. Another Fredericksburg stalwart is the Hangar Hotel, a boutique hotel reminiscent of an airport hangar that features aviation memorabilia and captures the “Swing Era” novelty of the 1940s.

This small town is an amazing place to vacation; really it is.