In the heart of Texas, they celebrate life with pints of cold beer and sausages. Forget tacos, barbecue and Texas chili; It's Wurstfest time in New Braunfels. For over 60 years, people from all over the world have come to the Texas Hill Country town, midway between San Antonio and Austin, to celebrate their German heritage. Wurstfest will take place this year from the 4th to the 13th of November.
Why New Braunfels? Wurstfest's history dates back to the mid-1940s, when Prince Charles of Solms-Braunfels led a group of German immigrants here. New Braunfels is named after Prince Braunfels' birthplace in the German state of Hesse. Located near the Comal and Guadalupe rivers, New Braunfels offers beautiful natural scenery that helped settle the Germans in the region. As thousands of people, around 90,000 locals, are expected to gather for the 10-day event, here are some tidbits and tips on how to enjoy Wurstfest 2022.
History of Wurstfest
In 1961, the local meat inspector thought it would be a good idea to organize a festival to celebrate all things sausage. The mayor of the city agreed and Wurstfest was launched. The first Wurstfest drew an estimated 2,000 people, mostly from the New Braunfels area. Two years later, Wurstfest grew in popularity and nightly parties began to take place. In 1967, as the annual celebrations grew, the Wurstfest moved to the Wursthalle in Landa Park. Wurstfest was extended to 10 days in 1968 and Myron Floren got rid of itShow the Lawrence Welkfirst appeared as the lead musical act. A new Biergarten was added in 1974 as the event grew in popularity.
1. When is Wurstfest?
Oktoberfest in the new version of Braunfels starts from 4 pm to 11 pm. On the 4th of November, the Wurstfest celebrates sausages, beer, music and dancing daily until the 13th of November. The event takes place on Saturday, from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm and from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. on Sunday from 5 pm to 10 pm, from Monday to Thursday from 5 pm to 11 pm, last Friday.
2. Where is the Wurstfest?
Located in Wursthalle in Landa Park, the fairgrounds near downtown New Braunfels have hosted Wurstfest for nearly 55 years. With Midway rides, markets, beer stands, concession stands and dance halls, Landa Park is the perfect place to party.
3. How do you like Wurstfest?
If you've been to Oktoberfest in Germany or the US, you know what to expect. If this is your first Wurstfest, get ready to drop your socks. People - including police - wear traditional German costumes such as lederhosen anddirndl(dresses), drink international and national beer, listen to music from polka to rock and roll and dance some jigs. Take a walk through the fairgrounds and enjoy the sights and sounds of the festival. You'll soon be welcomed by the Wurstfest family and honorary resident of New Braunfels.
Tips for professionals:Dress appropriately for the festival. Check the weather forecast to see if coats are required. Please wear comfortable shoes as you will be taking several steps during your visit. Lederhosen and dirndl are, of course, strongly encouraged.
4. Where you can enjoy music and dance
The Wursthalle is home to most of the festival. You'll find dance halls with dozensteamssinging polkas and folk songs. People hit the dance floor and do old-fashioned polka moves, but they also dance as much as they want. Bracelets can also be found in other stores, for exampleThe Big Tent(big tent),small tent(Barraca pequena), stilt house and stilt square.
5. What to eat at Wurstfest
With a name like Wurstfest you know there will be a lot of sausages. If you're up for it, you'll likely find an exhibit of someone making a sausage. After this tasty view, you'll head tomercado- with more than 30 food stalls - and try a traditional sausage. Or consider other snacks such as potato soup, Dusseldog on pretzel bread, wurstkabob, goulash and potato pancakes. You can also try honest, traditional dishes including corn bread, funnel cake and sweet corn. If you're looking for new eateries, look out for Reuben's quesadilla, tamale pie, pulled pork ribs, and onion schnitzel. Be sure to stop by the Naeglin's Bakery booth during Wurstfest for authentic German pastries and other treats. The bakery, the oldest in Texas, also has a permanent location in downtown New Braunfels.
6. The best way to enjoy a drink
Raise a beer and say, "Prost!" While Wurstfest is famous for its German beers (it's a German festival, after all), there will be plenty of American, Mexican, and craft beers pouring from kegs in the Biergarten and other tents on the fairgrounds. From a glass to a pitcher, you can buy tickets for liquid drinks online instead of queuing up at the festival to buy them. You can even buy a 1 liter souvenir mug in advance. Wurstfest also sells wine and Garra Branca, as well as mineral water and soda. However, outside drinks are not permitted at Wurstfest.
7. Where can you enjoy Carnival?
The Wurstfest Midway offers Ferris wheel, slides and other rides suitable for kids of all ages. Midway has grown from a few to more than half a dozen. The ferris wheel runs daily during festival hours and offers a great view of the party. You can also watch games at Stelzenplatz.
8. The best way to buy tickets
You will wantpre-purchasetickets so you don't waste time queuing to buy them instead of enjoying a drink or soaking up the atmosphere. Tickets are valid for the entire day. Access gives access to all entertainment and shopping. If you want to leave and return on the same day, request a hand stamp before departure.
Tips for professionals:Wurstfest uses metal detectors at entrances and also searches bags. Prohibited items include weapons, drones, laser pointers, chairs or stools, pets, radios or walkie-talkies, and flammable items. Service animals are allowed.
9. Where to park
Due to the limited number of parking spaces at the Wurstfest venue - the queues to find a spot at the venue are long - you can park downtown and take a short walk to the festival, or consider staying close to one of the surrounding car parks. spaces. hotels and bookstransport. Limited parking is available in downtown New Braunfels, but if you get there early enough you might be able to find a spot.
10. Where to buy souvenirs
Whether it's a miniature pint of beer, a boot or maybe a Christmas decoration, the Marktplatz has excellent gift shops. You will find many gift ideas in stores.
11. Meet the new historic Braunfels
As Wurstfest takes place at night, weekdays are ideal for sightseeingHistorically new Braunfels. Downtown is home to vintage architecture, classic businesses – like Naeglin's Bakery – andmurala chronicle of the regionhistoryfrom Native Americans to Spanish influences and German migration. The New Braunfels Railroad Depot Museum showcases the city's history, alongside a mural celebrating the city's entertainment history. Walk through New Braunfels' pastNieuwe Braunfels Conservation Courtwith a vibrant history including a vintage school, general store, farm and gas station.
If you fancy a day out, go toNatural Bridge Wildlife Ranch. With more than forty species of animals, most native to Africa (American bison live on the farm), visitors can take a guided tour of the park or hop aboard an open-air wagon for a guided tour. Bring a bag of pellets to feed the animals during the tour. From giraffes to ostrich and wildebeest, the ranch is a great place to go on an African safari without leaving Texas. If you prefer to explore the subway, visit the neighbornatural bridge caves, where you can enter the cave at a depth of 50 metersguided tour, while admiring the impressive stalagmites, stalactites and straws. take notecombination trip, which combines a hidden passage tour with a discovery tour for a stunning 90-minute cave experience. Natural Bridge Caverns also offers surface activities, includingzipline and rope park.
12. Where to eat
New Braunfels has great restaurants. From cafes and breakfast shops to casual upscale restaurantscityhas a varied menu. One of my favorites isAlpenhuis, specializing in German cuisine (one of my favorite dishes). Alpine Haus offers a range of schnitzels (including wiener, rahm and jager), rouladen and a sausage platter and is the perfect place for German cuisine. It also has a variety of German beers, including my favorite: Bitburger. Of course, there are many places in New Braunfels that also offer American food.the plec itselfis a classic restaurant to visit for dishes such as Bacon Cheeseburger and Chicken Steak.
13. Where to stay
With several national hotel chains such asCourtyard at the Marriott River LodgeEUBest Western Inn & Suites, as well as local accommodation facilities includingInn at the Gruene residenceEUResort no Schlitterbahn, you have enough accommodation options. We enjoyed our stay there.Inn Duke of Solms, a classic boutique hotel just steps from downtown New Braunfels and Wurstfest.