Texas
German Heritage in the Texas Hill Country
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Fredericksburg was founded in 1846 by German immigrants who carved a community from the Texas Hill Country wilderness. Today, that heritage lives on in the town's distinctive limestone buildings, in the "Willkommen" signs on Main Street, and in traditions like the annual Oktoberfest that draws visitors from across the state.
Main Street stretches for six walkable blocks of boutiques, restaurants, and tasting rooms—for Fredericksburg has become the heart of Texas wine country. Over 50 wineries and tasting rooms dot the surrounding hills, where the unique terroir produces surprising wines that have put Texas on the map for serious wine enthusiasts.
Beyond wine, Fredericksburg offers the National Museum of the Pacific War (Admiral Nimitz was born here), fields of wildflowers in spring, and the annual Peach Festival celebrating the region's famous fruit. The town manages to be both authentically Texan and distinctly German—a combination found nowhere else.
Six blocks of shops, restaurants, and tasting rooms in German-Texan style
Over 50 wineries in the surrounding Hill Country
World-class WWII museum honoring Admiral Nimitz
Spectacular spring blooms including bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush
Fredericksburg is located about 80 miles west of Austin and 70 miles north of San Antonio. Spring wildflower season (March-April) and fall harvest time are peak periods. The town can be crowded on weekends year-round; consider a weekday visit for a more relaxed experience.