If you crave chilling tales, moonlit graveyards, and a side of history with your travel, then a haunted road trip to New Braunfels is your perfect kind of Texas getaway. This historic Hill Country town, with its 19th-century buildings, old cemeteries, and lingering legends, holds more than its share of eerie stories. From phantom cowboys to haunted hotels, New Braunfels offers plenty of spine-tingling destinations for curious travelers chasing a ghostly thrill.
In this guide, we’ll lead you through haunted locations, ghost legends, spooky stops, and where to stay (if you dare) for a bone-chilling yet scenic trip through one of Texas’ oldest and most storied towns.
Why New Braunfels Is a Haunted Hotspot
Founded in 1845 by German settlers, New Braunfels has seen over 175 years of triumphs, tragedies, and untold stories. Its historic buildings and cemeteries have witnessed everything from Civil War skirmishes to untimely deaths and forgotten epidemics. As a result, the town is home to a growing list of ghost stories, urban legends, and paranormal investigations.
Whether you believe in the supernatural or just enjoy the thrill of exploring eerie places, this town will captivate you with its well-preserved history—and a few things that just can’t be explained.
Top Haunted Locations in New Braunfels
1. Faust Hotel
One of the most famously haunted buildings in New Braunfels, the Faust Hotel is said to be home to several lingering spirits. Built in 1929, guests and staff have reported unexplained footsteps, disembodied voices, flickering lights, and doors that open and close on their own.
Address: 240 S Seguin Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Hours: Check-in 3 PM, Check-out 11 AM
Approx Cost: $110–$160/night
Famous For: Historic elegance and frequent ghost sightings.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Request Room 215—the most frequently mentioned room in ghost stories, perfect for thrill-seeking guests.
2. Comal County Courthouse
This imposing granite courthouse in the center of town has long been the site of reported hauntings. Employees have spoken of shadowy figures in the halls, strange cold spots, and lights turning on after hours. Some even claim the spirits of former judges or condemned men still linger.
Address: 100 N Seguin Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 5 PM
Approx Cost: Free (exterior visit only unless attending court)
Famous For: Ghostly whispers and late-night apparitions.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit after dark for the full eerie effect—bring a friend and your camera.
3. New Braunfels Cemetery (Old Section)
This historic cemetery dates back to the town’s founding and is the final resting place for many early settlers. Visitors report orbs in photos, chills in broad daylight, and strange sounds—especially near the oldest headstones.
Address: 296 S Grape Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Early German settlers’ graves and ghost sightings.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit during twilight with a local ghost app—just be respectful of the space and its history.
4. Naegelin’s Bakery
Texas’ oldest bakery isn’t just famous for its strudel—it’s also rumored to be haunted by former bakers. Staff have reported hearing footsteps in empty hallways, doors creaking open, and equipment turning on by itself in the middle of the night.
Address: 129 S Seguin Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Hours: Mon–Sat, 6:30 AM – 5 PM
Approx Cost: $5–$10
Famous For: Apple strudel and ghostly mischief in the kitchen.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask the staff if they’ve “met the baker”—many have a tale or two to share while you snack on something sweet.
5. Gruene Hall
Texas’ oldest dance hall has hosted thousands of musicians and partiers—but some say a few never left. Patrons report cold spots, dancing shadows, and ghostly music when the stage is empty. Built in 1878, Gruene Hall holds energy from every era it’s survived.
Address: 1281 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Hours: Daily, varies by event
Approx Cost: Free entry (unless ticketed show)
Famous For: Live music and unexplained ghost sightings during quiet hours.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit during the day for a self-guided tour of this legendary and allegedly haunted venue.
6. Prince Solms Inn
This 1898 inn is one of the oldest continuously operating hotels in the area—and one of the most haunted. The inn has hosted everyone from early tourists to modern ghost hunters. Reports include voices in empty hallways, lights flickering, and the scent of cigar smoke with no one around.
Address: 295 E San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Hours: Check-in 3 PM, Check-out 11 AM
Approx Cost: $130–$190/night
Famous For: Victorian charm and eerie occurrences.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask for a tour of the basement—or just listen carefully late at night.
7. Haunted Railroad Tracks – Old Hunter Road
This local legend involves ghostly children pushing stalled cars across railroad tracks to protect them from a tragic fate—originating from an old, now-disputed urban myth. Still, many locals claim to experience unexplained movement, handprints, and strange misty figures.
Address: Off Hunter Rd near Solms Rd (ask locals for exact location)
Hours: Open access; visit cautiously
Approx Cost: Free
Famous For: Phantom children pushing stalled cars.
For More Info: Urban legend—no official site
Tip: Park your car in neutral with baby powder on your trunk for the full legend experience (and a chill down your spine).
Spooky Dining Spots to Visit
1. Krause’s Café
Known for its historic building and vibrant beer garden, Krause’s also has a few ghost stories of its own—mainly about strange noises and flickering lights in the old sections of the building.
Address: 148 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Hours: Daily, 8 AM – 10 PM
Approx Cost: $15–$30
Famous For: German food and possible ghostly encounters.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Visit during evening hours—when the music dies down, the whispers begin.
2. The Downtowner
This stylish brunch spot near the haunted courthouse has had a few flickering lights and creaky door tales of its own. Whether haunted or not, it’s a delicious midday stop during your eerie explorations.
Address: 208 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Hours: Tue–Sun, 8 AM – 3 PM
Approx Cost: $10–$18
Famous For: Modern brunch in a historic building.
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Ask the staff about local ghost tours—they’re in the heart of spooky downtown.
3. Phoenix Saloon
A saloon dating back to 1871, this building has seen it all—and some say it still echoes with the past. Rumors of ghostly cowboys and floating glasses add a chill to your chili.
Address: 193 W San Antonio St, New Braunfels, TX 78130
Hours: Daily, 11 AM – Midnight
Approx Cost: $12–$25
Famous For: Old-timey vibes and rumored spirits (liquid and spectral).
For More Info: Visit Website
Tip: Order the chili, then see if your spoon stirs itself.
Packing Tips for a Haunted Road Trip
Camera or smartphone with night mode for ghost shots
Notebook or journal to track spooky experiences
EMF reader or ghost app for paranormal fun
Flashlight for late-night cemetery strolls
Extra layers—many haunted places are chilly, even in summer
Baby powder (for the haunted track legend test)
Comfortable walking shoes for old buildings and uneven paths
Local Tips & Spooky Road Trip Advice
Visit during October for ghost tours, Halloween events, and autumn ambiance
Take a guided ghost tour for access to more haunted locations
Ask locals—bartenders and shopkeepers often have the best stories
Respect private property—only explore public or tour-eligible sites
Check local calendars for spooky film nights, haunted pub crawls, or cemetery walks
Final Thoughts on Haunted Road Trips to New Braunfels
From haunted hotels and eerie graveyards to flickering lights in 1800s dance halls, a haunted road trip to New Braunfels is a must for those who love ghost stories wrapped in Texas history. The town’s German roots, preserved buildings, and moonlit charm create the perfect backdrop for supernatural exploration.
So grab your flashlight, keep an open mind, and hit the road—because some stories refuse to stay buried, and in New Braunfels, the past just might walk beside you.
