Honoring German Heritage, Embracing Today
Sophie's Gasthaus stands as a living testament to New Braunfels' German heritage and creative spirit.
Our 1906 property, once home to Captain Dr. Karbach, has been thoughtfully reimagined as a boutique hotel & gathering destination that celebrates both its historic walls and contemporary collections.
The captain's former office still exists as our Captain's Suite and the former family's greenhouse now serves as our intimate Bistro space. Throughout the decades, this mansion has had the opportunity to celebrate with many families and friends while witnessing New Braunfels' evolution.
Today, Sophie's Gasthaus is a premier boutique hotel and space to celebrate. Our transformation honors the building's storied past while infusing it with new energy—industrial charm softened by the century old Magnolias and enriched by Texas hospitality.
Photo: New Braunfels Escapes
A Rich German-Texan Heritage
Founded in 1845 by Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels, New Braunfels stands as one of Texas' most distinctive cultural gems. The prince led German immigrants to establish this settlement along the banks of the Comal and Guadalupe Rivers, creating a community that would preserve their European traditions while embracing their new Texas home.
These pioneers brought with them not only their language and customs but also their architectural sensibilities—visible today in the distinctive German-influenced buildings throughout our historic downtown. From the iconic Sophienburg Museum (named for Prince Carl's fiancée, Princess Sophie) to the charming fachwerk construction techniques, New Braunfels' German heritage remains etched in its very foundations.
Through economic booms, natural disasters, and cultural evolutions, the town has maintained its unique character—a place where German traditions like Wurstfest and Weihnachtsmarkt stand alongside Texas staples like tubing the rivers, two-steppin’ and enjoying live music under star-filled skies.
The Story of New Braunfels
We Value
Artful Living
We celebrate nostalgic inherited pieces, travel-collected treasures, and contemporary art. Our spaces embrace contradiction and conversation in mixed styles and generations, finding beauty in everyday details and mixing the refined with the relaxed.
Considered Details
Attention without pretense guides our approach—creating meaningful micro-moments, engaging all senses, and providing high-touch service that feels natural rather than formal.
Cultural Curiosity
We spark unexpected connections by honoring heritage while embracing the now, supporting artistic dialogue, and fostering discovery throughout our property.
Spirited Celebration
Having mastered the art of gathering, we turn moments into memories by blending sophistication with ease and creating occasions worth sharing.
Storied Space
We respect our historic walls, layer old and new, live with art daily, and evolve authentically as we write the next chapter in this building's remarkable story.
The Next Chapter
As we continue this legacy, Sophie's Gasthaus stands as a testament to both preservation and innovation. We honor our German-Texan roots while creating new traditions through art, hospitality, and meaningful gatherings.
We invite you to become part of our ongoing story—whether staying in our historic suites, celebrating life's moments in our event spaces, or experiencing the artistic dialogue we cultivate within these walls.
