Schlitterbahn History

Brief History of Schlitterbahn in New Braunfels

Schlitterbahn

The Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort in New Braunfels, Texas, originally opened in 1979 with four water slides, is built along the cool spring-fed waters of the Comal River. Bob and Billye Henry purchased 40 acres on the Comal River called Landa Resort in the early 1970s. They slowly added the water recreation that is now known as Schlitterbahn West. In 1991, the Henrys bought another 25 acre piece of property known as Camp Warnecke and transformed it into Schlitterbahn East.

Schlitterbahn, which means “slippery road” in German, opened in 1979 with four water slides starting from a German-style tower, built along the cool spring-fed waters of the Comal River.  The tower was patterned after the Bergfried Guard Tower at Solms Castle in Braunfels, Germany – home of the original settlers of New Braunfels.   The Henry family (Bob and Billye Henry) built the tower and the slides on a hill next to their riverfront resort called Landa Resort. Schlitterbahn was an early pioneer in promoting the waterpark resort concept which is now popular around the world.

Today Schlitterbahn Waterpark Resort has 238 accommodations on or adjacent to the park grounds.  The rooms are very popular during the summer, so early reservations are recommended.  Guests of Schlitterbahn Resort receive a 20 percent discount on waterpark admission.

Several factors set the original Schlitterbahn apart from other waterparks:

• Natural riverfront setting – towering trees and the beautiful Comal River
• Unique mix of attractions – from miles of tube chutes to high-tech water coasters
• Family friendly atmosphere – rides for all ages, picnics welcome, free parking