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Volkssportverein Friedrichsburg

Willkommen - Bienvenue - Welcome

Fredericksburg, Texas, native Kenn Knopp, was visiting his distant relatives in Germany in 1976.   He was taken on an afternoon stroll by his relatives to a cemetery where his relatives were buried.  The stroll turned out to be a six-mile ordeal.  At that time Knopp was very much overweight and upon returning to his relative's home he was confined to the bed for an extra day.  

"Now that you've started exercising" he was told, "why not join the International People's Sports Walking Club that is very popular here in Europe."  Knopp thought it was a good idea since he was on the lookout for an activity Fredericksburg might sponsor as part of its German heritage.  When he returned to Fredericksburg a walking club was formed and the international headquarters in Germany approved.  Volkssportverein Friedrichsburg (People's Sports Association Fredericksburg) then became "The First in Texas, the First in the U.S.A."

The first internationally sanctioned walk in the USA was held in Fredericksburg in June of 1976 as part of the nation's Bicentennial Celebration.  More than 200 participants came from far and wide to have their Distance Book and Event Book stamped officially.  Most of those taking part were from the military bases nearby and had been on the popular weekend walks all across Europe.  Almost immediately, new Volkssport clubs organized in Texas and across the country.  

The national headquarters of the American Volkssport Association (AVA) is now located in Universal City, a suburb of San Antonio, Texas.  Presently there are more than 400 such walk clubs across America.

Kenn Knopp has been designated the "Father of American Volkssporting."  Since Volkssportverein Friedrichsburg was the first volksmarching club formed in the United States, we are AVA1.

Our club's continuing purpose is promoting physical fitness and good health by providing fun-filled, safe exercise in a stress-free environment.

Walking in Fredericksburg

If you want to experience the charm and magic that is Fredericksburg you need to take one of our two-footed tours.  We have four tours which we call Year Round Events (YREs).  These YREs are 10K (6.2 Miles).  

Cemetery:  This tour is of the historic cemeteries of Fredericksburg.  It goes through Der Stadt Friedhof (Garden of Peace) which was established in 1846, and through the Catholic Cemetery which was established in 1850.

Historical:  This tour is a  walk through the historical district of Fredericksburg. It includes the Admiral Nimitz State Historic Site.

Town and Country:  This tour goes around some of the outskirts of Fredericksburg with a nice overview of the town from the top of a hill.

Cross Mountain:  This tour goes through lovely residential areas to and from Cross Mountain.  Cross Mountain is a historical landmark.  There is a 360 degree view of the countryside from the top of this "mountain".

Walking Lyndon B. Johnson State Park

Lyndon B. Johnson State Park is only 16 miles East of Fredericksburg on US 290. This state park is directly across the Pedernales River from the LBJ Ranch. The Visitor Center contains memorabilia from President Johnson's presidency and interactive displays about the Land and People that shaped a president. Much of our walking tour is alongside the picturesque Pedernales River. The trail also passes through a re-created circa 1915 farm and past natural areas. American buffalo, longhorns and wildflowers are all part of the panorama. Official park website says there is NO entrance fee for this park.

Walking Enchanted Rock State Natural Area

ERSNA is 18 miles north of Fredericksburg on Hwy 965. This YRE is open except for the first three weeks in January, during this time it is closed except for hunters. The rest of the year the gates open at 8am. The walk box is at Park Headquarters. There is a $6.00 entry fee to get into the park. Enchanted Rock is a huge, pink granite dome that rises 425 feet above ground. Walk includes a hike to the top of the dome, then you descend and circle the base. This trail is rated a 5. There is an optional route for those who don't feel that they can complete the climb.

If you are planning to spend several days touring Fredericksburg you might want to try one its many Bed and Breakfasts. Fredericksburg also has many fine motels such as Quality Inn, the start point of our walking tours.

After a day of touring Fredericksburg you might want to relax at the Fredericksburg Theatre and enjoy a good stage show.

For your dining pleasure there are many fine restaurants. Friedhelms Bavarian Restaurant is a good place to enjoy a meal after doing a walking tour of Fredericksburg. Fredericksburg also has many fine beer gardens if you would like to reward yourself with a pint or two after a day's ramble.

Volkssportverein Friedrichsburg is involved with the German Heritage Foundation of Fredericksburg, Texas. The number one priority of the foundation is to preserve our German Heritage here in the Texas Hill Country, and Fredericksburg in particular. Please visit the foundations website by clicking here.

www.cycletexas.com

While this is primarily a link for bicyclists, it also does a great job of summarizing a variety of other aspects of Fredericksburg and the Texas Hill Country. If you ride, please visit the above site.