This small Brazilian town has Alpine-style buildings, artisanal chocolate shops, and a year-round Christmas spirit. Explore miniature landmarks and pedal boat on a lake surrounded by German trees.
Gramado, a small town in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul state, combines Alpine-style architecture with Brazilian hospitality. Here, you can wander past half-timbered buildings, indulge in artisanal chocolates, and experience a unique Christmas celebration. Gramado's streets are lined with colorful flower boxes, and you can explore miniature replicas of world-famous landmarks or take a pedal boat ride on a lake surrounded by imported German trees.
Walking Through Gramado's Streets
As you stroll down Avenida Borges de Medeiros, Gramado's main street, you'll see half-timbered buildings and Alpine chalets. Colorful flower boxes and intricate woodwork decorate building facades. The town's German influence extends to its cuisine - try traditional dishes like spätzle and apple strudel in local restaurants.
Discovering Gramado's Chocolate Scene
You'll find many artisanal chocolate shops in Gramado where you can watch chocolatiers at work and taste their creations. Visit the Chocolate Museum (Mundo de Chocolate) to see chocolate replicas of famous landmarks and learn about chocolate making.
Celebrating Christmas in Gramado
Christmas decorations remain visible in Gramado throughout the year. The annual Natal Luz festival runs from October to January. During this time, millions of lights decorate the streets, and you can attend nightly parades, concerts, and a Christmas on Ice show.
Visiting Mini Mundo
At Mini Mundo park, you can see miniature replicas of famous buildings from around the world. Walk among small-scale versions of the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, and Brazilian landmarks like the Christ the Redeemer statue.
Exploring Parks and Natural Areas
Gramado has several parks and green spaces despite its compact size. Take a walk or rent a pedal boat at Lago Negro (Black Lake), which is surrounded by trees imported from Germany's Black Forest. For a more dramatic landscape, visit nearby Caracol State Park, home to the 131-meter Caracol Waterfall.
Getting to Gramado and Choosing When to Visit
The closest airport to Gramado is in Porto Alegre, about 115 kilometers away. You can drive or take a bus from there to Gramado, a journey that typically takes about two hours.
Gramado has mild weather year-round, but temperatures drop in winter (June to August). This is also the busiest tourist season, particularly during the July school holidays. For warmer weather and fewer visitors, consider planning your trip in spring (September to November) or autumn (March to May).
