Have you heard about the half-timbered route in Santa Catarina, Brazil? If you haven’t, you do not know what you’re missing!
The route is in Santa Catarina, more precisely in the beautiful town of Pomerode.
Pomerode is considered the most German town outside Germany. Most of its inhabitants speak the German language fluently (some even as a first language), the cuisine is very traditional (and delicious) and there are several houses still made in the half-timbered style. And that, of course, is the reason for the route!
For those who do not know, half-timbered is a style of construction where the wooden beams are embedded with each other and the spaces between the timbers are filled-in with exposed bricks, cement, etc. The beams are exposed to the outside, leaving a unique charm (when well maintained).
If you are coming from the North of Santa Catarina, you can start the route from Jaraguá do Sul (Rua Eurico Duwe) and go through the countryside, instead of taking the SC416 motorway, as you will be able to appreciate the scenery.
The route itself is located at the Testo Alto Road (Rua Testo Alto) and it has 16 kilometres of paved and non-paved road (in good condition) where you can see at least 30 of the more than 200 houses that the town has in the half-timbered style.
Although most houses can only be seen from the outside, some are open to the public and you can see what the interior is like. Plus some of them sell handmade and craft products of incredible quality.
Do not forget to buy the delicious crumble cake (“streuselkuchen” in German or “cuque” in Portuguese), biscuits, liquor (various flavours), honey, etc… All made by the houses’ owners or neighbours.
Many people make the route by cycling. And if you are the adventurous type, you can cycle the entire European Valley Route.
More information about this cycle route: http://cicloturismo.circuitovaleeuropeu.com.br
The European Valley Route, in addition to Pomerode, includes the following cities: Apiúna, Ascurra, Benedido Novo, Blumenau, Botuverá, Brusque, Canelinha, Doctor Pedrinho, Gaspar, Guabiruba, Ilhota, Indaial, Jaraguá do Sul, Leoberto Leal, Major Gercino, Nova Trento, Rio dos Cedros, Rodeio, São João Batista, Tijucas and Timbó.
These cities have strong characteristics of their immigrants, especially the Germans and here you will have several incredible tourist routes, such as the Craft Brewery Route, Wine Route, Nature or Industrial Route, amongst others.
So if you are in South Brazil, do not forget to make this beautiful route and then, visit the centre of Pomerode, because you will love it. I’m sure!
Soon I will be writing about it, its tourist attractions and other information. Stay tuned…
See you soon!
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