Things To Do
in Pomerode
Pomerode is a small town in the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, known for its strong German-Pomeranian heritage, preserved half-timbered (enxaimel) architecture and family-run bakeries. The town prizes traditional festivals, craftwork and regional cuisine — giving visitors a compact, picturesque experience of German-Brazilian culture. Surrounded by rolling hills, farms and small forests, Pomerode serves as a peaceful base for nature walks and day trips to larger nearby cities like Blumenau.
It’s especially lively during cultural events but otherwise offers a relaxed pace, friendly locals and good opportunities for photography and food-focused exploration.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the beautiful Pomerode Zoo, home to various exotic and native species. Afterward, stroll through the charming streets lined with traditional German architecture, where you can take pictures and soak in the nostalgic ambiance. Don’t forget to stop by the local bakeries to indulge in fresh pastries for breakfast.
In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the German culture by visiting the Museu Pomerano, showcasing artifacts and exhibits about the town's history. After exploring the museum, head to the nearby Artisan Craft Market to find unique souvenirs and locally made handicrafts. Enjoy a hearty lunch at a local restaurant that serves traditional German dishes, such as sausages and sauerkraut.
As the sun sets, take a leisurely stroll at the Parque do Rio Madeira, where you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and perhaps catch a glimpse of local wildlife. Finish your evening with a traditional German dinner at a locally renowned restaurant, paired with a cold beer or homemade juice. Round off the night by experiencing local music or dance performances that celebrate Pomerode’s rich cultural heritage.
Kick off your day with a guided trek through the breathtaking Atlantic Forest, where you can marvel at the diverse flora and fauna. Be sure to bring your camera as you might encounter waterfalls and scenic viewpoints along the way. Enjoy a packed breakfast amidst nature, relishing the fresh air and soothing sounds of the forest.
After your trek, rejuvenate yourself with a picnic lunch at a designated area, surrounded by the enchanting scenery. Spend your afternoon taking part in activities like bird watching or discovering hidden trails as you soak up the tranquility of this unique ecosystem. If you're lucky, you might spot some colorful toucans or playful monkeys thriving in their natural habitat.
As dusk approaches, return to Pomerode and unwind at a quaint café, enjoying coffee or tea with traditional German cakes as the day comes to a close. Engage in conversations with locals to learn about their way of life and the importance of preserving their environment. End your day by taking a sunset walk along the riverside, reflecting on the beauty experienced throughout the day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $8-15 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry | $2-5 |
| 🍺Domestic beer (bar) | $2-5 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (within town) | $3-8 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $50-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Well-preserved German-Pomeranian architecture and cultural traditions
- Compact, walkable historic center with excellent bakeries and family restaurants
- Peaceful countryside setting ideal for photography and short nature trips
- Friendly locals and authentic cultural festivals
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options outside of festivals
- Public transport is limited; having a car improves flexibility
- Fewer vegan/gluten-free specialty options compared with larger cities
- Can be crowded during peak festival days and holiday weekends
- "Olá / Bom dia / Boa tarde / Boa noite" - Hello / Good morning / Good afternoon / Good evening
- "Obrigado (male) / Obrigada (female)" - Thank you
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- "Onde fica o centro / a igreja / o museu?" - Where is the center / the church / the museum?
- "Eu sou vegetariano(a). Sem carne, por favor." - I am vegetarian. No meat, please.
- "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
Places to Visit in Pomerode
Visit one of these nice places.
Picturesque streets and clusters of traditional German-style half-timbered houses — ideal for daytime architectural shots and close-ups of decorative details.
Colorful buildings, artisan stalls and museum exhibits that capture local life and heritage; good for cultural portraiture and street scenes.
Well-kept zoo with landscaped grounds and animal enclosures; useful for wildlife and family photography in a controlled setting.
Rolling fields, barns, flower gardens and traditional farmhouses provide scenic rural images, especially in soft morning or late-afternoon light.
Small hilltops and viewpoints around the town offer panoramas at sunrise and sunset — great for wide-angle landscape photos.
Food in Pomerode
Pomerode Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A roasted or braised pork knuckle often served with sauerkraut and potatoes; available at traditional restaurants and festival stands.
Must-Try!
Handmade sausages, grilled or stewed, commonly found at local restaurants, beer houses and street fairs.
A sweet flat cake with fruit or crumb topping; sold at local bakeries and markets as an essential snack with coffee.
A rich festive dish at some traditional restaurants and larger family gatherings — look for it on special menus.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small farmers’ stalls and Saturday markets sell cheeses, smoked meats, fresh bread, cuca and regional preserves — ideal for trying local flavors and picking up picnic supplies.
During events you’ll find grills and stalls serving sausages, pretzels, strudel, local beer and homemade liqueurs; great for sampling many small dishes.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A friendly handshake or light cheek kiss (one on the right) is common in social situations; use a warm greeting and maintain polite small talk before business topics.
Pomerode celebrates German traditions and religious observances — dress modestly for church services and be respectful at cultural events and family-run businesses.
Use basic Portuguese courtesies (please/por favor, thank you/obrigado/obrigada). Asking permission before photographing people, especially at private events or farmsteads, is appreciated.
Safety
Tipping in Pomerode
Ensure a smooth experience
A 10% service charge is common in restaurants and often added to the bill; if not included, a 10% tip is appreciated. For taxis and casual service, rounding up or leaving small change is normal. Tip hotel porters and tour guides directly for good service.
Brazilian real (BRL) is the local currency; credit and debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and larger shops, but small bakeries, markets and rural vendors often prefer cash. ATMs are available in town, but carry cash for markets and remote activities.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
December–February: Warm and humid with daytime temperatures often 25–30°C (77–86°F). Expect occasional afternoon thunderstorms; it’s festival season in neighboring towns, so plan ahead if traveling in December–January.
March–May: Temperatures start to cool and skies are generally clearer, making it a pleasant time for outdoor activities and photography with crisp light and fewer insects.
June–August: Cooler and drier, nights can get chilly (single digits °C / 40s °F). The town is quieter and the cooler air is excellent for walking and enjoying hearty regional dishes.
September–November: Mild weather with blooming gardens and comfortable conditions for hiking and sightseeing; some seasonal festivals may start in late spring.
Pomerode at Night
Hiking in Pomerode
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, gentle walks connecting clusters of half-timbered houses and gardens; ideal for cultural walks and easy photography without steep climbs.
A short hike to a nearby viewpoint offering panoramic shots of Pomerode and surrounding farmland — great for sunrise or sunset.
Local dirt roads and farm tracks that provide peaceful walks through fields and pastures; best explored with permission or as part of an agritourism visit.
Airports
How to reach Pomerode by plane.
Approximately 60–90 km away (about 1–1.5 hours by car). The nearest major airport with regional and some national connections; common gateway for visitors to Pomerode and Blumenau.
Roughly 70–100 km away (about 1–1.5 hours by car). Offers regional flights and easy road access to Pomerode.
Around 150–180 km away (roughly 2–3 hours by car). Larger airport with more domestic connections and some international services; a feasible option if combining a visit to the island capital.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population traces roots to Pomeranian (northern German) immigrants; cultural traditions, language influences and family recipes remain strong.
Like much of Brazil, the town includes residents of mixed Portuguese, Italian and other Brazilian backgrounds who contribute to local culture and commerce.
Pomerode has many multigenerational families and an older demographic, reflected in traditional businesses and community events; younger people often commute to larger cities for education or work.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Brazil’s most popular sport; local amateur matches and youth leagues are common, and many residents follow professional Santa Catarina teams.
Popular indoor sports in schools and community centers; fast-paced and commonly practiced by young people.
Leisure cycling and road-riding are popular on rural roads, and local events or casual group rides are common in good weather.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Pomerode.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but less prominent; bakeries, salads, vegetable sides and some cheese-based dishes are easy to find, and many restaurants will adapt plates if asked. Bringing a phrase card explaining vegetarian needs in Portuguese helps: 'Sou vegetariano(a), sem carne, por favor.'
Vegan and gluten-free options are limited in smaller towns. Larger supermarkets and some cafés may carry alternatives; if you have strict requirements, plan to buy staples in advance or travel to Blumenau for more choices.
Communicate allergies in Portuguese; many home-style kitchens are accommodating but cross-contamination is possible in bakeries and shared kitchens.