Things To Do
in Treze Tílias

Treze Tílias is a small hill town in Santa Catarina known for its strong Austrian-German heritage and alpine-inspired architecture. Nestled in the Serra Catarinense, it feels like a European village with pine forests, wooden façades, and flower-filled balconies. The town centers around cultural traditions, cheese-making, and apple orchards that color the landscape.

Visitors come for a peaceful escape, scenic drives, and a glimpse into a unique blend of Brazilian and European influences.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival and Exploring the Town
morning
:

Arrive in Treze Tílias and settle into your charming accommodation. Stroll through the picturesque streets, admiring the unique Austrian architecture that defines the town's character. Visit the local shops to get a taste of the local crafts and delicacies.

afternoon
:

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional restaurant serving authentic Austrian cuisine. Spend your afternoon exploring the beautiful parks and gardens, taking in the serene environment. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the town's famous wooden church, which is a stunning exemplar of local craftsmanship.

evening
:

As the sun sets, dine in one of the cozy eateries that offer a view of the town square. Sample local wines and traditional dishes while enjoying live music that resonates through the night. Take a peaceful walk back through the illuminated streets to soak in the town's tranquil atmosphere.

day 2
Cultural Day with Austrian Heritage
morning
:

Start your day with a breakfast that includes local pastries and coffee at a favorite café. Visit the Austrian Cultural Center to immerse yourself in the history and customs of early settlers. Engage in a workshop to learn about traditional crafts such as woodworking or weaving.

afternoon
:

Savor a hearty lunch featuring schnitzels and other local specialties, inspired by the town's heritage. Spend the afternoon visiting the local artisan studios, where you can see skills passed down through generations. Participate in a guided tour to discover the stories behind some of the town's historic landmarks.

evening
:

Enjoy a delightful dinner at a restaurant that showcases local cuisine with a modern twist. After dining, attend a cultural performance that might include traditional dance or music, reflecting the area's rich Austrian influence. Wind down with a drink at a local bar, mingling with friendly locals and fellow travelers.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
Coffee/tea$1-3
🚌Public transport ticket$0.5-2
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$40-100
🛍️Local souvenir$3-25

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Unique Austrian-German heritage and architecture
  • Peaceful mountain setting with easy access to nature
  • Family-friendly with clean, safe streets
  • Good value for money compared with larger tourist hubs
  • Small nightlife scene
  • Limited major attractions within town; some services concentrated in peak seasons
  • "Olá" - Hello
  • "Bom dia" - Good morning
  • "Por favor" - Please
  • "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
  • "Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Você fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Onde fica o banheiro?" - Where is the bathroom?

Places to Visit in Treze Tílias

Visit one of these nice places.

Alpine Town Center

Timber-framed houses with flower-filled balconies and charming storefronts; best in the soft light of early morning.

Matriz Church and Town Square

Historic church with a rustic plaza; ideal for architectural photography and street scenes.

Apple Orchard Viewpoint

Rolling orchards and tidy rows of trees set against distant hills, especially stunning during harvest season.

Panorama from the Hillside Road

Winding rural road offering sweeping views of the valley and pine forests.

Culinary Guide

Food in Treze Tílias

Treze Tílias blends Austrian culinary traditions with Brazilian flavors. Expect hearty dumplings, cheeses, pastries, and comforting meat dishes, all complemented by fresh fruit and mountain coffees.

Treze Tílias Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Käsespätzle

Cheesy egg noodles layered with melted cheese; a staple in Austrian-influenced eateries throughout Treze Tílias.

Must-Try!

Schweinsbraten

Pork roast often served with dumplings or potatoes and a rich gravy.

Apfelstrudel

Warm apple pastry dusted with sugar, a popular dessert in town cafés.

Dumplings and Sauerkraut

Classic plate offering a combination of filled dumplings with tangy kraut, common in local restaurants.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mercado Municipal de Treze Tílias

A local market offering fresh produce, cheeses, baked goods, and regional specialties; great for sampling and picking up edible souvenirs.

Street Food and Snack Stalls

casual bites like bratwurst, pretzels, roasted chestnuts, and sweet pastries along the main streets.

Climate Guide

Weather

The town experiences a temperate highland climate with cooler temperatures and higher humidity than coastal regions. Summers are mild, winters can be chilly, and rainfall occurs throughout the year with frequent fog in the mornings.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

Polite greetings such as 'Bom dia' or 'Boa tarde' are appreciated; handshake is common in formal settings.

Language

Portuguese is the dominant language; you may encounter German/Austrian heritage influences and signage in some areas.

Respect for Culture

Respect local traditions and religious sites; keep noise levels reasonable in residential areas and during ceremonies.

Safety Guide

Safety

Overall safety is good for visitors. Exercise typical travel precautions: keep valuables secure in crowded areas, drive carefully on winding rural roads, and be mindful of weather-related hazards in the mountains.

Tipping in Treze Tílias

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tips are appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up or leaving 5-10% in restaurants is common when service is good.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash (BRL) is handy for markets and small shops; ATMs are common in town.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Warm days with cooler evenings; afternoon showers are common; ideal for outdoor dining, hiking, and scenic drives.

Winter

Cool to cold temperatures with brisk mornings; crisp air and the chance of fog; cozy cafés and hearty meals are popular.

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming fruit trees; great for photography and walking tours.

Autumn

Comfortable days with brilliant foliage; pleasant for hikes and city strolls.

Nightlife Guide

Treze Tílias at Night

Treze Tílias has a quiet, family-friendly nightlife scene with cozy bars and cafés. Live music appears on weekends and in seasonal events, offering a relaxed atmosphere rather than an active club scene.

Hiking in Treze Tílias

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Trilha do Morro Alto

A moderate hike with rewarding views over Treze Tílias and the surrounding valley.

Reserva Florestal Araucária Trail

Forest trail through a mix of Araucaria and pine, with chances to spot local wildlife.

Trilha Panorâmica da Serra

Ridge route offering expansive vistas across the Serra Catarinense.

Airports

How to reach Treze Tílias by plane.

Lages Airport (LGS)

Closest regional airport with domestic flights; convenient access by road to Treze Tílias.

Hercílio Luz International Airport (FLN)

Large international airport in Florianópolis; longer drive but frequent domestic connections available.

Getting Around

Walkability

Treze Tílias is fairly walkable in the town center with compact streets and easy-to-navigate layouts. Access to surrounding nature trails and viewpoints often requires a car or bike for convenience.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Austrian-German heritage residents

A community with strong European roots and ongoing cultural traditions.

Residents of Santa Catarina and nearby states

A diverse Brazilian population contributing to local culture and cuisine.

Visitors and seasonal workers

Tourists and seasonal staff who contribute to the local economy during peak times.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Futebol (Soccer)

A popular pastime and community activity; local games and leagues are common throughout the region.

Mountain Biking

Popular on forest trails and rural lanes; suitable for varied experience levels.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light in the town. Roads can be winding and slower in the surrounding countryside; public transport is limited, so renting a car is convenient for day trips.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Treze Tílias.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available in most menus; look for mushroom dumplings, salads, cheeses, and vegetable dishes.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Treze Tílias is basic, with local clinics and pharmacies. For more advanced care, residents typically travel to larger towns such as Lages or Florianópolis. Travelers should have travel insurance and know how to access emergency services.

Discover Brazil

Read more in our Brazil 2025 Travel Guide.

Brazil Travel Guide