With a prestigious hotel on the list of the ten best hotels in the world (Hotel Colline de France), Gramado is a city that deserves attention.
The aroma of chocolate and fondue is everywhere, attracting tourists to sample the delights in local cafes, restaurants, and chocolate shops along the streets. The city is especially charming in winter, between June and September, when local temperatures can drop to zero and morning frosts are quite common. Occasionally, it can even snow.
The Bavarian-style architecture in the city, with half-timbered buildings, is a favorite among visitors, who also love the local hydrangea gardens and the beautiful vegetation of the region. Local accents and regional music, influenced by German, Italian, and Portuguese immigrants, give the city a unique Brazilian-European atmosphere. Local fantastic spas and hotels provide comfort for tourists to enjoy a relaxing time in the mountains of Serra Gaúcha.
The cities of Gramado and Canela are only 9 km apart. Both are part of the Romantic Route (Rota Romântica), a popular tourist route with many attractions in the region. In Gramado, everyone should visit the São Pedro Church, inaugurated in 1942. The church was built with basalt stones and features beautiful stained glass windows. An interesting fact is that the 
46-meter-high tower of the church was inspired by a prayer to Saint Peter, its patron saint.
Nearby, you can visit Rua Coberta (a short pedestrian street covered by a perspex roof intertwined with vines). It’s a great local spot for a leisurely stroll, trying local cuisine, and shopping for souvenirs. Another charming spot is Lago Negro, where visitors enjoy paddle boats shaped like swans while exploring the area. The city’s portals are also popular icons among tourists and are definitely worth a selfie!
The attractions in the city of Gramado, however, do not stop there. Be sure to include a visit to the Mundo do Chocolate in your itinerary. Visitors will learn about the history of chocolate and visit an authentic artisanal production line. Dreamland, a museum showcasing cinema and pop culture icons, along with Hollywood Dream Cars (a vintage car exhibition where you can feel the atmosphere and glamour of Hollywood in the 50s and 60s), is also worth a visit. For tourists who love miniatures, Mini Mundo is a must-stop. It’s a leisure park with miniature buildings. And adventure enthusiasts need to visit Snowland, Brazil’s first indoor snow park.
The city is also renowned for hosting major events. The Gramado Festival, one of the most famous in the country, has been taking place for over 40 years, gathering Brazilian celebrities annually in August. Between October and January, the city lights up and turns into a true fairy tale! The Natal Luz de Gramado (a Christmas-themed festival) is a favorite among adults and children. The annual program includes activities such as the Grand Christmas Parade, a Christmas Village, and several other attractions. It’s a magical event that makes Christmas even more exciting.
Right next door, the city of Canela also has fantastic attractions and is well worth a visit. Everyone should visit the Caracol State Park, home to the Caracol Waterfall. It is one of the most visited waterfalls in the region and the biggest icon of the city of Canela. Nearby, the Castelinho do Caracol, a historic house with preserved vintage furniture, also attracts visitors. Built between 1913 and 1915, it was the first residence in Canela. Today, it houses a museum and a tea house. If you pass by, try the delicious apple strudel, considered the best in the region.
Another must-see attraction is the Mundo a Vapor theme park, a train museum with miniature factories and working steam machines. For tourists who can’t live without a good adventure, Alpen Park and the Skyglass platform are incredible. Alpen Park is a lively amusement park that offers attractions for the whole family, including roller coasters, sledding, 4D cinema, zip-lining, tree climbing, mini rider simulator, quad biking, and much more. The Skyglass Canela is a suspended glass and steel platform, surrounded by local vegetation, extending 35 meters over the Ferradura Valley. The view is breathtaking!
If you can spend a few more days in Gramado, plan rural tourism activities, which include wine and sparkling wine tasting. Serra Gaúcha is home to several wineries and vineyards that are part of a wonderful route for tourists!
Gramado is undoubtedly one of the most charming destinations in Serra Gaúcha. It’s simply impossible not to fall in love with it.
Source: VisitBrasil