Gramado, in Rio Grande do Sul (RS), is one of the most charming and visited cities in Brazil. It is located in the Serra Gaúcha, in the Hortênias Region. Thus, the municipality is connected to other tourist cities, such as Canela, Nova Petrópolis and Caxias do Sul, by RS 235 – considered one of the most beautiful roads in the country.
In addition to the tourist advantages, Gramado has attributes that draw the attention of those who seek quality of life and well-being for housing. The city is approximately 115 kilometers away from the state capital, Porto Alegre, having good access to the metropolitan regions of RS.
Want to know more about the charming Gramado? Continue reading and check out a complete guide on the city of Rio Grande do Gas!
What is the story of Gramado?
Originally, the region of the Serra Gaúcha was populated by the indigenous peoples Caingangues. Between the 18th and 19th centuries, the region began to be used as a supporter of cattle by tropeiros who passed through the site and touched the animals through the fields from above the mountains.
In that area, there was a soft grass field, which may have been responsible for the name of the municipality. This lawn served for the rest of the travelers and invigorated their forces to follow the path. After all, the site had trees in its surroundings and rivers of clean water.
The first inhabitants were of Luso-Archian origin and settled around 1875. Among them, Tristão José Francisco de Oliveira and José Manoel Corrêa stand out, being considered their pioneers.
In the 1910s, the area was colonized by descendants of Germans and Italians, as well as housing Syrian-Lebanese peddlers and traders. Years later, the city had emancipationist movements, and the independence took effect on December 15, 1954, by Law No. 2,522, of Rio Grande do Sul.
In this way, Gramado combines the European cultural heritage and the characteristics of Rio Grande do Sul, generating rich and diverse traditions that contribute to its unique charm. This whole history is reflected through architecture, parties, style of the city and gastronomy.
With this, visitors and residents can count on colonial products, contact with nature and spaces that preserve their origin.
What are the main features and curiosities about this city?
In addition to the European cultural heritage, the climate in Gramado contributes to visitors having the feeling of being in another continent. Its seasons are well defined, presenting harsh winters, with temperatures close to 0 C.
In years of more intense cold, it is even possible to see snow in Gramado, a factor that usually draws attention because it is unusual in Brazil. In spring, hydrangeas bloom, being a symbol of the region.
Then in the summer, residents and tourists can enjoy beautiful sunny days. Finally, autumn in Gramado is suitable for those who want to enjoy the city in mild climates. These characteristics of the city of Rio Grande do Sul gave rise to the curious title of “Brazilian Europe” or “Brazilian Switzerland”.
It is also worth noting that Law No. 13,990 of 2020 gave the Gramado the seal of the National Capital of Chocolate Artesanal. The title is due to the diversity of chocolate factories that create fine and high quality products, made by chefs chocolatiers.
To value this production, the city has several chocolate shops, which provide taste experiences with varied flavors and styles for sweet.
Another prominent attribute of Gramado is its location, in a region full of natural beauty, and the proximity to important cities of RS. It is also worth knowing that the municipality has approximately 40,000 inhabitants, according to the IBGE Census of 2022.
How is the infrastructure in Gramado?
Now that you know more about the climate and curiosities of Gramado, you need to evaluate the city’s infrastructure. This is relevant information, especially considering that the city is small, but receives visitors from all over Brazil.
In this context, the municipality offers quality in all sectors. For example, Gramado stands out in RS for providing complete resources in the health sector. The professionals in this area carry out health, environmental, epidemiological, worker health and violence surveillance programs.
The population has a medium-sized philanthropic general hospital, the Archangel São Miguel Hospital, and medical specialty clinics. Residents also have health posts located in the neighborhoods, by the Unified Health System (SUS).
In the educational infrastructure, Gramado offers good conditions to children and young people for their basic training. In addition, in higher education, it is possible to count on poles of distance education institutions.
The proximity to other cities, such as Canela, allows easy access to colleges and universities in the region. Because of the local characteristics, the availability of training is strongly linked to tourism and gastronomy, especially in the area of chocolate.
How does the economy work in this city of Rio Grande do?
As you noticed, Gramado’s economy is heavily based on tourist activities. The city usually receives more than 600,000 visitors per month, which moves the region’s trades and services.
To maintain good results, establishments seek excellence in their activities. In this way, the region has job opportunities aimed at recreation, leisure, gastronomy and hospitality. But it is possible to succeed in other areas of activity in Gramado.
For example, events that occur regularly are important for the grass economy, as they boost tourism and make room for various enterprises. In the industrial sector, the activities that stand out in the municipality are chocolate shops, knitting and areas related to construction.
The agribusiness also stands out in the region, with artisanal or semi-craft activities, especially in the production of honey, jam, wine, cheese, beatr it and breads. Much of the economic activities are based on local raw materials such as leather, wood and colonial products.
What is the cost of living in Gramado?
Still thinking about economics, a common question of those who want to spend a season or even if they move to Gramado is the cost of living in this city of RS. The fact that she is sought by people from all over Brazil is reflected in the prices of products, services and housing in the region.
Thus, the municipality has a trend of higher costs, when compared to other cities with the same form. However, with proper planning and conscious choices, it is possible to live comfortably and take advantage of all that the city has to offer, without significantly compromising your budget.
It should be noted that one of the strengths of the region is the quality of life offered. In this city, you will have easy access to known areas of Rio Grande do Sul, in addition to living in a quiet place, with good infrastructure and many economic opportunities, as seen.
How is transportation and mobility in the municipality?
You understand that Gramado is a small town. Therefore, residents and visitors can perform much of the daily activities on foot.
There is even the Covered Street, which is in the city center, and allows only the circulation of pedestrians. This is a space covered by an acrylic cover.
For those who prefer to travel by car, it is worth knowing that the weight traffic has some particularities, because the place has few traffic lights. Thus, the organization has the conscience of drivers and pedestrians, and traffic is usually controlled by roundabouts.
Although there are alternatives by public transport, buses do not move easily to the neighborhoods. Therefore, it is necessary to use its own vehicle, walk or opt for private services, such as transport and taxi applications.
A curiosity in this sector is that Gramado has already had rail transport, which connected the city to São Leopoldo and Canela. The railway was decommissioned in 1963 and the station became the bus station of the municipality.
Finally, as it was possible to learn, the highway that allows access to other cities is RS 235. However, it is also possible to move around RS 115 and RS 373.
What are the options of leisure and tourism in Gramado?
So far, you have understood that leisure and tourism are the strengths of this city of Rio Grande do Sul, right? Now, it’s time to get to know the main attractions of Gramado.
Come on, follow!
Covered Street
As you have seen, Gramado has a street covered by an acrylic ceiling that allows only pedestrian traffic. The roof is decorated with plants, which makes this tourist spot of the grassiest.
The venue concentrates many shops, such as bars, restaurants and local goods stores. All these establishments are located approximately 100 meters long.
the Black Lake
The Black Lake is an artificial lake with dark green color and deep water. Its surroundings have trees brought from the Black Forest, from Germany, as well as flowers such as hydrangeas and azaleias.
It is worth knowing that access to the park is free and works full-time, offering attractions such as hiking, handicrafts and shops. Visitors can take advantage of the traditional pedal boat ride, which has specific opening hours and a cost to be consulted.
Mini World
Another attraction is the Mini Mundo, a theme park of Gramado, with miniature cities with replicas identical to famous addresses around the world. There, you can visit important works of humanity, such as Neuschwanstein Castle and Falkeneck Castle in Germany.
The park is outdoors, but has protection from the rain. Tickets can be purchased in advance to ensure a visit to this tourist spot in Gramado.
Le Jardin Parque de la lavendas
Le Jardin Parque de Lavanda is a themed garden with more than 4 hectares of plantations. This space offers visitors the opportunity to explore lavender fields, with its relaxing colours and aromas.
In addition, the park has artistic sculptures, picnic areas, personalized product stores and a coffee shop. In it, there are also greenhouses for flower cultivation, which display beauty in any season.
As you can imagine, Le Jardin has a quiet atmosphere, which favors moments of rest and connection with nature. Thus, it extols therapeutic, ornamental and culinary benefits of lavender.
Snowland .
For those who like adventures, Snowland is the largest indoor park — indoor – in enclosed space – in the Americas. It is thematic, providing a true experience in the snow all year round, regardless of the weather outside.
In it, you will find several attractions, such as skating rink, ski and snowboard, snow mountain, 7D cinema, among others. The environment still has shops and restaurants to make the tour more complete.
You must pay a fee to enter Snowland, and some activities have an extra cost. Most of the attractions are suitable for all ages.
Museums of the Museums
Gramado has great alternatives to cultural tours, for example in museums. One of the city’s famous sites is the Dreamland Wax Museum, which has a collection of sculptures of Brazilian and international celebrities, historical figures and characters.
Some of the personalities you find there are Barack Obama, Albert Einstein, Angelina Jolie, Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth.
The Museum of the Gramado Film Festival celebrates the history of this, which is one of the most relevant events in the city. At the venue, visitors can transit through trophies, posters and other curious items of the event.
This is the first interactive museum in Latin America, providing an experience immersive in the history of national and international cinema. It also has the Short Café, a gastronomic space with a beautiful view.
Finally, it is important to mention the museum A Mina de Gramado, which displays precious stones. It is dedicated to mineralogy and geology, with a wide collection of minerals, yolks and fossils. There, you can learn about the formation of materials while you enjoy contact with nature.
Green areas
Gramado is an excellent city for those who want to have proximity to nature and enjoy ecological tours. The municipality has favorable parks to enjoy green areas, picnics or practice physical activities.
An example is Knorr Park, located near the Black Lake. You also find eco-parks such as the Waterfall Park, Carrieri Park and Garden Park.
Ecotourism connoisseurs still enjoy opportunities for activities such as trekking, mountain biking and horseback riding, on trails that allow you to explore the natural landscape.
This is a region rich in avifauna, being conducive to bird watching. The practice does not interfere with the lives of animals, since it consists only in the observation of birds in their habitat.
The Kingdom of Chocolate
Have you ever imagined diving into the playful and tasty universe of chocolate? In Gramado, this is possible when visiting the Chocolate Kingdom — a tasteful and historical experience. This flashy castle tells the story of cocoa, through a guided tour.
Thus, the place allows to know the trajectory of the fruit, from the moment the cocoa seed sprouts, to the production process of this sweet. The Chocolate Kingdom shows how it was created by the ancestors and the transformations caused by the recipe.
The space also has interactive activities and thematic decoration. In its stores, it is possible to try several dishes, in addition to buying souvenirs and gifts.
Village of Santa Claus
This city is nationally known for having strong Christmas traditions, which are not restricted to December. Santa’s Village is a good example of this. It is a theme park that tries to recreate the character’s address.
The place is open all year round, with the Toy Factory and Santa Claus House, which is furnished and decorated, among other attractions, in the Christmas theme.
Events Events & Events
Gramado has outstanding events that bring together visitors from all over the country, right? For example, you already know that the Gramado Film Festival is among the most important celebrations of the city.
It takes place in the Palace of Festivals – the same space where the Museum of the Gramado Film Festival is located. The event is held annually, consisting of one of the largest festivals in this sector in Brazil. The top prize is the Kikito Trophy.
Another great event of Gramado is Natal Luz, one of the greatest Christmas celebrations in Brazil. The entire city receives a playful and lush decoration, with light and sound shows.
They take place in iconic locations in the city, such as Lake Joaquina Rita Bier, combining music, light projections and fireworks for exciting Christmas stories.
In addition, parades, street theater performances, Christmas fairs and Santa Claus’ presence make Christmas Light of Grass a unique and unforgettable experience. The season runs from October to January.
People who are passionate about music can accompany the Gramado in Concert and the Gramado Jazz Festival, which bring together great local and national talents. In gastronomy, the city holds the Chocofest, an event dedicated to chocolate that celebrates Easter.
In it, attractions such as parades and street theater are also offered. There is also the Festival of Culture and Gastronomy. Finally, it is worth mentioning the Gramado Paschak, a religious festival that tells the story of Easter, with live performances and stagings.
Gastronomy
Gastronomy is another strong point of this city. The municipality of Serra Gaúcha has a rich and varied selection of culinary options.
Cultural diversity contributes to the dining experience, which combines German and Italian influences. So Gramado is known for traditional dishes like fondue, gaucho barbecue and authentic Italian food, including pasta and pizza.
Casterroots in the caster style are popular in the region, offering variety in grilled cuts. Local products, such as cheeses, sausages, jams and wines, are more of a highlight.
To top it off, locals and visitors can find bars and restaurants that provide rich leisure and tourism experiences in this charming city of Rio Grande do Sul.
How to find properties in Gramado?
Now that you know the main information about Gramado, in RS, you need to know how to find the ideal property in this city. Look at these tips!
Define the characteristics
The first step to find the right property for your needs is to define what characteristics you are looking for in the new home. This factor is decisive for the search, as it allows you to select the alternatives that make sense for your planning.
Define what is the necessary space, the requirements, the amount you want to invest, among other criteria. Having clarity about what you are looking for in a house or apartment, it is easier to find the appropriate options.
Choose the location
When choosing the location for your property in Gramado, it is essential to consider your needs and preferences. If you are looking for convenience and proximity to the busiest regions, such as the sights, central areas may be ideal.
On the other hand, if the search is for tranquility and contact with nature, more remote areas tend to be better. Remember to evaluate the safety, local facilities, and lifestyle that best fits your plans before making your decision.
Find the available properties
After following the previous steps, it is time to finally search for the properties available in the region. You can find alternatives over the internet, from websites and real estate portals, such as Loft. Thus, it is possible to discover houses or apartments without having to move.
Always check the security and reliability of the site before proceeding with trading, combined? One suggestion is to check the certifications and authenticity of the real estate. In addition, it is worth prioritizing those that offer good online service.
Do the research focusing on the criteria defined above, as this care prevents you from wasteing your time with alternatives that do not match your desires. Thus, the decision is made in a conscious and comfortable way, after all, most of the process is carried out virtually.
After identifying some options, schedule visits to see the properties in person. This is fundamental to evaluate the state of the property and whether it meets your expectations.
In this complete guide, you met the city of Gramado, its main attributes and what to do in one of the most visited cities in RS. This may be an alternative to your new home, but it is necessary to observe the characteristics of the municipality to know if they meet your expectations, combined? You can find the ideal property in this city without leaving home. Get to know the offers of houses and apartments in Gramado!
