Chinese (Simplified) 
Chinese (Traditional) 
English 
French 
Alemão 
Italian 
Japanese 
Norwegian 
Spanish 
5 min read
3 comments
Far beyond its accent and architecture, the Santa Catarina city preserves its dialect, traditions, and unique festive calendar that make it a sanctuary of Germanic culture outside of Europe.
Located in the heart of the European Valley in Santa Catarina, Pomerode stands out as a cultural phenomenon. Walking through its streets, you immediately feel like you're in a small German town. authentic, the result of a heritage proudly preserved by its inhabitants. Officially known as the “most German” city in Brazil, Pomerode is not just a tourist destination with pretty facades, but a vibrant community where the language, customs and history of Pomeranian immigrants shape daily life, transforming the municipality into a guardian of a culture that almost disappeared on their home continent.
The title is not just a tourist perception, but a reflection of an identity built and maintained over more than 160 years. From the half-timbered architecture, which boasts the largest concentration of houses in this style outside Germany, to the strong presence of the Pomeranian dialect In everyday life, the city has become an example of how cultural preservation can be a driver of social and economic development. This dedication to authenticity is what attracts thousands of visitors every year, curious to understand what makes Pomerode such a unique and vibrant piece of Europe on Brazilian soil.
The historical roots that justify the title
A founding of Pomerode, in 1863, was carried out by immigrants from Pomerania, a historical region located north of Germany, as detailed on the Mystras portal. This origin is fundamental to understanding the local identity. One of the most striking symbols of this connection is the city's entrance gate, a faithful replica of the Szczecin gate, the former capital of European Pomerania. The choice of this landmark is significant, as after World War II, the Pomerania region was dissolved and its territory largely annexed by Poland.
-
Avoid the 7 mistakes that fool thousands of drivers and increase their expenses without them realizing it.
-
A destination 2 hours from São Paulo that combines affordable shopping, nature, history, and over 11 million tons of oranges during harvest season.
-
Young man sells house, business, and possessions, buys a Lamborghini worth R$1 million, converts it into a motorhome, and travels through more than 10 countries in search of every destination on the planet.
-
Front seat seating is once again permitted on Uber, reigniting a national debate about driver autonomy, passenger comfort, and in-car etiquette in 2024.
With cultural extinction in their homeland, Pomerode, in Brazil, has become one of the main refuges of this identityThis explains the strong preservation of the Pomeranian dialect, a variant of Low German that is rarely heard in Europe today. As Mystras points out, the Brazilian city has assumed the role of guardian of a culture orphaned from its geographic home, which motivates the rigorous maintenance of its customs, traditions, and, above all, its language.
Half-timbered architecture: the landscape that tells a story
Pomerode's visual identity is inseparable from its half-timbered architecture. The Viagens e Caminhos portal highlights that the city has the largest concentration of buildings in this style outside Germany, with around 50 houses listed by the National Institute of Historic and Artistic Heritage (IPHAN) along the famous Half-Timbered Route. This construction technique, characterized by wooden structures fitted together without the use of nails, with gaps filled with bricks, is the most visible manifestation of Germanic heritage.
More than just beauty, the architecture reflects the pragmatism and resilience of the colonizers. The houses could be dismantled and transported, an ingenious solution for a community that needed to adapt to a new territory. Today, the Enxaimel Route is not only an open-air museum, but a living cultural landscape, where many families still reside, maintaining the authenticity of the place it was. recognized by the UN as one of the “Best Tourist Villages” in the world.
Language, festivals and flavors: the culture that is lived and tasted
Immersion in German culture in Pomerode goes far beyond what meets the eye. According to the Freeway Viagens agency, about 80% of the population speaks German, be it the Pomeranian dialect or Standard German. The language is so present that it was established as co-official in the municipality, being taught in schools and used in public signage, ensuring its transmission to future generations. This linguistic vitality is one of the pillars that support the title of “most German” city in Brazil.
Culture is also celebrated in a festive calendar that attracts visitors year-round. Freeway Viagens highlights the Pomeranian Party, in January, as one of the main events, where for 10 days the city celebrates its roots with music, folk dances, shooting competitions, and typical foods. Dishes such as Stuffed Duck and Eisbein (pork knuckle) are highlights of the local cuisine, which also includes artisanal beer production, award-winning chocolates and sausages, offering a complete Germanic experience.
What to do in Pomerode? Attractions for the whole family
Although the cultural heritage is the main attraction, the city offers a variety of tourist attractions for different audiences. The Viagens e Caminhos guide mentions the Pomerode Zoo, the oldest in Santa Catarina, as a mandatory stop for families, housing more than a thousand animals. Next door, the Enchanted Village, with a dinosaur theme, and the Alles Park, with its famous Snow Village, complement the entertainment options.
For those interested in delving deeper into local history and flavors, museums like the Pomeranian Museum and the Automobile Museum are recommended. Nugali Chocolates factory offers tours Showcasing the production process "from bean to bar," with tastings that delight visitors. This combination of historical and leisure attractions solidifies Pomerode as a well-rounded destination, worth spending several days exploring its many facets.
A living legacy in constant celebration
Pomerode proves that preserving cultural identity doesn't mean standing still in time. The city knew transform your inheritance into your greatest asset, creating a sustainable development model based on tourism and pride in its roots. The fame of “most German” city in Brazil is, therefore, more than a slogan: it is a daily commitment of its community to keeping alive a culture that has found a new home in the Itajaí Valley. With each restored half-timbered house, each festival held, and each conversation in Pomeranian, the city reaffirms that its history is its greatest strength for the future.
Have you visited Pomerode or are you interested in visiting? Do you think other Brazilian cities with a strong immigrant heritage could follow this example of preservation? Leave your opinion in the comments; we'd love to hear your view on the importance of keeping our history alive.
How about getting to know the region of Domingos Martins, Venda Nova do Imigrante and Santa Leopoldina, in Espírito Santo?
Come and write a story about the Germans and Polmerans in that region that has already been classified as having the 3rd best mountain climate in the world.
Detail: from the beach (Grande Vitória and Guarapari) to the mountains in less than an hour by car, with beautiful landscapes and many colonial coffee spots.
SENSATIONAL!!!!
I really want to go and see a part of Europe, I miss my favorite German singers from the 80s, I listen to their songs every day, the group is called Die-flippers, they are fantastic, always very sane and with harmonious and romantic voices!
18 people left a dislike because they must be jealous😅