IWNA

Costa Verde e Mar bicycling circuit, a 168-mile trail that runs along the

coast, in and out of a number of charming towns and through some

of the state’s forested interior. You probably won’t complete the entire

tour, but following the path out to Bombinhas and its peninsula is the

perfect way to explore some unspoiled natural environment.

Field Trip

Ride roller coasters, drive go-carts and fraternize with pirates at

Beto Carrero World in Penha, about an hour north of Itapema. It’s

the largest theme park in Brazil, and in addition to the thrill rides,

there’s a zoo and numerous shows, including one based on the

animated

Madagascar

films.

Blumenau: Little Germany

Mention Brazil to most travelers and your

conversation will likely go in one of two direc-

tions: the beaches or the Amazon. Bratwurst,

Oktoberfest, and Alpine architecture don’t usu-

ally slip into the discussion. Unless one of the

folks has been to Blumenau, a veritable bastion

of German culture and tradition — and still home

to descendants of the original immigrants who

continue to speak their ancestors’ native tongue

among fellow compatriots — set northwest of

Itapema in Santa Catarina’s interior.

Must Do

Wander among the buildings and courtyards on

XV de Novembro Street. This is the heart of Blumenau and, honestly,

the sight of all the European-style construction might require a dou-

ble take. The tempting aroma of the local cuisine, however, will set

your senses straight and before long you’ll be exclaiming “

prost

”

while raising a pilsner and cutting into a plate of

Kassler

(smoked

pork chop) with a side of sauerkraut. Once sated, peruse the shops

along the brick-lined streets and at the Empório Vila Germânica.

Should Do

Two important museums recount much of Blumenau’s history, which

dates to the mid-1800s. At the Museu da Família Colonial, clothing

and housewares that belonged to some of the city’s original settlers

are displayed in a home that was once occupied by its founder,

Herman Bruno Otto Blumenau. The Museu da Cerveja (Museum of

Beer) might be a bit more, well, spirited, but

there’s also no question that beer and the

local brewing process is an important part

of the area’s culture.

Field Trip

No trip to “Germany” is complete without

visiting an actual brewery, so make arrange-

ments to see Schornstein in the city of

Pomerode, 30 minutes north of Blumenau.

The beer maker produces five styles, includ-

ing a pilsen, an IPA, and a stout. Choose

your favorite in the tasting room at the end

of the tour.

INTERVAL WORLD

Spring 2015 IntervalWorld.com

Michael Fritzen/Alamy

Florianópolis

Itapema

Santo Amaro

da Imperatriz

Blumenau

SANTA CATARINA

Brasilia

BRAZIL

Rio de Janeiro

São Paulo

Inhabitants of Blumenau proudly celebrate

the city’s strong German heritage.