With a prestigious hotel in the top-ten list of the best hotels in the world (Hotel Colline de France), Gramado is a city that deserves attention.
The smell of chocolate and fondue is everywhere, tempting tourists to try the food at local cafes, restaurants, and chocolate stores along the streets. The city is especially charming in the winter, between the months of June and September, when local temperatures can drop to freezing and morning frost is quite common. From time to time, it might even snow.
The Bavarian-style architecture in the city, with half-timbered buildings, is a favorite among visitors, who also love the local hydrangea flower gardens and the beautiful vegetation in the region. Local accents and local music, influenced by German, Italian, and Portuguese immigrants, give the city a unique Brazilian-European atmosphere. Fantastic local spas and hotels provide tourists with comfort so they can have a relaxing time in the mountains of Serra Gaúcha.
The cities of Gramado and Canela are located only 9 km apart. They are both part of the Romantic Route (Rota Romântica), a popular touristic route containing many attractions in the region. When in Gramado, everyone must visit the São Pedro Church, inaugurated in 1942. The church was built with basalt stones and contains beautiful stained-glass windows. A curious fact is that the church’s 46m-tall 
tower was inspired by a prayer to Saint Peter, its patron saint.
Nearby, you can visit Rua Coberta (a short pedestrian thoroughfare covered by a vine-draped perspex roof). It’s a great local spot to enjoy a leisurely stroll, try the local cuisine, and go shopping for souvenirs. Another charming spot is Lago Negro (Black Lake), where visitors can have fun on swan paddle boats while exploring the region. The city porticos are also popular icons among tourists and totally worth a selfie!
The attractions in the city of Gramado, however, do not end there. Make sure you add a visit to Chocolate World to your itinerary. Visitors will learn about the history of chocolate and visit an authentic artisan chocolate production line. Dreamland, a museum that features movie and pop culture icons as well as Hollywood Dream Cars (an exhibit of vintage cars where you can feel the atmosphere and glamor of Hollywood back in the 50s and 60s) is also worth a visit. For tourists who love miniatures, Mini Mundo (Mini World) is a mandatory stop. It’s a leisure park with very small buildings. And adventure enthusiasts just have to visit Snowland, the first indoor snow park in Brazil.
The city is also renowned for hosting major events. Gramado Film Festival, one of the most famous in the country, has been happening for more than 40 years, bringing together Brazilian celebrities annually during the month of August. Between the months of October and January, the city lights up and becomes a true fairy tale! Natal Luz de Gramado (a Christmas-themed festival) is a favorite among adults and children alike. The annual program includes activities such as The Great Christmas Parade, a Christmas Village, and several other attractions. It is a magical event that makes Christmas time that much more exciting.
Just around the corner, the city of Canela also has fantastic attractions and is totally worth your time. Everyone should visit Caracol State Park, home to Caracol Waterfall. It’s one of the most visited waterfalls in the region and the biggest icon of the city of Canela. Not too far away, Castelinho Caracol, a historic home with preserved vintage furnishings, also attracts visitors. Built between 1913 and 1915, it was the first residence in Canela. It currently houses a museum and a tea house. If you happen to stop by, make sure you try their delicious apple strudel, said to be the best in the region.
Another worthwhile attraction is the Mundo a Vapor theme park, a train museum with miniature factories and steam engines in working order. For tourists who can’t do without a good adventure, Alpen Park and Skyglass platform are amazing. Alpen Park is a lively amusement park that offers attractions for the whole family, including roller coasters, sleds, a 4D cinema, ziplines, tree climbing, a mini rider simulator, quad bikes, and much more. Skyglass Canela is a cable-stayed platform made of glass and steel and surrounded by local vegetation which extends 35 meters over Vale da Ferradura. The view is breathtaking!
If you can spare a few more days in Gramado, make sure you plan some rural tourism activities, which include wine and sparkling wine tasting. Serra Gaúcha (Gaucho Highlands) is home to several wineries and viticulture farms that are part of a wonderful route for tourists to enjoy!
Gramado is undoubtedly one of the most charming destinations in the Gaucho Highlands. It is simply impossible not to fall in love with it.
Source: VisitBrasil