Blumenau is perfectly positioned for quick day trips across the Vale Europeu—charming towns, nature, and cultural stops are all within about a 90-minute drive. Here are six easy, high-reward ideas, with official links you can verify later.

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1) Pomerode — Brazil’s “Most German” Town (≈30 min)

Pomerode is the classic day trip from Blumenau: enxaimel houses, cultural museums, and family-friendly attractions.

Highlights

• Rota do Enxaimel (timber-frame houses route)
• Casa do Imigrante Carl Weege (museum)
• Zoo Pomerode (biopark)
• Seasonal festivals (Osterfest, etc.)

Official links

• City tourism portal: Visite Pomerode
• Route: Rota do Enxaimel (official site)
• Museum: Casa do Imigrante Carl Weege (listing)
• Zoo: Zoo Pomerode (official site)
• Events calendar (incl. Osterfest): Calendário de Eventos – Pomerode

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2) Ilhota — Outlet Shopping (≈40 min)

Ilhota is well-known regionally for factory-store shopping (especially fashion and beachwear). It’s an easy half-day trip with lunch.

Official links

• City hall (official portal): Prefeitura de Ilhota

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3) Gaspar — Water Fun & River Valley Views (≈25 min)

Gaspar is the go-to “swimsuit day trip” in summer, with multiple water parks and easy access from Blumenau.

Highlights

• Parque Aquático Cascata Carolina (water park + nature vibe)

Official links

• City tourism portal: Turismo Gaspar
• Water park: Cascata Carolina (official site)
• City hall: Prefeitura de Gaspar

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4) Nova Trento — Faith, Italian Roots & Scenic Hills (≈90 min)

Nova Trento is one of Brazil’s best-known pilgrimage destinations, with a beautiful sanctuary complex in a peaceful setting.

Highlights

• Santuário Santa Paulina (major pilgrimage site)

Official links

• City tourism portal: Turismo Nova Trento
• Sanctuary: Santuário Santa Paulina (official site)
• City hall: Prefeitura de Nova Trento

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5) Timbó — Parks, Trails & “Slow” Nature Time (≈35 min)

Timbó is my pick when someone wants fresh air, an easy walk, and a picnic-friendly afternoon.

Highlights

• Parque de Exposição / Jardim Botânico Franz Damm (city’s best-known green space)
• Parque de Eventos Henry Paul (major events + leisure area)

Official links

• City tourism portal: Turismo Timbó
• Franz Damm (official listing): Parque de Exposição Franz Damm
• Parks category (official): Parques e Reservas – Timbó
• City hall: Prefeitura de Timbó

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6) Brusque — Outlet Shopping & Local History (≈60 min)

Brusque is a shopper’s day trip with serious scale—great if you want a full day of browsing with optional culture on the side.

Highlights

• FIP Feira da Moda
• Stop Shop (Ninho da Moda)
• Museu Arquidiocesano Dom Joaquim (Azambuja)

Official links

• Tourism foundation (official): FUMTUR – Brusque
• Shopping complex: FIP Feira da Moda (official site)
• Shopping complex: Stop Shop – O Ninho da Moda (official site)
• Museum (official listing): Museu Arquidiocesano Dom Joaquim
• City hall: Prefeitura de Brusque

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Tips for Easy Exploration

• Rent a car—public transport between towns is limited.
• Visit shopping towns on weekdays to avoid crowds.
• Keep a little cash as backup (parking/small vendors), even though cards are common.
• Leave some buffer time—October and holiday weekends can add traffic.