Located in Palmeira, at the Campos Gerais region of Parana, the colony (which has about 1500 inhabitants) is named after the city Witmarsun, located in Santa Catarina state, where its founders, German Mennonites migrated in 1951. Among the options of activities offered are especially the rural tourism and the traditional gastronomy. Organized in a Community system, the colony preserves the German culture and typical cuisine.

One of the attractions is a museum of farming utensils used since the beginning of the village: the Museum of Witmarsum. The property had several functions during the Mennonite colonization. At the beginning, it served as accommodation for the first families who arrived in the colony,  and later it was a maternity hospital. After the hospital moved to a new building, it became housing to local teachers. After that, it finally becomes a museum which´s collection consists of furniture, objects, photos and equipment that help tell the Colony’s history. It is definitely worth the visit, which needs to be scheduled in advance.

In the region, there are a few hotels for those who want to stay longer immersed in the culture, but for those who do not have much time, a day-trip accompanied by a typical German meal is a good option. There are different options of restaurants, usually located at rural properties, where you can also buy different colonial products and learn more about the country way of life.

At Bauernhaus Restaurant, for example, you can spend the day at the farm with a variety of activities. After the arrival of visitors, reception and presentation of the property, there is a morning snack with natural juice, hot chocolate, bread with sausage and cheese, cheese bread, cake and homemade cookies. After that, there is an explanation about vegetables and fruit trees cultivation, information on the smoking process of sausages and the importance of healthy eating. At that moment, you can take cow’s milk, bottle feed calves and goats, treat chickens, ducks, geese, rabbits and other animals.

Before lunch, horseback riding is available, as well as free time for practicing sports such as volleyball and soccer. The lunch consists of traditional German dishes. During the afternoon more activities can be performed, and there is the opportunity to shop typical products such as sausages, jams, biscuits, chocolates and handicrafts.

More information:

Restaurant Bauernhaus: (42) 3254-1112 contato@bauernhaus.com.br

Museum of Witmarsum:  open all weekends and holidays from 14:00 to 18:00.  Phone: (42) 3254 1453