Nestled among the green hills of the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina lies a place that surprises at first sight: Dreizehnlinden – or, in Portuguese, Treze Tílias. Walking through the village, you’ll find Tyrolean-style architecture, traditional costumes, brass band music, and warm hospitality reminiscent of the Austrian Alps. But how did a piece of Tyrol find its way to the tropical south of the Americas?
The story begins in Wildschönau, a picturesque high valley in Tyrol. Where tourists today enjoy mountain views, the 1920s were marked by poverty and uncertainty. Unemployment, political upheaval, and economic hardship drove many people to emigrate. Among them was Andreas Thaler, a charismatic politician and visionary who dared to attempt the seemingly impossible: founding a new Tyrolean homeland on another continent.
A Journey into the Unknown
In 1933, Thaler set out on a long journey across the Atlantic to southern Brazil with a small group of like-minded settlers. In Santa Catarina, a region of dense forests and untamed land, they finally found a place where their dream could take root. There they founded the settlement Dreizehnlinden, named after thirteen linden trees that symbolized home, community, and new beginnings.
What began as a daring experiment has become a living example of how culture can transcend borders. In Treze Tílias, many people still speak German, maintain Tyrolean traditions, celebrate folk festivals, and wear traditional costumes – all under the Brazilian sun. At the same time, the town has become a popular travel destination attracting visitors from all over the world. Dreizehnlinden is more than a cultural curiosity – it is a symbol of courage, solidarity, and the longing for a better future. The story of these Tyrolean pioneers reminds us that home is not just a place, but something you carry with you, live, and pass on.
Heading for the Sea – My Journey Continues
After the quiet mountains and Tyrolean warmth of Dreizehnlinden, my journey now takes me through Blumenau and onward to Balneário Camboriú. A few hours away, a completely different Brazil awaits: skyscrapers, endless beaches, sun, sand, and sea – a touch of Miami on the Atlantic coast. It’s fascinating how closely tradition and modernity, Alpine charm and coastal life, coexist in Santa Catarina. From the tranquil Tyrolean settlement to the vibrant seaside city – my Brazilian journey shows just how diverse this country truly is.
Weiter nach Balneário Camboriú 🌴
Learn more about
Dreizehnlinden and its history at:
🌐 www.trezetilias.com.br