Igrejinha

Understand

Igrejinha is a town of about 38,000 inhabitants in the Paranhana River valley. During the 19th century, German immigrants settled the colony of Santa Maria do Mundo Novo, which was split into an upper, middle and lower part. Today these correspond to the towns of Três Coroas, Igrejinha and Taquara.

Getting there

By plane The closest airport is Aeroporto Salgado Filho serving the state capital Porto Alegre; it's about 80 km south of Igrejinha.

By bus There are bus services from nearby cities. The 1 bus station is at Rua da República, 132 in the middle of town and has toilets and a snack bar.

By car The main way in is state highway RS 115 connecting from Três Coroas, Gramado and Canela in the north, and Taquara, Novo Hamburgo (via RS 239) and Porto Alegre (via RS 020). The RS 020 also goes north to São Francisco de Paula. There are also many smaller local roads.

See

1 Igreja Gabriel, R. Independência, 520. The St. Gabriel church is a Lutheran church that gave the city its name - Igrejinha translates to "little church". (updated Jul 2026) 2 Casa de Pedra, R. Tristão Monteiro, 2736-2834. Also known by its German name Steinhaus (both names translate to stone house), this was built as a warehouse for the colony. (updated Jul 2026) 3 Morro da Cruz. Also known as Monte da Fé, this is a mountain top (670 m ASL) with a big white cross. You can drive up there. (updated Jul 2026)

Do

1 Oktoberfest de Igrejinha (Parque da Oktoberfest). As in other towns in South America that has seen German immigration, Igrejinha also hosts a Bavarian-style beer festival named Oktoberfest with music and parades. Unlike the original one in Munich that is in late September (leading up to October), this one takes place in mid-October. There's a dedicated area for this festival next to the river going by the name Parque da Oktoberfest. (updated Jul 2026) You can go hiking in the woods around the town.

Buy

Along the RS 115 there are shops selling shoes and leather goods.

Drink & nightlife

You can try out local beers such as Tio Remi, Notórios Bier and Bufalos Bier at the Oktoberfest or otherwise. There is also local wine.

Sleep

1 Ecoland Hotel, R. Alfredo Brusius, 2121, ☏ +55 51 3545 5500. Hotel with swimming pool, garden and outdoor activities. (updated Jul 2026)