Boasting a strong German heritage, Contulmo almost makes you feel like you’re in Germany and not in Chile. The connection is so strong that Contulmo still celebrates its German heritage annually. Some of the country’s famous figures have visited this lively city, including Pablo Neruda, the renowned Chilean poet that spent time in Contulmo’s Hotel Central.
Things to do in Contulmo
If you’re lucky enough to be in Contulmo in April, be sure to attend the Fest der Kolonisten. This festival honours the two groups of Berliners who colonised Contulmo in 1884. Here you’ll find an array of festival events, including a wagon parade and a woodcutting competition, and plenty of traditional German foods to sample.
In addition to its German-influenced cuisine, Contulmo is known for its distinctive white strawberries. The Fiesta de la Frutilla Blanca, held every December, showcases these vibrant fruits, which are a staple in local pastries whenever they’re in season.
Active visitors will have no problem finding outdoor adventures in Contulmo. The nearby Lanalhue Lake is a scenic area ideal for hiking and enjoying various watersports, such as kayaking, swimming or waterskiing.
The Contulmo Natural Monument offers an incredible amount of biodiversity in a mild Mediterranean climate. This is a paradise for bird lovers, with distinctive birds, such as the chocao, zorzal and cachudito all making their homes here. You might also spot foxes, monkeys, and even pumas roaming the area.
Getting around Contulmo
The city of Contulmo itself is very small, so you can walk from one end to the other in less than 30 minutes. Visitors can get here from the nearest major city, Temuco, by car or bus. Driving takes about 2.5 hours, while the bus takes around one hour longer.