neighborhood · Itatiaia, RJ
Penedo
A settlement founded in 1929 by Finnish immigrants led by Toivo Uuskallio, it is the main Finnish colony in the country. Nordic-style houses, the Clube Finlândia, founded in 1943, and the Finnish museum preserve this heritage.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Penedo
Penedo is a district of Itatiaia, in southern Rio de Janeiro state, at the foot of the Serra da Mantiqueira and next to the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia. It is known as Brazil's main Finnish colony and has become a weekend destination for those looking for mountain weather, good food and a Nordic touch.
The colony was founded in 1929 by Finnish immigrants led by Toivo Uuskallio, who bought the land of the old Fazenda Penedo (farm) with the idea of a simple life close to nature. The first crops failed, many returned to Finland, and those who stayed eventually found a livelihood in tourism.
The Finnish heritage shows in the Nordic-style houses, in the Clube Finlândia, founded in 1943, which holds dances with traditional steps and has a folk group, and in the Museu Finlandês Eva Hilden, with objects from the pioneer families. The most popular stop is the Pequena Finlândia (Little Finland), a group of colorful little houses around a lake, with shops, chocolate shops and Santa's House.
Near the center there are waterfalls and pools in the Atlantic Forest, such as the Cachoeira de Deus and the Três Cachoeiras, good for swimming on hot days. The center is flat and easy to explore on foot; the waterfalls require short walks on dirt and rock trails.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
A full day for the center and a waterfall; a weekend to include the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia.
Best time
Fall and winter, from April to August, are the most popular seasons, for the cold weather and dry, blue-sky days; in summer the waterfalls are more inviting. On weekdays the center is much quieter than on Saturdays.
How to get there
It is in the municipality of Itatiaia (RJ), a few kilometers from the Via Dutra (BR-116), with a signposted exit at around km 311, between Itatiaia and Resende. From Rio de Janeiro it is about two and a half hours by car. There are buses from Rio to Penedo and, with more departures, to the Resende bus station, from where you continue by taxi or local bus.
Tip
To see a dance at the Clube Finlândia, check the schedule before you go, because they don't happen every weekend. Bring a jacket even in summer: nights in the mountains are usually cool.
A look at the place
Penedo in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Penedo
Where is Penedo?
Penedo is a district of Itatiaia, in southern Rio de Janeiro state, near the Via Dutra, between Itatiaia and Resende, at the foot of the Serra da Mantiqueira.
Why is Penedo called the Brazilian Finland?
Because it was founded in 1929 by Finnish immigrants led by Toivo Uuskallio. The heritage shows in the Nordic-style houses, the Clube Finlândia and the Finnish Museum.
Is there an entrance fee at Pequena Finlândia?
No. Pequena Finlândia is an open-air group of shops and you can walk around freely. Santa's House and the Finnish Museum charge separate admission.
How long should I stay in Penedo?
One day is enough to see the center and a waterfall. With a weekend you can add the nearby Parque Nacional do Itatiaia.
How do I get to Penedo by bus?
There are buses from Rio de Janeiro to Penedo. From São Paulo, the usual option is to go to Resende and continue by taxi or local bus.