park · Gramado, RS
Lago Negro
A lake surrounded by pine trees and hydrangeas, with a tree-lined walking path and swan-shaped pedal boats. It's one of Gramado's postcard images.
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 Lago Negro
Lago Negro is in the Planalto neighborhood, near the center of Gramado. The valley where it lies, once called Bom Retiro, lost much of its forest in a fire in 1942. In 1953, Leopoldo Rosenfeldt began reforesting the area and building the dam that formed the lake. The pine seedlings came from the Black Forest, in Germany, and that's where the name comes from (lago negro means black lake).
The lake is artificial. It has about 17,000 square meters of water surface, close to 290 meters in length and up to 14 meters deep. It's long and narrow, with a width ranging from about 30 to 110 meters. The deep water turns dark green and reflects the tall pines on the shores. The park around it has almost 90,000 square meters of forest and gardens, and is one of the most photographed places in Gramado.
The outing is a walk around the lake, on a path of just over 700 meters among trees and flower beds. The shores change with the season: azaleas bloom in winter and hydrangeas in summer. On the water, the pedal boats are shaped like swans or caravels; by the shore are the rental kiosk, a bar and a restaurant. Swimming is prohibited. The path is flat and short, good for kids and for anyone who walks slowly.
Admission is open and free; only the pedal boats cost extra. The park allows pets and has a wheelchair-accessible path. Mini Mundo is nearby, and you can fit both into the same morning.
Before you go
Practical information
How much time to set aside
One hour is enough for the walk around the lake and the pedal boat, without rushing.
Best time
Sunny days, in the morning, when the water mirrors the trees and there are fewer people. Azaleas bloom in winter; hydrangeas in summer.
How to get there
It's on Rua A. J. Renner, in the Planalto neighborhood, about 2 km from the center. You can walk, about 30 minutes, or drive in a few minutes. The town's tourist bus also stops there.
Tip
Combine it with Mini Mundo, within walking distance of the lake. Go early, before the tour groups.
A look at the place
Lago Negro 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 Lago Negro
Is there an entrance fee for Lago Negro?
No. The park is open and free. Only the pedal boats cost extra.
Why is it called Lago Negro?
The seedlings used to reforest the area, starting in 1953, came from the Black Forest, in Germany. The deep, dark water that reflects the pines reinforces the name (lago negro means black lake).
Can you walk there from downtown?
Yes. It's about 2 km, around a 30-minute walk. By car it's a few minutes, and the town's tourist bus also stops there.
Can I bring my dog?
Yes. The park allows pets.
Can you swim in the lake?
No. Swimming is prohibited; only pedal boats are allowed on the water.