The area of Novo Hamburgo was inhabited by indigenous peoples until the mid-18th century, when Portuguese immigrants (largely Azorean) arrived in the region. However, the area prospered with the arrival of immigrants of German origin to the region, who founded a settlement in 1824. The city was named after the German city of Hamburg, and much of the population of Novo Hamburgo is still of German origin. From the 1930s onwards, Novo Hamburgo became known as "the national footwear capital" and began to attract several industries in the sector. However, Novo Hamburgo's economy began to face a crisis in the 1990s, fueled by fierce Chinese competition in the international footwear market and economic problems, which led to the closure of several factories and a diversification of its economy. Novo Hamburgo remains an important industrial and commercial hub in Rio Grande do Sul.
The main road access routes to the city are via BR-116 (departing from Porto Alegre), BR-448 (an alternative route from Porto Alegre, widely used to avoid traffic jams on BR-116) and RS-239 (connecting Novo Hamburgo to Maquiné, near the north coast of the state)
Generally, long-distance buses terminate at Porto Alegre Historic District (at most times, under the Conceição viaduct, 600 m from the Central Bus Station of Porto Alegre). From there, public transit can be taken to Novo Hamburgo.
A commuter train service (Trensurb) connects the Historic District of Porto Alegre to the downtown of Novo Hamburgo. You can take the train from the airport to many stops in Novo Hamburgo and to cities beyond (Porto Alegre, Canoas, Esteio, Sapucaia do Sul, and São Leopoldo). The fare is R$ 3,30 and there's a station near the Porto Alegre Central Bus Station and Porto Alegre Airport.
-29.68662-51.1329611Novo Hamburgo Station (Estação Novo Hamburgo), Av. Nações Unidas 2040 (In front of Bourbon Shopping Center). (updated Apr 2019)
Novo Hamburgo is an extensive city, which is cut in half by two highways (BR-116 and RS-236) and which has several avenues that cross the city, in addition to having many one-way streets, which can be difficult for those unfamiliar with local traffic. A good GPS is recommended when traveling around the city by car.
Schmitt-Presser Museum in Novo Hamburgo, Brazil-29.673617-51.1094991Schmitt-Presser Museum (Museu Comunitário Casa Schmitt-Presser), Av. Gen. Daltro Filho, 929. Located in a house built in the first half of the 19th century, the museum is one of the oldest examples of German architecture in Rio Grande do Sul. It contains various objects that tell the story of German immigration in the region. (updated Apr 2019)
Feevale University (Universidade Feevale) offers trades training and full degree programs in traditional academic areas through two campuses in the city (and one in the neighbour city of Campo Bom). This school operates primarily as a traditional community college with many students of the city studying in the nearby Unisinos (in São Leopoldo) or in universities in Porto Alegre; however, with its upgraded status to a university this is changing. The university also has exchange programs with many universities abroad.
Novo Hamburgo is no longer among the 10 most violent cities in Rio Grande do Sul and the crime rate has dropped sharply since 2018. However, as in any large city, it is necessary to be careful and avoid showing large amounts of money or jewelry. Remember that you are still in Brazil!
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