Contulmo, German colonial town in Arauco Province, Chile
Contulmo is a town in Arauco Province located in a mountainous region within the Nahuelbuta range. The settlement spreads across hilly terrain with residential areas interspersed among forests and farmland.
Protestant German families from Berlin founded this settlement in 1884 under the guidance of missionary Oskar von Barchwitz-Krauser. The establishment was part of a broader movement of German Protestant emigration to South America.
The Fest der Kolonisten takes place each April to honor the German settlers through traditional music, food, and community gatherings. The celebration shows how descendants of the original settlers maintain and share their heritage today.
Local businesses in the area close at midday between 13:00 and 15:00, so visitors should plan their shopping and meals accordingly. It helps to check ahead if you need services during the day.
The name Contulmo comes from Mapudungun, the language of the Mapuche people, and means 'place of passage' or 'transit place'. This reflects the settlement's deep connection to the region's indigenous heritage.
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