San Bernardino, district of Paraguay
San Bernardino is a town on the shores of Ypacaraí Lake in Cordillera Department featuring homes with red-tiled roofs, gardens, and a mix of traditional European and simple local buildings. The waterfront includes walking paths, wooden swings, and grassy spaces, while stairs lead to a hilltop viewpoint offering views across the lake and surrounding landscape.
The town was founded in 1881 by Swiss and German immigrants who brought their building traditions and customs. Santiago Schaerer was among the early settlers, and the place was named after Paraguayan president Bernardino Caballero.
The town displays strong European heritage through its clean streets, building styles, and food culture rooted in Swiss and German traditions. Local cafés serve pastries and traditional dishes, while seasonal celebrations bring residents together through music, dance, and shared meals that connect people to the town's founding families.
The town is easily walkable, especially around the main square and waterfront area, while bicycles and buses offer additional transport options. The best time to visit is December through February when weather is warm and restaurants and accommodations are fully operational, though it is wise to book lodging in advance through platforms like Airbnb.
The town has a historical link to German philosopher Bernhard Förster, who stayed briefly in 1888 before establishing Nueva Germania elsewhere. Though Förster's attempt to build a German colony in Paraguay ultimately failed, his time here remains a curious chapter in the town's past.
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