Kleines Deutschland (Little Germany)

A short drive today to a fascinating part of Chile. Following revolutions in Europe in 1848, 6,000 German families set sail for Lake Llanquihue (said to be just like Lake Geneva) and established a settlement just like they had at home. The only difference being the presence of a pile of active volcanoes just across the lake. These political exiles were encouraged by the Chilean Government to settle around the shores of this beautiful lake on the very edge of Patagonia. Today the town of Frutillar on the edge of the lake has a large number of German-style buildings and churches. It even has a German school. I was told to try a Küchen Arandano (Blueberry Cake), and it was delicious.

Tonight, I am staying in the lakeside town of Puerto Varas, which offers commanding views of snow-capped Osorno Volcano and Calbuco Volcano, (both still active). There is also traditional German-style architecture here as well. Tomorrow I head to the island of Chiloe which is part of Chilean Patagonia.