the mountainous region of penedo, in municipality of itatiaia, south within the state of rio de janeiro, possesses the largest scandinavian community in brazilin - the varied cultural landscape of the state of rio de janeiro even this cuisine from northern europe can be found and enjoyed.

Having as one of its highlights the house of Saint Nicholas, also known as casa do Papai Noel, Penedo is an exotic finnish colony in the heart of Rio de Janeiro State - It started in 1929, when a group of finnish settlers wanted to start a community where they would be able to live completely off the land, throughout the whole year, without the long winters of their homeland.

Almost a hundred years later, much has changed in the look and feel of the district that once was no more than a few wooden houses – Now widely known as a prime touristic destination, this little taste of finland in Rio is a truly charming place to discover during holidays both in the summer or winter.