During the World Cup 2014, cariocas and tourists enjoyed some National Houses, which became meeting spots for many different nationalities to watch the games and party. They were a massive success. For the 2016 Olympics, there are 52 houses, representing the countries as “embassies”, and 25 of them being totally or partially opened to the public. We selected five houses in Zona Sul (South Zone), all free of charge, with a lot of events, and all very lively, for adults, youngsters, and children. The tip is to follow the timetables on their respective websites and social network so you don’t miss any of the surprises.
Baixo Suíça (Swiss bar, restaurant and cultural hub)
A big success with the public in the World Cup, “Baixo Suíça” is back,
redesigned and bigger, for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Housed on a baseball field in Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas (Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon), it’s expected to be one of the most visited spots. There are a lot of activities, all for free and for all ages. Facing the body of water, a common scene of the European country, they will bring a lot of things to the carioca winter, like an ice-skating rink, a cable-car booth with 3D glasses to see the alps, and even a huge globe that emulates snow falling from the sky. Baixo Suiça will also have a gastronomic space, where traditional specialties will be served, for instance Swiss barbecue, done on a “firering” and a food truck that will use Brazilian and Swiss ingredients. Besides, of course, an area only for their famous chocolate. Although the main events on the big screens are the Olympic competitions, there will be a mix of other attractions for the visitors, like DJs and live music.
House of Switzerland
From Aug 01 st to Aug 21 st | Sep 07 th to Sep 18 th
Address: Orla da Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, at the baseball field
The Germans are no fools, they chose Leblon beach as the country’s hot spot in the Rio 2016 Games. The “OliAle” house is open to the public from 4 th August to 18 th September, always from Thursday to Sunday. And the events do include, German beer – prost! – as well as, gastronomy, music, and art. The place will have live broadcasting of the competitions, musical and artistic shows, happy hour with DJs, workshops, events for children, sports tournaments, and photographic events. The daily schedule will be informed on social network.(see here)
OliAle
From Aug 4th to Aug 18th (stopping on August 26 th , 27 th and 28 th )
Address: Leblon beach, near Jardim de Alah.
Olympic Games – Thursdays and Fridays from 2:30pm to 9:30pm | Saturdays
and Sundays from 10:30am to 9:30pm.
Paralympic Games – Thursday to Sunday – from 2:30pm to 9:30pm
This colonial small palace, where Botafogo Club HQ is, will be the meeting spot of the Austrians, from 4 th August to 21 st of August, with a view of Christ the Redeemer and the Sugar Loaf. One of the main attractions will be the bakery: every day, over 5 thousand loaves of bread will come out warm from the oven, not to mention specialties like the traditional Austrian Milanese steak. To liven up the atmosphere, there will be barmen preparing drinks, and there’s a beer menu that includes the traditional Stiegl. As Austria is an alpine country, there’s also going to be a climbing wall near Casa Áustria: a 13 metre platform will be assembled in Shopping Rio Sul, opposite Botafogo Club, one more leisure option for the visitors.
Denmark will be housed in an incredible location: Ipanema beach. The location by itself is already worth visiting, made more so by the events on offer. One of the highlights are the Sunset Parties, which are going to give out the Danish beer Harboe for free three times a week. These parties will take place daily starting at 5pm. Live Bands, with Brazilian collaboration, are also scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays. Diverse music presentations will include Jazz, Rock, Electronic music, Pop and surprising mixtures, like the Neo Nordic Bossa Nova. Another incredible attraction is the Lego Pavilion that is inside the house. There, adults can take part in the assembling of the largest eco bicycle in the world, made only of Lego, which is a Danish company. On the 6 th and 7 th of August children can take part in workshops to put together miniature bikes. The house will also have an exhibition of bicycles, a national icon in Denmark. See the schedule on the website.
Coração da Dinamarca (Denmark’s Heart)
From Aug 3 rd to Aug 21 st
Address: Av. Vieira Souto, Ipanema (Posto 10, in front of Praia Ipanema Hotel)
UK’s house is at one of the most wanted spots: the beautiful Escola de Artes Visuais do Parque Lage (School of Visual Arts in Parque Lage). The entry is free of charge, but there is a limit to capacity. You must make reservations through the website before going, and confirmation of your reservation will be sent to your email. The timetable, from 4 th August to 21 st August, will include highlights such as Made in London (18 th ), that will put together music, fashion and dance presentations. As well as The Tempest (20 th ), a Shakespearian play. On the 14 th there is the party Trilha Sonora de Londres (London’s Soundtrack), with art, theatre and music. Don’t miss out on events, check the schedule on the website.
British House
From Aug 5 th to Aug 21 st
Address: Parque Lage - R. Jardim Botânico, 414 - Jardim Botânico
