Hahndorf, South Australia

Hahndorf is Australia’s oldest German settlement set in the heart of the lush Adelaide Hills. Just outside of Adelaide City, this old fashioned village oozes Bavarian charm, with plenty of pubs, cafes, and artisan shops to enjoy.

Hahndorf, SA

Founded back in the 19th century by a group of Lutheran settlers, it is most prominent for the German culture that imbues its tree-lined streets.

Throughout the town, boulevards are lined with vibrant, 100-year-old elm and plane trees that sit side by side with traditional, restored Fachwerk buildings. The town is dedicated to preserving is Germanic heritage, with numerous pubs serving up authentic gastronomic delights from Germany, but there are also chic new shops and businesses that offer a deluxe atmosphere in the small-town streets.

Where is Hahndorf?

Nestled in the Adelaide Hills region of South Australia lies the small town of Hahndorf. Teeming with museums and art galleries, wineries and beautiful architecture, and everything in between.

How to get to Hahndorf?

  • By Car

    Hire a car for the day and head towards the beautiful country region. Only a quick 20-minute drive from the city of Adelaide, simply hop on the South Eastern Freeway and cruise your way down.

  • By Bus

    Spend your day in Hahndorf without having to worry about parking fees. The public bus operates daily, carting a whole bus of visitors and locals to and from the city. To check the best time for you, look up the Adelaide Metro 864 bus route.

  • Bus Tours

    To learn everything there is to know about Hahndorf without even having to pick up an information book, bus tours are for you. Be comfortable sitting back and relaxing on this pre-organised journey, offering a day of information and attractions within the Hahndorf region.

Best Things to do in Hahndorf

  • Explore its German past

    The first thing you’ll notice about Hahndorf is its hat-tip to German culture. The architecture is inspired by European greats, and the inns that dot the village serve up traditional German fare all year round. Simply wander around the streets to soak up the culture and pop into the German Village Shop to get yourself a souvenir or two.

  • Try the Local Beer

    If there’s one thing Germany is famous for, it’s beer, and there’s plenty of the good stuff in Hahndorf. The village itself is home to plenty of artisan beer and winery outlets along the main street, while the surrounding rolling hills are peppered with vineyards packed with unique flavours.

  • Beerenberg Farm

    One of the most popular attractions in Hahndorf is the Beerenberg Farm, which dates back to the early 1800s. Set to the east of the town, it has been run by five generations of the Paech family since the German immigrants settled in this part of the country. The working farm produces tonnes of goods every year, including strawberries, mixed vegetables, sweetcorn, jams, pickles, chutneys, and sauces. A day at the farm promises fun for all the family, with strawberry picking, rose gardens, and leisurely walks on offer. Strawberry picking

  • The Hahndorf Academy

    This building from 1839 was one of the very first buildings that was erected in Hahndorf, and it continues to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the town. It is now the largest regional art gallery in South Australia, and places a heavy emphasis on the artistic and religious pursuits of the German settlers.

  • Museums and Galleries

    Discover the historic charm of this small town at its captivating museums and art galleries. Old buildings now converted into these exhibitions. Noteworthy sights include the German Migration Museum, which has an array of historic artefacts and stories retelling the town’s past, most practicality its German heritage. Hahndorf Academy is a converted old building, once used as a boarding school, which is overflowing with local and international art pieces.

  • Misty Hollow Fantasy Cave

    For something a little more unique, check out the Misty Hollow Fantasy Cave, which boasts several storybook dioramas that display the interesting people and animals who call the fictional Misty Hollow home.

  • The Cedars

    For over half a century, The Cedars was home to Sir Hans Heysen, a local artist in Hahndorf. Today, it is a historic house that showcases some of the artist’s finest works. Throughout the well-preserved house, studio, and gardens, visitors can get to know Heysen, who was renowned for his diverse techniques and his variety of subject matter.

  • Stroll Down the Main street

    A trip to Hahndorf is not complete without a stroll down the main street, the town’s thriving street filled with food, drinks, art, and culture. The street is spotted with shaded from the tall trees lined along the footpaths. Wander through this beautiful region to discover all of what the local shops have to offer. With friendly faces greeting you at the door, grab a souvenir from the art and crafts store, or simply tuck into some delicious lunch as you people watch the street.

    While in town, duck into Ye Olde Ice Creamery to get your ice cream fix, try some of the local cheese at the Udder Delights Cheese Cellar, and give your sweet tooth something to sing about at The Menz FruChoc Shop. Elsewhere, keep your ears peeled for the sound of native Australian birds in the surrounding countryside, and grab a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants that serve both Australian and German cuisine.

    The Main Street in Hahndorf is alight with cute cafes, traditional restaurants, and pubs that hark back to historic Germanic life. You can get a taste for the country through the exceptional gastronomic delights on offer, relax with a coffee, or dip in and out of the artisan stores that line the boulevard.

  • Wineries

    After discovering the town’s charm, why not visit the surrounding wineries scattering the area. These rolling hills are bursting with delicious wineries, all offering unique varieties created from the area’s rich nutrient soil. Wineries such as Penfolds, Hahndorf Hill, and Nepenthe Wines, just to name a few. Relax with a delicious crisp white as you marvel at the surrounding greenery flooding the region.

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