Is it worth going to Hahndorf?

Written by: Cameron Ward

Published: 07/26/2023

Reading time: 3 mins

Located half an hour from Adelaide, Hahndorf is known as the small German town in the Adelaide Hills.

This small German town nestled in the Adelaide Hills is certainly worth going to during your stay in Adelaide! You can walk along the main strip, enjoy some German food, and try some wine from nearby vineyards.

What is Hahndorf’s history?

Before Hahndorf was known as a German town, the Peramangk people had lived in the area for thousands of years. Over 2400 years ago the Hahndorf area was and still is called Bukartilla.

How do I get to Hahndorf?

There are a few ways you can get to Hahndorf from Adelaide City. One of the easier ways would be driving yourself or booking a ride share or taxi. Just be warned – service is limited on Adelaide Hills and many ride-share drivers won’t make the trip to Hahndorf.

An easier option would be booking a tour! There are a few selected tours that take you to Hahndorf and McLaren Vale for wine tastings. This tour is perfect if you are a wine lover and want to explore Hahndorf in the same day.

A cheaper option is to get a bus to Hahndorf, but this option does take slightly longer.

How long do I need in Hahndorf?

There is a main street you can see which is full of local shops. You can spend anywhere from an hour to a few hours looking into these boutique stores. We would highly recommend enjoying a German-style meal for lunch at one of the many atmospheric restaurants. These include traditional schnitzels, bratwursts with sauerkraut, and even delicious sweet strudels.

German food

Can I walk around Hahndorf?

Yes, you can easily walk around Hahndorf during your visit if you stick to the main areas! There are a handful of bus stops in Hahndorf for your convenience to make travelling easier. But if you stick to the main street, you can easily walk down and pop into the shops.

What else can I see in Hahndorf?

Hahndorf is a small town, and aside from the main street, here are some other ideas and places you can visit in the area.

Beerenberg Farm

Beerenberg Farm produces and sells homemade jams, gourmet relishes, chutneys, and sauces. The farm in Hahndorf is the strawberry farm and has been around since 1839!

Pop into the farm and do some strawberry picking or buy some strawberry jam and other homemade sauces in the shop.

Hahndorf Hill Winery

Hahndorf Hill Winery has delicious wines and food you can try. The cellar door offers cheese plates, wine flights, and chocolate or ice cream wine matching.

Hahndorf Fruit & Veg Market

At Hahndorf Fruit & Veg Market you’ll find fresh food from bread, meats, and of course fruit and vegetables! All the products you buy from the market are locally grown.

How will you be visiting Hahndorf? Will you book a wine tour that also stops by the town, or will you spend half a day exploring the area and getting to know the history?

Cameron Ward
Cameron Ward
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.