Hahndorf – SA’s Oldest Remaining German Settlement

This quaint, old-style German town, is a testament to the first settlers who arrived in South Australia in 1839. Now 177 years old, Hahndorf is Australia’s oldest remaining German settlement and was zoned as a state heritage area in 1988.

Situated within a tranquil, undulating expanse of the Adelaide Hills, Hahndorf, only a 25-minute drive from Adelaide. It is the perfect spot to spend a lazy Sunday wandering the main road which is lined with eateries, souvenir, gift, clothing, leather and craft outlets as well as art galleries, before treating yourself to a scrumptious lunch, which is exactly what we did. All my favourite shops are still there, including the german bakery, the sweet shop and the leather shop with its belts, hats, bags and kangaroo scrotum coin purses!

The tree-lined main road is picturesque and has an unquestionable village feel about it. Many of the buildings are beautifully restored, and there are many restaurants, cafes and shops that sell authentic German cuisine.

Walk the main street and indulge in the delights of the area’s many and varied arts and crafts. Visit the traditional lolly shop, the candlemakers, the puppet shop, or tantalise the taste buds with the wine at the Adelaide Hills Wine Centre, the local craft beer at the Gulf Brewery and the artisan cheese at Udder Delights.

The Hahndorf Academy is the centre for regional arts and heritage. Housed in a 150-year-old building, it has four galleries, artist studio and a retail gallery featuring the work of local artists. It also houses the migration museum.

Leave yourself time to enjoy more of the highlights this area offers further afield, such as The Cedars – former home, garden and studio of Sir Hans Heysen, one of Australia’s most renowned artists, or the Hahndorf Farm Barn, which includes a children’s farmyard and a wildlife park.

If you want to continue to titillate your tastebuds visit Beerenberg Farm and pick your own strawberries (Nov – April), or snap up some mouth-watering preserves (jams, pickles, relishes and sauces) at the farm shop which is open throughout the year. Tempted to tantalise the tastebuds further stop at Grumpies for more locally crafted beverages.

There are also several excellent wineries in the Adelaide Hills…. so head up to Hanhdorf early and spend the day exploring Hahndorf and the surrounding Hills area… you won’t regret it!