Exploring the Amazing Hahndorf

A splendid blend of European architecture, traditional cuisines, and a region of greenery, Hahndorf promises all visitors a hearty dose of leisure!

Hahndorf is a cultural small town set in the Adelaide Hills. The town is home to a great number of things to see and do, whether you want to learn more about its German heritage in the Migration Museum, want to explore the art of its local painters, or head to one of the many wineries in the surrounding landscape of the Adelaide Hills.

About Hahndorf

The town was originally founded by Lutheran settlers in the 19th century, established by a group of Lutheran settlers. Because a large chunk of the settlement was German, a lot of the town is styled in the traditional European style. Famed for its collection of German-style architecture and its hat-tip to European food and culture, travellers can wander the town’s streets and marvel at the architecture, gardens, and culture! It is typically linked with the nearby Barossa Valley, with many travellers killing two birds with one stone and venturing to both. However, whereas the Barossa Valley offers a smorsgeboard of wineries, Hahndorf offers alot more history and smalltown charm.

Fun Things to Do in Hahndorf

• Explore the Main Street

  The main street in Hahndorf is a picturesque, tree-lined avenue flanked by a range of boutique shops, artisan stores, and delicious eateries. Listen out for the native calls of Australian birds while you enjoy an ice cream from Ye Olde Ice Creamery, tuck into local cheese at the Udder Delights Cheese Cellar, and indulge your sweet tooth at The Menz FruChoc Shop. Elsewhere, you can sample European-style dishes at the many restaurants, dip in and out of galleries and gift shops, and discover the local display of Aboriginal art.

• Discover the German Influence

  Hahndorf is proud of its German heritage, which is on show on the main street via a series of impressive, European-style buildings. Elsewhere, you can enjoy German-inspired food and drink and pick up a traditional German souvenir from the German Village Shop.

• Try Local Beer

  Its German heritage means that Hahndorf has plenty of beer on offer, including a number of artisan beer and winery outlets along the main street. Outside of Hahndorf, the Adelaide Hills are home to a variety of wineries, each of which offer their own unique flavours for you to try.

• Marvel at German-Australian Art

  In the heart of Hahndorf, there is a 19th century stone building that was once a boarding school. It’s now the home of the Hahndorf Academy, where visitors can browse the artwork of local, national, and internationally renowned artists.

You’ll also find the German Migration Museum here, where you can learn more about the very first German settlers that descended on the area.

As well as perusing the displays, you can also check out the work of world-famous landscape artists, Hans Heysen, who resided in Hahndorf in the early 1900s. You can pick up a handmade souvenir here, too, like jewellery, homeware, or a piece of art.

Explore the Hahndorf Tours from Adelaide