South Australia, it’s time to uncover your German roots in Hahndorf!
Guten tag, South Australia! If you’ve been aching to travel to Germany this year but can’t, don’t fret. There is a town located in the Adelaide Hills region that looks and acts just like Germany.
Welcome to Hahndorf! You may be asking yourself, when was Hahndorf settled? This bustling town that was settled by 187 German Lutheran immigrants in 1838 and has since become a tourist attraction. Found 20 kilometres from Adelaide, it boasts spectacular German architecture, along with traditional foods to tantalize any tastebuds. And we cannot forget their artistic talents!
How far is Hahndorf from Adelaide?
Located in the Adelaide Hills region, Hahndorf is less than a 30-minute drive east out of Adelaide’s CBD.
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Get Cheesy at Udder Delights
Cheese, glorious cheese! Whether brie or blue, camembert or chevre, the Udder Delights Cheese Cellar is your go-to for a well-deserved cheese degustation in Adelaide. Since starting their journey in 1999 as a goat cheese factory in Lobethal (just north of Hahndorf), the Dunford family have established themselves as cheese gurus, now selling cheesy goods at their own cellar door. As well as serving smooth, beautiful cheese, they also host a cheese masterclass, and they are more than happy to make cheese wedding cakes.
Photographed by Jonathan Kissock.
Image via South Australia Tourism Commission.
Dine Like a Local at Hahndorf Inn
If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants and pubs in Hahndorf, South Australia, you’ll find it at Hahndorf Inn. Bringing the traditions of Germany and Austria – with classic Australian hospitality – this 155-year-old pub is an icon. And it’s as homely as any true local watering hole. Inside, you’ll find a restaurant, a casual bar, alfresco dining, a cozy saloon bar, and a traditional German Bierhall. For the ridiculously hungry, order their giant hotdog, topped with sauerkraut, mustard, and tomato sauce – with your choice of sausage!
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Take a Sip at Hahndorf Hill Winery
Sticking to their European roots, the Hahndorf Hill Winery specialises in Austrian-varietal wines like Blaufrankisch, Gruner Veltliner, Zweigelt and St Laurent. The vineyard overlooks the Adelaide Hills, basking in a cool-climate environment that allows their grapes an extended ripening season with beautifully warm days and cold nights. And, as well as great tasting wine, their on-site cellar door grants you an afternoon of cheese, chocolate, and even ice cream to pair with your glass of vino. Bookings are essential!
Photographed by Adam Bruzzone.
Image via South Australia Tourism Commission.
Shop along Hahndorf's Main Street
Following your belly-filling adventure of Hahndorf, it’s highly recommended to go shopping along Main Street. Not only will you be dazzled by the Germanic architecture, but you’ll be sure to find all sorts of fun trinkets and gifts to take home. From candle makers to antiques and collectibles, it’s a treasure trove of artifacts. There’s even a cool knife store for all you kitchen fanatics. Also, while you’re strolling, be sure to check out Alec Johnstone Park; it’s a quaint spot for book reading and picnics.
Image supplied via Facebook.
Enjoy Great Coffee at Blacksmith Cafe
There are a few places in Hahndorf where you can get your coffee or tea fix, but Blacksmith Cafe is by far the most intriguing. And that’s mostly because the cafe is housed in a quaint building that is reminiscent of olden-day blacksmiths. In other words: it’s rustic, it’s wonderful and it easily makes you feel at home. For a truly German start to the day, we recommend their Bavarian Breakfast with weisswurst sausage, grilled onion, sauerkraut, mustard, and a German pretzel on the side. Yum!
Photographed by Adam Bruzzone.
Image via South Australian Tourism Commission.
Embrace your Inner Child at Hahndorf Farm Barn
If you have a few offspring in tow, then brighten up their day with a visit to Hahndorf Farm Barn. This family-friendly outdoor wonderland is filled with so many possibilities – from tractor and pony rides to animal petting. Enjoy the exhilarating look on their faces as they hold a python in their hands or even learn how to milk a cow. And when you’re all feeling peckish, bring out your picnic blanket and barbecue ingredients to cook yourself up a feast in their BBQ area.
Photographed by Adam Bruzzone.
Image via South Australian Tourism Commission.
Check Out Hahndorf Academy
Taking centre stage on Hahndorf’s Main Street is Hahndorf Academy, proudly supporting local artists and makers. The heritage building has witnessed the growth of Hahndorf and has taken many forms over the years – from a boarding school to council offices, and now a respected academy for arts and culture. Hahndorf Academy regularly stages exhibitions and even art classes and workshops. Soak up the soul of Hahndorf through their artworks and take a piece home with you via their shop.
Photographed by Adam Bruzzone.
Image via South Australia Tourism Commission.
Visit Hans Heysen Cedar House
The Cedar House is a historic art studio in Hahndorf, said to be one of the oldest artist’s studios in all of Australia. It was purchased in 1912 by Hans Heysen, who is a reputable German-born Australian artist with an extensive range of landscape artworks. The house is more than just an artist’s exhibition, but a museum into the history of the Heysen family, including Nora Heysen, whose works have been showcased in the National Gallery of South Australia, the Queensland Art Gallery, the National Art Gallery of New South Wales.
Image supplied via Facebook.
Satisfy your Sweet Tooth at Chocolate @ No. 5
Home to artisan cheesemakers, it’s no surprise to know that Hahndorf boasts crafty chocolate makers too. From cherry coconut and chocolate roughs (pictured) to salted caramel pecan chocolate bars, Chocolate @ No. 5 brings an adventurous range of goodies. Your spoiled sweet tooth will love you forever. Their showroom is located at the top end of Hahndorf’s main strip, in a rustic venue that is as delightful as their chocolate range. And if you can’t wait to visit, consider ordering their treats online.
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Pick Strawberries at Beerenberg Farm
Nothing beats plucking your own strawberries straight off the tree under a hot summer sun. They just taste so much better. Thankfully, you can sample your own strawberries at Beerenberg Farm from November to April, while still having time to check out the rest of the sights of Hahndorf. The farm itself is situated in the southern part of Hahndorf and has been a farm for almost 200 years. And all that expertise goes towards cultivating the juiciest strawberries that you could ever pick!
Wanting to explore more of South Australia? Then check out the 10 Best Unique Getaway Gems of South Australia! And if you truly want to get away, try these Top 10 Unique Places To Stay In South Australia!
We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land mentioned in our article, the people of the Peramangk Nation, and we recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to their elders past, present and emerging.
So if you’re looking for all the best things to explore, follow our guide to the top 10 things to do in Hahndorf, South Australia: